The Perfect Fit

Social Media Can Propel Your Career Growth

While that headline seems ridiculously obvious, apparently not everyone gets it yet.

It's amazing to me how few marketing professionals really take advantage of the possibilities that social media provides.  These are the people who are supposed to be learning how to utilize social media for the benefit of their clients.  I have to wonder if they're qualified to give that advice, when they apparently don't have any idea how to use it themselves.

I'm in the preliminary stages of conducting a search for mid-level designers and Sr. level account people with packaging experience.  I've just found two potential designers, and one account person that I wanted additional information on, beyond what's already in our database.  Neither designer had a portfolio online (that I could find), and neither had provided me with portfolio samples when they originally contacted Bishop Partners.

My first step was to go to their LinkedIn profiles.  While all three had LinkedIn profiles, they were not detailed enough to be of any real value.  Only one of the three had a personal email available. One of the designers had a dead link to a Creative Hotlist portfolio, and the other had an Etsy portfolio page with nothing on it!!  Between the three of them there was only one LinkedIn recommendation.  These "professionals" are missing an opportunity to be "found" for a potential career opportunity.  Believe me when I tell you, I'm not the only person searching.

The point is, if you're going to spend time on professional social media (LinkedIn, Plaxo, any number of others) do yourself a favor and add some detailed information that tells the reader what you've accomplished, what your passions are and why/how you're adding value to your employer and/or your clients, your community, etc..  You should have recommendations.  When you're complimented by a client, co-worker or boss, ask that person to "put it in writing for you" (and add it to LinkedIn for you).

I know you've heard this before, but headhunters and employers really do use online resources as means to identify specific professionals for job opportunities.  The better "face" you put on your online social media efforts, the better it will be for you.  Make it easy to be found by detail (and keywords) in your profile.  I think letting the public see a gmail or hotmail account is a reasonable thing to do.  If you're going to network, allow (help) someone to contact you.  A weak effort is almost worse than none at all.

The Workplace Has Changed . . . Have You?

The recession has caused fundamental changes in the way Employers look at their employees, and how employees are responding.  Employers have had to make difficult staffing decisions at every level of their organizations.  The reality in many cases what that expenses had to be cut, or the business would be in jeopardy.  It's no surprise that the expense of labor is significant and laying an employee off has immediate cost cutting benefits.

Furloughs, cutbacks in hours/days per week and pay (also benefit) reductions became methods with which employers were able to keep some employees, but at lower take home pay for the employee.  While this is understandable, and for some preferable to losing their job altogether, the result is the same . . . employees no longer relying on one employer.  Employees have to find supplemental income to maintain their income levels.  Trimming the pay might keep the employers' doors open, but the cost to employees is high.

Many employees are looking for "second job" options.  The ability to work remotely has helped move that trend forward and it's not going to stop.  Employees will work second "retail" jobs, freelance, or start a company, in order to make ends meet . . . at least in the short term.  They don't want to be in a position of being vulnerable to one employer's decision about their employment.  Those with more experience, might very well decide to start a business of their own.

Entrepreneurship has never been stronger.  According to BusinessWeek quoting the Kaufmann Foundation:

"A crop of potentially groundbreaking companies is emerging from the wreckage of the Great Recession. No question, some will blow up, and others will fail to reach their potential. But the downturn has done little to dampen the entrepreneurial spirit. During the first half of this year (2009), angel investors financed 24,500 new ventures, 6% more than during the same period last year, according to the Center for Venture Research. The overall amount of money going into startups has declined, but the figures suggest that this year will see the birth of roughly 50,000 companies with enough promise that someone is betting money on them. "It may be that this is the best time to start a company," says Carl Schramm, president of the Kauffman Foundation, an organization that promotes entrepreneurship."

There's another study conducted by the Small Business Administration (SBA) “Nonemployer Startup Puzzle” that came out in December 2009.  It concludes there is "a correlation between job losses and startups of single-person businesses (called “nonemployer businesses”).  “Nonemployer start-ups follow and are heavily affected by a state’s unemployment rate.”  In other words, there are more startups when unemployment is high."

