Manager, Strategy & Planning

Job Description
Overview:
The Manager, Planning is the primary, day-to-day lead for end-to-end communications planning. They are responsible for translating marketing/digital media objectives into communication plan development action steps and managing the Associate(s) through various projects. The Manager is the primary point of contact for clients on stewardship requests and is responsible for having a firm grasp of both strategic and functional media knowledge. They should be ready/able to step in and handle situations when the Associate Director is not available.
This role offers frequent client contact, ownership of the integrated plan, and the opportunity to lead project management and cross-media integration.
Role Objectives:
Assists Associate Director with all aspects of digital media plan development/recommendations
Interprets communications/digital media strategy and translates into communication planning action steps
Oversees/manages Associate(s) and day-to-day operation of all media activity
Demonstrate initiative by researching and identifying valuable information/insights to improve media product
Fully embraces Connections that Captivate and uses as guiding principles for all media/communication recommendations
Determines and supervises the best possible implementation of all approved communication plans and projects
Acts as primary point of contact for client stewardship requests
Learns and understands all phases of the clients’ marketing objectives and provides media recommendations to deliver against these objectives
Understands all proprietary research tools/processes and applies learning during communication planning
Prepares and presents communication plans, as needed, including objectives, strategy, rationale, and all backup materials
Establishes strong working relationship with partner agencies (where/when applicable), delivering a seamless communications process
Demonstrates agility via multitasking multiple brands, strategic development and plan stewardship, management of Associate(s)
Develops collaborative working relationship with all implementation teams, ensuring they fully understand brand communication objectives/strategies
Trains and develops Associate(s), including:
Effective level of delegation
Managing group dynamics/relationships between Associate(s)
Establishes and demonstrates strong leadership skills
Evaluates performance of Associate(s) via PMP process, including assisting in the establishment of the cascading goals
Checks work of Associate(s) to ensure accuracy
Identifies opportunities for Associate(s) career development
Participates in MDS Training offerings