Brunner is hiring: VP, Media Director in Pittsburgh

We're looking for a VP, Media Director to join our growing Integrated Marketing Communications team!

The VP, Media Director will be responsible for the long-term development and growth of the media capability at Brunner. This role will have four primary responsibilities:

1. Oversee the full adoption and implementation of Brunner's integrated media approach, with focus on top strategic clients

2. Actively participate in new business pitch work, inclusive of representing Media Services in actual in-room client presentations

3. Manage key publisher relationships and the development of Joint Business Plans with selected partners

4. Represent Brunner within the broader Media community and with key influencers (consultants, strategic partners, etc.)

This leadership role requires deep linear and digital media subject matter expertise, team leadership experience and strong marketing skills. Executive-level client management and presentation skills are critical competency in this role. This position reports to the Partner, Chief Media and Data Officer.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• The VP of Media will bring cutting-edge knowledge of media and technology platforms and analytics capabilities, allowing them to successfully oversee the planning and implementation of comprehensive media strategies and plans across channels, brands and industries.
• Lead and mentor a team of both traditional and digital media professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and development opportunities to foster their growth and maximize their performance.
• Demonstrate a balance of thought leadership and a strong desire to deliver results both internally and externally
• Act as strategic navigator for the team by leading the thinking to inspire innovative solutions, creativity and positive approach
• Develop unique media solutions jointly with key media partners
• Participate in RFP and sales pitch processes for all media-related new business opportunities
• Demonstrate an intimate and strategic understanding of how customers interact with media channels and technologies
• Build cohesion across the teams by incorporating varying skills and perspectives to achieve mutual goals by establishing common objectives and a shared mindset
• Drive operational excellence within the media team by overseeing media buying process, including the selection and negotiation of media channels and strategies to drive client goals.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging media platforms, and innovative media strategies and AI to recommend and implement new opportunities for reaching target audiences.
• Collaborate with data science, communications, content, creative and brand planning teams to ensure cohesive media efforts are aligned with all disciplines
• Ensure financial responsibility with scoping, budgeting, and alignment with internal budgets.
• Support Partner, Chief Media & Data Officer in recruiting, hiring, and career pathing of next generation media leaders.

Requirements

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of managing successful media campaigns across both traditional and digital platforms.
• Excellent understanding of the media landscape, including emerging trends in digital media.
• Programmatic, paid social and direct publisher planning and buying experience required
• Exceptional client service skills, with the ability to maintain strong client relationships.
• Understanding of media planning and buying principles, as well as knowledge of traditional and digital media landscape, trends, tools and best practices.
• Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret complex data from both traditional and digital channels and translate it into actionable strategies
• Strong leadership skills to effectively manage and motivate team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills to build relationships with media vendors, clients, and internal stakeholders.
• Demonstrates ability to define and implement professional standards for team participation, conflict resolution, problem solving, and communication
• Solid project management skills to effectively manage workstreams across multiple disciplines
• Strong focus on teammate development that aligns and supports the company culture and talent philosophy
• Skilled in presenting to senior level clients and large rooms of people
• An entrepreneurial spirit, desire to "change the game", a self-starter, and the ability to think outside the box.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced energetic team environment, to meet deadlines, and to multitask. High level of creativity and attention to detail.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, communications, or a related field.
• At least 12-15 years of experience in media planning and buying, preferably within an agency or corporate marketing department.
• Proven experience and success in presenting plans to senior clients and influencing top level client decisions related to media strategy and implementation
• Experience in managing media budgets, analyzing performance metrics, and providing actionable insights for optimization.
• Proven track record of successful media campaigns, demonstrating the ability to drive results and achieve business objectives.
• Strong knowledge of various media channels and platforms, including traditional media (TV, radio, print) and digital media (display, search, social).
• Familiarity with media research methodologies and tools to inform media planning decisions.
• Experience with managing and leading a team of media professionals, providing guidance and mentorship.
• Strong understanding of marketing principles and consumer behavior to develop effective media strategies.
• Willingness to travel (10% - 20%)

Who We Are

Brunner is an integrated marketing communications agency with a fast-paced, creative environment. We value Perseverance, Integrity, Tenacity, Curiosity, and Heart in every aspect of our business, especially our team members. We are good people creating good work. Brunner's commitment is to its people - fostering growth within (robust training, low attrition, and commitment to diversity), becoming an extension of their client's teams and maintaining long-term relationships, and creating great marketing programs that achieve business impact for their clients.

Perks

We offer your full traditional benefits including health, dental, vision, a 401k plan, and life insurance. We also offer commuter and transit benefits, as well as an employee wellness benefit for you to enjoy your life outside of work. Add to that unlimited PTO, half day summer Fridays and all the holiday time off you would expect.

Flexible Work Policy

It's simple - work where it's most convenient for you! We recognize that we're a mixed group of people with different priorities in our lives, so we empower our employees to create their ideal working scenario...in-office, at home, or a hybrid of both. Keep in mind you might need to pop into the office for a client meeting here and there, or even an agency-wide meeting.

Environmental Demands

Normal office environment. Ability to sit for extended periods of time including extensive use of PC equipment.

We like everyone, so we are an equal opportunity employer. We do not consider your race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or veteran status when deciding to hire you. We just want you to be you.