Initiative - Senior Planner, Communications Designer

Position Summary

The role of a Senior Media Planner is to manage our media planning product through preparing and presenting media plans, proposals, and analysis. This role requires you to work as part of an integrated media planning team to ensure the product is grounded in insights and experience, resulting in flawless media executions.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, write and present integrated media plans, proposals and analysis that satisfy client objectives and that go beyond the brief.
• Prepare and present evaluations of media opportunities, media trends and issues of interest to clients.
• Effectively manage ongoing client expectations in regards to work back schedule, and deadlines.
• Develop ability to effectively manage client conversations and expectations.
• Remain up-to-date with latest updates from major media partners.
• Ensure that all media plans adhere to the agency's values, philosophies and processes.
• Maintain the media plan and regularly evaluate campaign performance.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships and respectful partner relationships by demonstrating your ability to be responsible, reliable, and resourceful.
• Initiate and coordinate the media buying process that deliver exceptional results.
• Oversee the administration and maintenance of media buys.
• Assist with training junior employees on tools and processes. Ensure client budgets are managed and on track.
• Responsible for accurate and timely client finance reports and budget control reports (BCRs).
• Support the creation of campaign post reports. Prepare media POVs/evaluations.
• Source and evaluate proposals from media partners as required. Continue to proactively develop knowledge of the media landscape.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Post-Secondary education (or equivalent work experience) – University graduate and/or advertising/marketing college degree preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in integrated media planning.
• Experience within an integrated advertising agency.
• Proficient with media research tools (e.g. Clear Decisions, Vividata, Neilson), and media tools (e.g. Prisma).
• Client service oriented. Strong learning agility, with a passion for continuous development.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Highly developed organizational skills with a strong attention to detail accuracy.
• Excellent ability to manage and prioritize time effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively as well as independently.
• Proactive approach to problem solving, assisting the team, self-development, etc.
• Ability to develop and foster relationships with media partners.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Initiative unlocks business growth for the world’s most ambitious brands. We believe in the power of media to reshape our industry and orchestrate a brand’s entire consumer experience, by balancing both what unites people and what makes them different. When brands unite people in culture, they build Fame, and when brands connect individuals to their unique journeys, they build customer Flow. Initiative builds Fame and Flow for brands like Amazon, RBC, LEGO, Nintendo and Canada Goose. Media responsibility is at the forefront of everything we do, whether it’s creating media plans that reflect the diversity of our communities, promote brand safety, and foster sustainability. Our agency celebrates diversity in an inclusive environment where all of our 9,000+ strong talent across 90+ markets feel seen, heard, and valued. Our vision is to create not only a better media company, but also a better media industry, and maybe even a better world. Initiative Canada has received many of the industry’s most coveted awards, including two gold Strategy Media Agency of the Year awards, eight Cannes Lions, and a position on WARC's Top 50 Most Effective Media Agencies in the World. In 2023 Initiative was named the North American Network of the Year by the Festival of Media, and Global Network of the Year by both Ad Age and Ad Week. To learn more, visit initiative.com.

What's in it for you?
•    Generous paid time off with a minimum of 37 paid days off including vacation and monthly wellness days. We also have four-day long weekends, half-day summer Fridays, and meeting-free Friday afternoons year-round.
•    A flexible hybrid work model that works for you.
•    A focus on personal development with formal training opportunities, including mental health training and inclusion education for everyone.
•    A chance to be part of and grow within a global network of agencies.
•    The opportunity to contribute to our company culture by joining one of our many community-based employee groups, such as Black Employee Network, Girls on Fire, Hispanic or Latinx Alliance, Neuro Network, Pan-Asian Network, and Rainbow Lounge.

Initiative is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, colour, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, provincial, or municipal law. If you require an accommodation in any aspect of the selection process, please reach out to canadatalent@mbww.com