Senior Digital Media Planner/Buyer

Open position in all True Media office locations including Kansas City, MO, Columbia, MO, St. Louis MO, and Minneapolis, MN; Hybrid work schedule: 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home

The Senior Digital Media Buyer/Media Planner is responsible for the tactical planning, purchase, execution and delivery of specialty channels that are part of approved media plans in the areas of traditional, digital and emerging media. Assists in establishing appropriate tactical media strategies and budgets for clients. Must be well versed in all types of media and must stay current with rapidly changing media landscape. Must have a working and proficient understanding of media measurements and how to creatively apply them in the Agency's objective of exceeding the clients goals.

The Senior Digital Media Buyer/Media Planner is instrumental in education and mentorship efforts among fellow activation strategists and throughout the agency.

The role is a primary contact for key vendors within their specialty channel, responsible for proactively seeking new and innovative solutions to enhance tactical plans and buying approaches. They will coordinate meetings/introductions/ webinars within the activation team. In addition to these duties, be responsible for assisting in the establishment of processes and for adhering to existing processes and workflow, while suggesting updates to increase efficiency.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

• Media Strategy/Tactics- Participate in media planning/buying discussions relative to assigned client portfolio and channels. Develop and execute each client's tactical media plan within relevant channels and subsequent execution and delivery. Work seamlessly with Activation Strategy Supervisor/AMD to integrate solutions into media plans for clients. Collaborate with AMD Activation Strategy and/or Activation Strategy Supervisor to refine and/or develop processes. Issue RFI and RFP efforts with existing and new vendors.
• Measurement and Delivery - Understand measurement strategies developed by Client Strategy team and effectively demonstrate how those are interpreted in tactical media evaluation and campaign setup among channel specialties.
• Research - Study and compile data to identify desired tactics for media vehicles, including measurability and targetability, scale, and efficiency. Develop agency Point of Views (POVs) on various aspects of specialty channels for internal and/or external communications.
• Negotiations - Negotiate best (not necessarily lowest) possible rates that will deliver planned exposure. Secure relevant added value for all clients.
• Software and Systems - Coordinate troubleshooting with appropriate departments/teams.
• Vendor Relationships - Develop and maintain vendor relationships, forming partnerships and seeking innovative approaches/opportunities.
• Manage, mentor and motivate activation strategy team members in order to encourage professional development while providing daily guidance.
• Lead and participate in formal and/or informal training programs to train activation strategists on specialty channels.
• Serve as an expert and resource on selected True Media tools and processes. Train and mentor others through internal training sessions and coaching. Work with Activation Strategy leaders to identify and improve processes.

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Three - five years of professional work experience in media planning and/or buying; or equivalent combination of education and experience with exemplary qualifications.
• Have a strong understanding of media fundamentals including, media math, reach/frequency, consumer/market research, plan development, analytics, measurement strategies laddering to business goals, etc.
• Must be able to communicate with supervisors and team leads regarding tactical strategies, ad specifications and campaign delivery requirements.
• Must be able to analyze metrics from campaigns and provide insightful and constructive observations/recommendations to internal team and clients.
• Must develop and maintain positive relationships with vendors and demonstrate good negotiation skills that lead to competitive media rates for clients and agency.
• Proficient with media tools and systems, including Advantage, eTelmar, Scarborough, Simmons, Media Audit, Nielsen, Comscore among others.
• Successfully pass Google Analytics Individual Qualification, Google Ads Fundamentals, Google Ads Search, Google Ads Video/Display/Shopping (as assigned by supervisor based on account assignments), Google Ads Measurement within 6 months in position, then renew yearly. Other training may be required as needed and assigned by supervisor.
• Demonstrate ability to successfully train and mentor others through internal training sessions and coaching.

Education

• Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university, degree or concentration in advertising, marketing or communications preferred

Total Perks Package

• The chance to be a part of a growing company and the next success story
• Amazing opportunities for career development
• Recognition programs
• Employee referral bonus
• Hybrid work schedule; 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home
• Fun and collaborative work environment
• Casual dress code
• Insurance Coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability)
• 401(k) retirement plan, with employer 3% match
• Work/life benefits, including mental health and wellbeing support
• Robust Paid Time Off program, increasing with years of employment
• Paid holidays, including agency closing Christmas Eve-New Years Day
• Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption Paid Time Off, plus Voluntary Paid Leave Bank