My point is the workplace has changed, and will continue to change.  Employees who are not continuously working to improve their skills will become obsolete.  The onslaught of information and the way it's being delivered has never been more overwhelming.  It's essential for employees to stay alert to new thinking, new technologies and better ways of doing things.  They need to work to be top performers and indispensable to their employers. (See Are You Indispensable Or Vulnerable)

New St. Louis Position: Web Application Developer

Web Application Developer #9105
Location:  St. Louis


General Description:
The Web Application Developer is experienced in the design, development, and support of multi-tiered web applications for high-profile, national clients.  Experience with Microsoft technologies and languages are required with a strong desire to learn new and leading edge technologies a must.  Web Application Developers are expected to work with a high level of autonomy as a development lead on specific projects while reporting to the Director of Interactive.

Primary Responsibilities:
•    Work collaboratively with creative and project mangers during projects.
•    Be self directed in your ability to complete projects on time and within the timeframe allocated.
•    Contribute to each project by proactively making suggestions about how to make it better.
•    Work cooperatively with your peers and colleagues to help solve problems and upgrade your base of       knowledge.
•    Be self-directed, organized with exacting attention to detail, and passionate about doing the best          job you possibly can on every project.
•    Stay abreast of (in front of) industry trends, processes and methodology to contribute at as high a          level as possible

Experience:
We’re looking for exceptional candidates with a related degree and around three to five years of experience in development for the web. And now, the alphabet of qualifications:  ASP.Net 2.0+, ASP.Net 3.5, MVC, and/or AJAX a plus, Query and stored procedure development in SQL Server 2000+, Visual Studio .Net, Visual SourceSafe, Client-side scripting including JavaScript needed with Photoshop and Flash design/actionscripting a plus, as is Windows Server 2003.2000.  If you have “front end” design skills, we’d like that a lot.

Compensation:
There is a significant compensation package designed to support this position, including a salary commensurate with experience, comprehensive benefits package including medical, life insurance and 401K plan. 

About Our Client:
The client is a full service marketing resource.  They have a reputation for succeeding for their clients with creative solutions that other agencies were afraid of (or didn’t think of).  They have financial strength, sensational creative, account service that understands clients and how to keep them loyal, and a national client base and reputation for consistent excellence.  They have an ongoing desire to refine and maximize their value to their clients.  This is a career opportunity.  They hope to fill this position immediately.  If you’re qualified, we want to hear from you now!  You’ll work with a team of colleagues who are proud and consistently strive to be the best.  We love the positive attitudes in our employees, as well as their optimism and can-do attitudes.  They are interested in hiring the best and the brightest for our continued growth. EOE

To apply, please upload a resume to our website www.Bishop-Partners.com.  We'll respond promptly.

Account Supervisor in St. Louis for Direct Marketing #9102

General Description:
As a result of growth, our full service agency client needs a Account Supervisor for their direct marketing efforts.  This opportunity will utilize your history of strategic concepting and efficient production skills for national clients to deliver innovative work across a variety of media.  This person will work in partnership with the mass media counterpart, and will have cross functional management responsibilities (creative, production, analytics, etc). The position reports directly to the Executive Director of Direct Marketing.

Primary Responsibilities:
•    Client management including developing strategic relationships
•    Lead while collaborating with the creative team for client satisfaction and successful responses.
•    Work with other members of the creative and account service team to ensure strategically sound           work, delivered on time and within the budget.
•    Be responsible for strategic data analysis of direct programs.
•    Be conscious of and committed to creating high quality work every time. 
•    Present creative work internally and to clients.

Experience:
We’re looking for an account service pro with around seven to 10 years of agency experience.  We need someone who understands the capability and value of communicating directly to the consumer and has succeeded in that task for national clients.  We want a confident, motivated and successful person who needs the challenge of that next level. Ideal candidates will have broad and deep experience across multiple communications channels  We need someone who can show how they’ve collaborated with and contributed to their colleagues and their clients’ success. We want candidates with a high level of motivation and a strong belief in your creative ideas, with the confidence to express that belief persuasively. 

