The following are the responsibilities and duties of the Strategy Supervisor and Senior Strategist. This is not an all-inclusive list and will vary by account assignment and seniority.

Role

A Strategy Supervisor and Senior Strategist is the day-to-day liaison between the client and the media community. His/her role is to ensure the client’s media plans are developed and implemented. 

Management:

n        Supervise the Strategist(s) and Assistant Strategist(s) on day-to-day activities making sure that their growth as digital media professionals is of utmost importance

n        Train Strategist and Assistant Strategist in all aspects of the strategy and investment process, as well as the client(s) business and industry

n        Manage the flow of client media-related issues. Create solutions and resolve problems

n        Manage solid client relationships

n        Establish timetables for development of plans

n        Interview applicants for junior-level positions

Media Strategy:

n        Insights

–        Integrate Checkmate strategic planning philosophy into communication plan development

–        Help develop planning objectives and strategies that coincide with the client’s marketing direction

–        Continually seek a consumer-centric view in all strategic thinking

n        Ideas

–        Supervise implementation of integrating offerings and tools

–        Identify opportunities for cross-platform deals, when appropriate

–        Provide point-of-view on various media in the marketplace

–        Create media plan recommendations and alternatives

–        Select media vehicles and determine scheduling

–        Promote creative, innovative approaches to strategically reach the target consumer

–        Analyze competitive activity in the marketplace

n        Results

–        Present media plans to clients

–        Oversee the execution of a media plan

–        Ensure that OMD rates are the industry best and that the opportunities we present to clients are better than any other an Agency would provide

–        Gauge media performance to determine the extent to which the original objectives and strategies were met

–        Optimize based on client objectives and work with Internal Research teams to make sure that all elements of success are being utilized (aka Brand Tracking)

Maintenance:

n        Maintain budget control and ensure execution of media plans by authorizing approved media schedules and monitoring buys/schedules

n        Update account team on status of all client projects

n        This not only involves working closely with the client and with the media community, but also with the Strategy group, other Strategic Business Units, and/or the partner agency

n        Foster a good working relationship with account and client teams to facilitate flawless execution of plans

n        Coordinate efforts with the Investment team(s)

n        Study demographic data and consumer profiles to identify desired target audiences

n        Handle any client requests – i.e. plan changes, budget changes, provide marketplace information

n        Meet with media sales reps and industry representatives on a regular basis to pursue ideas that are strategically aligned with the client’s business

Media Expertise:

n        Attend meetings and present often, both internally and externally

n        Keep abreast of industry trends through advertising and media trade journals

Competencies

Knowledge/Expertise

n        Knowledge of the principles of advertising, marketing and media. A basic knowledge of disciplines underlying these principles, i.e., psychology, economics, journalism

n        Knowledge of the dynamics of media - how each media element performs alone, how they perform together, and how they are constantly changing

n        Understanding of the skills and functions of the Investment side of the business, as well as the Strategic Business Units’ competencies

n        Knowledge of all aspects of Digital Media, including Search, SMS, iTV

n        Interest in the client’s industry and environment within which he operates

Skills/Abilities

n        Analytical Thinking

–        Fluency in mathematical concepts

–        Ability to translate data into well-articulated ideas

n        Teamwork

–        Ability to foster a strong, cohesive working team

–        Ability to give proper, thorough instruction

–        Ability to prioritize and multi-task

n        Technical Skills

–        Ability to understand media data sources in terms of what is measured, the method, and information reported

–        Appreciation of the principles of marketing and advertising, as well as an understanding of media concepts and terms, creative and budget requirements

-  Must be proficient in DART, ComScore and Nielson Ratings.

n        Problem Solving

–        Ability to formulate solutions to media problems

–        Ability to articulate the scope of a client’s business challenge

n        Verbal/Written Communication Skills

–        Ability to write clearly and concisely and present orally in an articulate and confident manner

–        Ability to effectively and comfortably communicate and interact with clients and vendors

–        Ability to articulate objectives, opportunities and techniques