Director, Search Media
Company:     iCrossing
Job ID#:     88224
# of Positions:     1
Posted:     10/27/2009
Job Type:     Full Time
Location:     Chicago, Illinois
Department:     Digital Media Services
Category:     Exempt
Salary:     iC Grade 26
Benefits:     Full Benefits

Job Description

iCrossing, a leading digital marketing agency, is looking for a Director, Search Media for our Chicago office.  Media Directors are experts in the field, possessing a broad set of media, marketing and management skills. The Media Director has ownership and direct responsibility for management within the media group on key accounts and overall for a team. Media Director oversees their team in the development of strategy and writing of media plans to meet client’s marketing objectives and the subsequent negotiation, implementation and performance analysis. Media Director’s are part of the core account team and maintain a strong relationship with the client and internally across all disciplines.

Search media directors must be deeply versed in the buying, executing, and subsequent evaluation of search-based media strategies. This includes interaction with Google, Yahoo, MSN and other media partners. Excellent communication skills to explain value of work delivered and contribution of account team members. Knowledge of third party analytics solutions and an understanding of the fundamentals of internet media tracking is required.

Major Job Accountabilities:

    * Core contributor to strategic initiatives. Articulates departmental and iCrossing’s view on customer segmentation, media strategy tactics and execution. Ensures that strategies align with objectives and objectives of projects are met.
    * Oversee development of program strategies and analyses for clients (e.g., target audience recommendations, timing/scheduling strategy, etc.)
    * Responsible for comprehensive management of assigned accounts within the media department with minimal oversight. Typically, this includes the management of industry/category knowledge, media planning, media negotiations and implementation, performance tracking and analysis and various associated projects.
    * Draw insight from program results and ensure dialogue with client and internal team on informed strategic implications
    * Assume substantial role on the core client team(s) to identify issues, develop new business opportunities with existing clients and assist in development of new client relationships.
    * Assume ownership of client questions and issues related to media; serve as day-to-day contact
    * Work closely with account, creative and measurement teams to ensure media plans and creative/measurement work are strategically aligned, client needs are met and iCrossing’s quality levels are maintained.
    * Responsible for oversight of all program budgets, including staffing and resource requirements. Has substantial role in management of department resources across accounts and from an overall revenue management perspective.
    * Assume broader role in key departmental or company initiatives
    * Promote/sell media department capabilities across teams/company
    * Manage the work of Media Strategist, Senior Media Managers, and Media Managers providing leadership, ongoing feedback, effective motivation, performance evaluation, career direction and training of staff members
    * Oversight of all search media execution staff and workflows. Leadership skills that demonstrate excellence in planning, execution, evaluation, and articulation of value to clients and internal team members

Skills/Requirements

    * Bachelor’s degree in a related field required
    * Additional education desired
    * Minimum of 6 years in roles of increasing responsibility in departments of a similar nature (e.g., ad agency media department).
    * Extensive online media experience is an absolute requisite.
    * Extensive hands on media experience required (on and off-line).
    * Management experience is required, with a minimum of 3 years in a management role.
    * Proven leadership ability and previous client relationship experience required.
    * Thorough knowledge and understanding of interactive media (all channels and pricing models
    * In depth understanding of media planning, negotiation,? implementation and performance analysis
    * Superior supervisory and management skills
    * Proficient computer and media research skills (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, MRI, CMR, etc.)
    * Exemplary communication skills (persuasive written, compelling oral)
    * Time management and problem solving skills
    * Proficiency in managing numbers