Compensation:
Our client is offering an excellent compensation package with a base salary commensurate with your experience and expertise.  There is bonus potential based on performance.   Additionally, there is outstanding  medical coverage, a 401K with company match, life insurance and disability. 

About Our Client:

The client is an integrated advertising communications agency who is expert in delivering the marketing message directly to the targeted consumer.  They are a modern agency with a roster of national and regional clients and brands you respect.   They have a spectacular reputation and have continued to grow since their founding.  The atmosphere is casual, yet professional with co-workers who love having fun as much as contributing to their clients’ success.  You’ll be supported and be an essential part of the team.  This is an outstanding career opportunity and our client wants to hire this Account Supervisor right now!   EOE

Check out our Bishop Partners' website for additional information.

New St. Louis Search: Copywriter, Direct Response #9104

General Description:
As a result of growth, our full service agency client needs a Copywriter  for their direct response efforts.  This opportunity will utilize your history of strategic and clever concepting and efficient production skills for national clients to deliver innovative work across a variety of media.  We’re looking for  ambitious pros who feels the need and desire to move to a next level in their career growth.  The position will offer the potential for additional responsibility as a result of consistently successful performance.  This is a career opportunity!

Primary Responsibilities:

• Generate innovative concepts across all appropriate marketing media (advertising, direct mail, web, alternative media, DRTV, etc.) to fulfill client needs.

• Develop tactical execution of concept to “touch” the clients’ customers directly, and motivate a response.

• Work with other members of the creative and account service team to ensure strategically sound work, delivered on time and within the budget.

• Be conscious of and committed to creating high quality work every time. 

• Present creative work internally and  to clients.

Experience:
We’re looking for a  writer with around five to seven years of agency experience.  We need someone who understands the capability and value of communicating directly to the consumer and has consistently succeeded in that task for national clients.  We want a confident, motivated and successful person who needs the challenge of that next level.  Your portfolio must show innovation and an ability to concept and sell the unusual solution.  There should be a diversity of work including advertising, POS, new media and direct mail. Experience with DRTV preferred.  We need someone who can show how they’ve collaborated with and contributed to their colleagues and their clients’ success. We want candidates with a high level of motivation and a strong belief in your creative ideas, with the confidence to express that belief persuasively. 

Compensation:
Our client is offering an excellent compensation package with a base salary commensurate with your experience and expertise.  There is bonus potential based on performance.   Additionally, there is outstanding  medical coverage, a 401K with company match, life insurance and disability. 

About the Client:
The client is an integrated advertising communications agency who is expert and award winning in delivering the marketing message directly to the targeted consumer.  They are a modern agency with a roster of national and regional clients and brands you respect.   They have a spectacular reputation and have continued to grow since their founding.  The atmosphere is casual, yet professional with co-workers who love having fun as much as contributing to their clients’ success.  You’ll be supported and be an essential part of the team.  This is an outstanding career opportunity and our client wants to hire this writer  right now!   EOE

Who's Hiring? What's Hot? Marketing Hiring Trends . . .

I've had three candidates this week ask me for my opinion on the "hiring environment", regionally.  After answering each of those inquiries individually, I've just received a fourth and decided to respond here.  The questions most frequently asked are:  Are many (any) places hiring?  What types of jobs are being hired for right now?   I'll take them one at a time.

Whether or not "many" places are hiring is relative.  Companies and agencies are hiring, but obviously on a very conservative, selective and thoughtful basis.  Both agencies and corporations have opportunities.  It's safe to say that employers are looking for absolutely top-notch candidates.  Every company is running as "lean" as they can possibly afford to.  Any new hire has to be able to add significant value, if not generate revenue, right away.

The hiring environment is improving.  I've seen improvement in activity since the middle of the summer.  Activity is continuing to increase.  Industry wide, temporary and/or contract positions are seeing more action, which is a recognized precursor to hiring for permanent positions.  If a company loses a valuable employee through attrition, that position might have to be replaced simply because staffing is so "lean" that there is nobody else who will have the time to be able to also do the work of the lost employee. 

