Associate, Planning

Business Overview 

If you are looking for a people-first organization that can offer you the career you crave, UM is your home. We are the destination of choice for the world’s best talent, where every individual is empowered to unleash their limitless potential and do the best work of their careers.  

We are always searching for passionate team members who love media and live and breathe our core values of Curiosity, Courage, and Community. We seek out those who aren’t afraid to ask the tough questions, are excited to explore the nuances, and are hungry for personal growth and continuous learning. People who thrive at UM are collaborators by nature who pursue diverse perspectives because they understand that true innovation is driven by inclusivity. As a people-first agency, we provide the information, tools and technology, career development, and empowerment our people need to realize their potential and achieve their career ambitions.   

A global media network within the IPG Mediabrands family, UM operates in over 100 countries, with 3,000+ people innovating on a roster of powerful brands and our client campaigns have been recognized by the industry’s most competitive global showcases like Cannes Lions, Festival of Media Global, and WARC.  

As a result of our people-first commitment, UM has been celebrated as a FORTUNE Best Workplace in Advertising & Marketing in the US, a Campaign Best Place to Work in EMEA, a Campaign Asia Diverse & Inclusive Workplace in APAC, a top 3 agency in LATAM by The Effies, and ranked the number one agency in both Canada and MENAT by RECMA. 

The Associate, Planning is an entry-level position that plays an important role in the media planning process. In this role, you will learn the fundamentals of media planning and how to leverage media to help deliver on our client’s business objectives. The ideal candidate is an energetic and proactive problem-solver who is detail-oriented and has an unmatched passion for the advertising industry. In this critical role, you will support the planning team in partnering with the world’s leading brands and learn from industry leaders at a top media agency.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

CLIENT SERVICE AND STEWARDSHIP

• Gain understanding of client business and best practices in client service excellence
• Develop ability to translate data points into insights that will help substantiate recommendations against business goals
• Support the team in managing client requests in a timely manner

INDUSTRY, AGENCY, TEAM EXPECTATIONS

• Attend and participate in brainstorming sessions within the agency to generate creative & compelling ideas
• Exhibit a curiosity of the media ecosystem and develop a perspective on trends and opportunities that could be leveraged by the agency
• Maintain professional decorum and build positive rapport with others both internally and externally
• Participate in departmental projects as requested, including new business

DAY-TO-DAY ACTIVITIES

• Support the team in the creation of omnichannel media plan recommendations, including but not limited to TV, Print, Radio, Digital, OOH, and Emerging Media opportunities, informed by qualitative and quantitative inputs
• Compile research data to help ensure that client campaigns are reaching intended audiences
• Develop a mastery of syndicated research sources, planning tools, and media math
• Use qualitative and quantitative research to develop consumer insights and budget allocations
• Develop and maintain the accuracy of tactical components of media plans such as flow charts, spreadsheets, and budget summaries
• Collaborate with internal and cross-functional teams to ensure that projects are on track and deliverables are accurate
• Proactively keep up to date with media and technology trends
• Develop strategic POVs (point of views) of media partner offerings and technology as it relates to client objectives
• Learn how campaign reporting and analysis is done

THE QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to quickly learn proprietary tools and processes
• Exhibits a positive attitude that would complement the UM culture
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office: Excel, Word, PowerPoint
• Able to effectively manage time and work in a fast-paced environment
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of an integrated team
• UM does not require candidates to have a college degree

 We See You  

At IPG Mediabrands, we are unified behind a commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging. Together, we shine through a set of shared values and behaviors. We take pride in our responsibility to our clients, communities, and to each other. We embrace differences and recognize the unique value that each of us brings to our community.  

We encourage you to apply, as unique backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences are welcomed.   

We See You at IPG Mediabrands. 

Wage and Benefits

We offer a Total Rewards package that includes medical and dental coverage, 401(k) plans, flex spending, life insurance, disability, employee discount program, employee stock purchase program and paid family benefits to support you and your family. To give you the ability to better meet your personal needs, and in support of your physical and emotional well-being, you will receive discretionary time off days and company-wide Appreciation Weeks and Wellness Days. 

We also offer a competitive Total Compensation package, including a competitive salary and eligibility for an annual discretionary incentive award or a relevant incentive award. 

The salary range for this position is posted below.  Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position, market considerations, budgetary considerations, tenure and standing with the Company (applicable to current employees), as well as the employee’s/applicant’s skill set, level of experience, and qualifications.   

Employment Transparency

It is the policy of Mediabrands, division of the Interpublic group, to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. The job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and other job functions are subject to modification. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

For applicants to jobs in the United States: In compliance with the current Americans with Disabilities Act and state and local laws, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with Mediabrands, please email [email protected].

About IPG Mediabrands 

IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). IPG Mediabrands manages over $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients across its full-service agency networks UM, Initiative and Mediahub and through its award-winning specialty business units Healix, Kinesso, MAGNA, Mediabrands Content Studio, Orion Holdings, Rapport, and the IPG Media Lab. IPG Mediabrands clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors including automotive, personal finance, consumer product goods (CPG), pharma, health and wellness, entertainment, financial services, energy, toys and gaming, direct to consumer and e-commerce, retail, hospitality, food and beverage, fashion and beauty. The company employs more than 18,000 diverse marketing communication professionals in more than 130 countries. Learn more at www.ipgmediabrands.com.