Associate Director, National Video Investment Details

Associate Director, National Video Investment

Spark Foundry - Chicago, IL

Employment Type : Full-Time

Company Description

Spark Foundry is a global media agency that exists to bring HEAT – Higher Engagement, Affinity, and Transactions – to brands. By combining flawless media fundamentals with aggressive innovation, Spark inspires consumers to pay more attention; to care more about our clients’ brands; and to buy more products and services from them.

Balancing the nimble spirit of a startup with the powerhouse soul of Publicis Media, Spark Foundry delivers the best of both worlds to a client roster that spans some of the world’s best and most beloved brands and companies. We combine boutique-caliber insights and service with the buying clout and first-look access of a global leader, bringing the heat to challenger brands that want to act like giants, and to giant brands that want to act like challengers.

With a Millennial-friendly, bottom-up culture that celebrates diversity and aims for all voices to be heard, Spark has become a magnet for the industry’s best talent, with one of the best retention rates in the industry. And by applying a whole-person approach to professional and personal development, Spark develops a workforce that is well prepared for today’s challenges, and also poised to create meaningful careers in the years to come.

Because we know that heat arises the intersection of complementary forces, our professionals come from myriad disciplines and backgrounds: data, analytics, and insights; content and creative production; communications and strategy; finance and marketing; and sociology, psychology, and other liberal arts disciplines.

The Associate Director is responsible for negotiating and executing media investments across Linear and Digital platforms in both the Upfront and Scatter marketplace. The AD is also responsible for the training and guidance of Managers and Associates in all aspects of their tasks. This role requires a vast knowledge of the evolving media landscape with a pulse on the industry's latest trends and product offerings.

• Negotiate and execute National Linear (Broadcast, Cable, Sports) and Digital (CTV, FEP) media investments
• Negotiate and steward corporate sponsorships across multiple sports leagues
• Generate media investment recommendations for client approval
• Deliver timely marketplace updates and new product offerings to client contacts
• Develop and deliver POV/position papers on key issues/opportunities
• Manage/oversee the day to day tasks of 2 Managers and 3 Associates
• Review/assist with the stewardship of Linear and Digital campaign schedules
• Establish and maintain relationships with the vendor community
• Review/assist in post buy analysis

• 4-6+ years of experience in National media negotiation and execution spanning Linear Investment and Digital investment
• Managerial experience of more than 2 employees
• Above average negotiation skills due to high volume of Upfront and Scatter marketplace activity
• Technical proficiency, particularly with Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to work successfully with teams, handle multiple projects, and meet tight deadlines under pressure
• Demonstrates leadership skills
• Account industry knowledge

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.