There are agencies and corporations who are taking this opportunity to aggressively hire new employees.  They're looking to take advantage of top notch talent to grow for the future, wanting to be perfectly positioned when the economy starts really humming again.  Many are replacing existing employees with new employees who they feel can better deal with the marketing communications evolution into the future.  (If you're not enhancing your own knowledge and skill set, you're quickly becoming obsolete.)  Companies are "top-grading" from the Board level to entry level.  No company can afford to have someone who is not contributing and adding value.  If they're (you're) not, they (you) could be gone.

In both corporations and agencies, new business development is a sought after skill set.  People who have consistently demonstrated success at sales are in demand . . . and probably always will be.  People who understand how to go beyond what's expected to add value, wear multiple hats, and contribute beyond their literal job description . . . top performers (at every level) . . . will always have opportunities.

It's not surprising that new media, online marketing, electronic communications . . . call it what you will, is changing rapidly.  Almost every position I've recruited for over the past year, on both the client and agency side, had a new media component to it.  Whether a VP of Marketing, or a Group Account Director, fluency in online marketing (as evidenced by participation) is becoming an essential component of every marketing functional position.  It's a very good idea to have a professional presence online.

My suggestion is to always be ready for whatever the future may hold.  You should have all appropriate materials (resume, portfolio, online profiles/presence) updated and ready to go.  The economy is not necessarily out of the woods yet, and it's likely that unemployment is going to continue to increase.  You need to be ready to start a job search should you find yourself laid off.  You should be ready to respond to a new opportunity, professionally and promptly. 

Start positioning yourself as a thought leader and top performer in whatever your function is.  Be proactive!

REBUS Needs Writers . . . And A Leader For Writers

Writers in St. Louis, MO: Are you looking to enhance your portfolio? Want to be a blogger without having to worry about growing a following? Want to write about what interests you in marketing, advertising, creative, social media, and the world of copy and messaging? REBUS St. Louis is a fast-growing network of young advertising professionals in St. Louis, MO, sponsored by the AdClub of St. Louis. We've recently launched a blog at www.REBUSstl.com that we will be promoting at monthly events and across social media outlets online. If you're passionate about your industry and want to grow your online professional reputation, become a blogger with REBUS. Please contact us. We have immediate openings available.

We are also looking for an experienced marketing communications writer to lead/mentor the REBUS writers.  If you have more than five years of writing experience, let us know you'd like to join the REBUS leadership team.  We'd love to have you . . .

Additional details:
We currently do not pay for content, but the blog is lead by social media experts and online advertising gurus working at St. Louis agencies, and we're all looking forward to working with you to put out compelling and relevant content about local events, professional experiences and industry trends. We'll post your name and photo next to each of your posts and get links posted on Twitter, Facebook and other places where we have hundreds of followers. Get your name out there, and join our team!

To apply:
Email Kirsten Sanders (kirstens@propaganda-inc.com) and Danny Elchert (danny.elchert@yahoo.com) with your name, phone number, email address, LinkedIn URL or resume, as well as 3+ writing samples by November 15th. We will be in touch shortly after we hear from you.

Get to Know A Recruiter In Your Specialty

Unemployment is at 9.8% and climbing.  We're starting to consistently (but slowly) see that economic indicators are suggesting that the worst of the downturn is behind us.  Nobody knows the pace of recovery.  Employers are starting to think about hiring and employees are starting to think about new opportunities.  The unemployment rate of 9.8% is misleading, outstanding employees remain special and sought after.

According to Ted Konnerth of Egret Consulting,

"Monster and the Human Capital Institute recently found that 84% of employers felt their employees were content, while 58% of their employees expressed that same feeling. In more detail, 79% of employees are more likely to be seeking jobs elsewhere. 50% are concerned about top performers leaving their company and 57% believe employers exploited the recession to drive longer hours and lower pay from their employees."

There are successful companies who are working to identify those employees who they want to hire.  Those employees who the employer feels are going to be able to lead their company into the next phase of growth.  These companies are not waiting for a recovery, they're moving to make themselves a more powerful player now.  There are any number of surveys indicating that there is going to be renewed hiring in the next six months.  Are you ready for that next career move?

