Client Business Partner (Media Director)

At GSD&M, we’re on a mission to build First & Only brands, meaning the first to do it and the only ones who can. We’re able to do this because we set a high bar for ourselves and our work. We care about what we put out in the world. We’re humans who like other humans. Our ideas make a difference. Shift culture. Create a smile. Inspire change. Initiate belly laughs. Deepen our understanding of the world and ourselves. We grow. We learn. We get better. We do it all over again. Because that’s what it takes to build and be First & Only.Job Title: Client Business PartnerDepartment: MediaReports to (Position): VP, Media DirectorSupervisory Responsibilities (Y/N): YesFLSA Status (Exempt vs. Non-Exempt): ExemptTravel (%): Less than 5%GSD&M is searching for a Client Business Partner to lead the strategic vision, media planning, and performance delivery across one of our largest accounts. This client leader will steward a multi-discipline team spanning brand, creative, media, performance and analytics. The ideal candidate leads with audience-first thinking, bolstered by a digital mindset that’s balanced by the ability to lead a cross-functional team. The role reports into the VP, Media Strategy and is responsible for the strategic development of media plan recommendations via research, historical client-based campaigns, and collaboration across internal, client and parter agency teams. This person will also be responsible for the operations of the account, including financial oversight. WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR:DIGITAL-FORWARD, ACROSS CHANNELSPossess familiarity across all things digital, and know how all elements within digital ecosystem work togetherStrategic understanding of digital marketplace and thorough experience planning digital-heavy campaigns, including:Direct, programmatic, paid search and paid social, across all platformsCustom partnerships/programs and social programs connected to media buysHelp usher established traditional media planning and buying process into the digital ageMeet with media sales reps and industry representatives on a regular basis to pursue ideas that are strategically aligned with the client’s business Be a source of confidence with the clients so they trust you as an expert in cross-platform, audience-first strategy developmentProvide point-of-view on various new media and technologies in the marketplaceAbility to use alternative analytical approaches to solve media problemsMEDIA FUNDAMENTALSPossess thorough knowledge of marketing and advertising principles; understanding of media concepts and terminologyFamiliar with media buying and planning process within an integrated agency environmentDevelop planning objectives and strategies that coincide with the client’s marketing direction Utilize available interactive media planning tools to develop media plansLead team in developing media plans, final recommendations, and campaign performance reports Proven ability to think critically, analyze performance and opportunities, and look for unconventional solutionsAggressively keep abreast of the current media landscape and industry trends (via trade press, seminars, current events, etc.) that may impact client’s business PERFORMANCE & GROWTHArchitect an outcomes-based performance strategy aligned to the client’s business goalsConnect performance to creative, ensuring briefs are insight-driven, audience-led, and designed for measurable impactDrive a test-and-learn operating model across the account, ensuring every activation is designed for continuous improvementChampion leveraging data signals to tailor messaging, creative and media optimizations across campaignsTEAM MANAGEMENTProvide strategic direction to media supervisors, planners and assistant media planners while maintaining some day-to-day planning responsibilitiesServe as a mentor and provide conduits for professional growth among the teamUltimately responsibility for the work generated by the team Ability to train, motivate and foster a strong, cohesive working teamAbility to effectively handle personnel issues and provide recommendations on additional resources neededCLIENT MANAGEMENTServe as a strategic partner and thought leader to client across workstreams and agency deliverablesBuild trust and alignment through strategic clarity and demonstrated business resultsRepresent the agency’s performance vision internally and to clientsEstablish and maintain professional client relationships; manage the flow of client needsProvide strategic thinking and oversight of workAbility to articulate objectives, opportunities and techniquesAbility to effectively and comfortably communicate and interact with clients and negotiate on their behalf Responsible for overall budget control across all client-specific campaignsINTEGRATION OF DATA, MEDIA & CREATIVEEnsure seamless collaboration between media, creative, strategy and analytic teams Ensure streamlined engagement, consistent communication, and an integrated operating model with the clientOPERATIONSTake a fresh look at current operations and processes, challenge them and make improvements that create efficiencies. REQUIREMENTSPossess excellent writing and editing skills; possess articulate and confident presentation skills Well-versed in the art of storytelling when presentingCurious by nature. Active in digital ecosystems, technologies and communities that are changing our business and eager to find ways to make them work for our brands Thrive on mentoring others and desire to share knowledgeResourceful, positive, do-what-it-takes attitude with attention to detail and accuracyHandles stressful situations with maturity; confident in team and client interactionsUtilizes collaboration as a tool to a holistic end solutionAbility to multi-task and remain calm under high pressureStrong business acumen, connecting marketing investment to outcomes Collaborative spirit that unites diverse teams behind a common strategy and shared accountability7+ years of experience, with at least 5 years on the agency sideAt GSD&M, inclusion is our superpower. An inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged and empowered makes the work better, makes our agency better and ultimately makes the industry better. That’s why we’re proud to be recognized by the Advertising Federation’s Mosaic Awards year after year for our efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion.We consider ourselves lucky. Every day we wake up and get to build First & Only brands in an inclusive environment where everyone matters, all while enjoying generous benefits, plenty of time off, and opportunities for growth whether you’re just starting out or have been in the biz for a while.GSD&M is an equal opportunities employer and will never favor or discriminate against anyone based on their age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, marriage or civil partnership, gender identity, expression, or realignment. If you require a medical or religious accommodation during the job application process, please reach out to keisha.townsend@gsdm.com for support. This role requires regular in-office presence with a minimum of three days per week, to engage and collaborate in in-person team interactions and meetings as required.