Job Strategy and Communications Design Director, The Rocks

About usInitiative is different to other media agencies. We are not trapped by a legacy structure primarily centred on paid advertising. Instead, we are liberated by a new world structure designed to deliver highly differentiated and highly effective communications strategies for our clients.
We are the Cultural Experience Agency. We believe by creating distinctive comms for brands through cultural awareness we can generate greater share of mind, and that every touchpoint is an opportunity to communicate your brand experience.
Our agency model is comprised of dedicated “crafts” – Business Leadership, Strategy, Communications Design and Investment, supported by SBUs including our award-winning Cultural Insights & Analytics team, Mediabrands Content Studio and our performance arm Kinesso.
The RoleThe Strategy & Communications Design Director is a unique role in Initiative. Key to this role the hybrid nature of Strategy & Communications Design, requiring you to think about the total consumer experience, develop audience insights, growth & business analysis and how the idea is then delivered through owned, earned, shared and paid ecosystem to drive the desired brand / business / audience outcome. We have purposely designed this role based on the client portfolio.
The strength of this role is that you get to work across the full funnel spectrum of planning; from big brand annual campaigns to borrowing skills from User Experience to curate how people connect and participate with brands.
As a Strategy & Communications Design Director you will be responsible for:Leading the audience growth diagnostics and developing cultural insights that unlock powerful comms strategies.Are experts in consumer and communications behaviour and how changes in behaviours can creating new opportunities for connectionWork with partners (media, creative, technology, platforms, SBUs) to curate how a brand should connect within cultureAre the campaign architects who design consumerexperiences across OESP channelsTake the identified audienceand guide the quantification of connection encounters holisticallyChampion innovative, forward-thinking activities that help brandscreate value with their audienceLeverage a variety of data, intelligence and marketing theory to identify appropriate communications solutions.The expectation is that you have the experience to help lead the client patches working closely with the Business Leadership, Investment and national leads to build collaborative thinking.Strong understanding of core marketing theories, analytics and modelling solutions and when to leverage these to validate, elevate or unlock powerful communications ideas.
ExpectationsProactively seeks opportunities to expand and develop skill set.Synthesizes multiple data points into a cohesive story around the communications idea.Demonstrates the ability to work successfully within a team, handling multiple projects, communicating progress proactively, and meeting tight deadlines under pressure.Applies prioritization and organizational skills effectively to the role and the management of others.Considers the circumstances surrounding problems and identifies solutions.Demonstrates effective time management and delivers to agreed deadlines.Conveys sound business communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders both internally and externally.Understands the client’s businessand its competitors.Maintains current knowledge of media trends, competitive nuances, marketplace conditions, and economic indicators that impact or help guide Strategic Opportunities or Comms Design.Supports CSO & Heads of Department in ongoing product development, agency and team culture.
What you need to bringTenure guideline: 8+ years in integrated strategy role in media, creative, innovation or communications discipline (digital, content, invention, social, activation)Demonstrates strong client management skills, ideally with a background in managing and working with multiple stakeholders.Demonstrates well-developed and polished media channel planning skills.Exhibits proven problem-solving ability.Is a confident, articulate, and persuasive presenter with outstanding written and verbal skills that translate into clear message outtake.Demonstrates the ability to work successfully within a team, handling multiple projects, meeting tight deadlines under pressure, and contributing creatively to the ideation process.Possesses sound knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Excel and PowerPoint.
We offer our people CHOICES and a range of life benefits such as:The right to boundaries.One mental wellbeing day off a month.Take leave when you don’t have leave balance.Think more and do less admin through automation.Birthday leave - because no one should work on their birthday!Recovery from personal loss leave and family planning contribution.
Initiative respects that everyone has something unique to contribute to the agency. We respect differences and value diversity. If you think this role is a good fit for you, please do not hesitate to apply or reach out to me for a detailed job description and confidential conversation.
We value unique backgrounds and experiences to encourage and celebrate diversity. First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQ+, people of all ages, people with disabilities, and people who are culturally and linguistically diverse are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the community in which we live. We thank all applicants for their interest in IPG Mediabrands. However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.