Associate Director, Network Audio

dentsu•Detroit, MI

About The Position

The Associate Media Director is responsible for directing, administering, and coordinating the network audio buying group activities. This individual works with the Director & Managing Director to aid in the establishment of best practices, management of the daily operations of the network audio group and managing and developing staff. The primary responsibility is to lead and manage all network radio, podcast, and digital audio investments for assigned accounts. The Director oversees team management, vendor negotiations, client contact, ensures quality and accuracy of buys, and tracks performance to meet client goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree
7-10 years industry experience in audio
Successful track record managing a team of Buyers and Supervisors
Client management experience
Experience activating digital audio and podcasting campaigns
Proven experience in negotiation
Strong communication skills- both oral and written
ACT 1 software proficiency
Advanced computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Working knowledge of Media Ocean and Hudson MX

Responsibilities

Media Buying and Execution: Oversee all network, podcast, and digital audio activations for assigned clients
Develop CPMs/CPPs for upfront and scatter activity
Create RFPs and strategic guidelines based on agency and brand parameters.
Review and confirm that all buy parameters are met before submission.
Track holistic performance to drive effectiveness in audio.
Manage productivity and savings trackers
Lead multicultural strategies and goals
Negotiation and Buying: Lead holistic and campaign negotiations with vendors, ensuring competitive CPMs/CPPs, shares, added value, partnerships, and cost guarantees
Lock buys in Media Ocean and monitor resolution of discrepancies to meet billing deadlines.
Ensure posts/rerates delivery to clients and monitor ADU’s schedules
Monitor partnerships and share deals across campaigns
Achieve any multicultural goals
Client and Internal Relationships: Liaison between buying group, planning and media solutions teams
Leads communications with Senior level clients/planning teams
Establishes and maintains business relationships with rep and network management
Represents dentsu within industry (attending industry functions, joining committees)
Establishes and maintains interdepartmental relationships on behalf of Network team
Represents Network buying expertise internally and externally
Grow business opportunities with current clients
Strategic Thinking & Leadership: Develop informed investment strategies and integration opportunities for clients.
Create market updates, pre-upfront strategy decks, and upfront recommendations.
Optimize templates and data reporting across campaigns.
Participate in leadership meetings to align team goals with organizational objectives.
Work with key marketplace stakeholders to identify and test new audio attribution models.
Develop effective decks and clear narratives that convey audio strategies
Work closely with planning, traffic, creative, and other departments to ensure cohesive and integrated media strategies
Demonstrate problem solving and intervention when necessary
Keeps current with market research (industry periodicals, email newsletters, websites)
Manage account audits
Podcast Buying and Strategy Development: Experience in buying podcast advertising and managing podcast campaigns.
Expertise in developing effective podcast strategies that align with client goals and objectives.
Success in utilizing podcast measurement and attribution platforms to track and analyze campaign performance.
Maintain strong partnerships with key podcast platforms and publishers to leverage opportunities and negotiate favorable terms.
Meet regularly with partners to discuss new capabilities and opportunities.
Update internal and external teams on podcast capabilities and opportunities to drive increase investment for brands.
Team Management: Works in tandem with Director to train, motivate, develop and lead team
Monitors account /buy assignments and the day-to-day operations of the team
Participates in creation of training materials
Leads internal training for national audio team and dentsu initiatives
Ensures group is properly trained on all Dentsu spot tools – Media Ocean, HMX, WorkDay, Dynamics etc.)
Ensures that group is informed and trained on internal procedures and best practices
Ensure key information is provided to team regarding client issues, internal agency issues, changes in account status, etc.
Assists dentsu with evaluation of new tools and technologies
Constructs and delivers accurate, honest and timely performance management documents
Conduct regular team meetings to review progress, address challenges, and set goals.
New Business Development: Work across new business initiatives to develop and implement audio strategies.
Create and present proposals for new business prospects, showcasing audio capabilities and strategies.
Develop costs and strategies for new business pitches.