Do you know a recruiter who specializes in your area of expertise?  If not, do some research and find someone you can trust.  Get referrals from friends and colleagues.  There are going to be premier opportunities that are not advertised.  They're going to be filled by hand-picked candidates who are already successful, happy and motivated by what they're doing right now.  That candidate will be enticed to leave for an even better next career opportunity.

Hiring has already started.  We saw an upturn in mid-Summer.  Are you ready?  Are you happy?  Are you being professionally challenged . . . and rewarded?  Are you growing professionally?  Are you being professionally (and as a result personally) fulfilled?

Take a look at that resume.  Make sure it's updated with your latest "accomplishments", as opposed to "responsibilities".  I have a terrific article on my website that talks about how to create an impactful resume.  You can see it here.

If a recruiter calls with that next superb opportunity, be ready to respond!  Get to know a headhunter who specializes in what you do . . . introduce yourself and let them know you're always interested in moving your career forward.

If you're successful and respected in the marketing, corporate communications or advertising specialty, feel free (and encouraged) to visit our website at www.Bishop-Partners.com, and upload your resume, confidentially of course.  We'll respond to you!

New Opportunity: Account Director, Finance & Insurance #9068

General Description:
Our  St. Louis client is looking for an Account Director who is a thought leader in the finance & insurance category.  We’re looking for seasoned professionals who have experience developing deep client relationships and leading those to innovative and consistently successful integrated marketing communications, including mass advertising.  We need an assertive, resilient and empathetic leader not only for the clients served, but for the internal teams and agency as well, inspiring them to do work beyond expectations.  This account leader should have experience with Fortune 500 national brands, and be able to prove their influence and success with those clients.  We want you to influence and inspire creative  solutions that are on strategy, innovative and provocative.

Primary Responsibilities:
•    Be a persuasive and collaborative advocate for both the client and the agency ideas and plan.
•    Work closely with your clients to develop deep relationships, leading to a trust that results in client satisfaction by solving their marketing issues and expanding their business.
•    Be accountable for the fiscal health of the client and profitability of the agency, supervising expenditures, PBT, workflow, quality of work and overall client satisfaction.
•    Identify and develop new business opportunities within existing clients and participate in new business pitches.
•    Travel as necessary for client relationship development, retention and productions (up to 25%)

Experience:
We’re looking for at least 15 years total experience and at least seven of those years in the finance and/or insurance sector and including team management and integrated campaigns.  New media and direct expertise is needed.  We need a strategic, passionate, ambitious, articulate, entrepreneurial and charismatic leader who will drive results and empower subordinates.

New Retained Search: Sales & Marketing Account Manager, Research #9066

General Description:
This new St. Louis position is responsible for driving business development & client relations for out of town national clients who are serviced by our Client.  This individual will identify potential clients for full service market research services, including research design, strategy, moderation and contact. This individual will also identify potential clients in need of data collection services utilizing qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.  Once identified, this Account Manager will contact those prospective clients to create awareness of and interest in utilizing our client’s services.  The Account Manager would also assist and play a key role in the ongoing, multi-channel marketing efforts for our client.

Primary Responsibilities:
•    Identify, qualify and make initial contact with prospective national clients utilizing multi-market, “full service” focus group/research facilities.  Develop the relationship with the prospective client and help them move to our client (your employer) for their research.
•    Develop and maintain long term client relationships resulting in their loyalty, ongoing satisfaction and sales.
•    Support internal practices for delivering superb research execution including, estimates and proposal preparation, project management and client support.
•    Travel as necessary in support of client acquisition and retention.

Experience:
We’re looking for an ambitious and entrepreneurial sales and marketing pro who has direct experience with research, focus groups and/or moderators, from either the research, agency or client side.  We’re looking for candidates with five to seven years of total experience, with several of those years including direct involvement with research.  We want someone who personable and has proven the ability to multi-task while being extremely detail oriented.  You must be able to demonstrate the ability to be outgoing, yet assertive with all of the personalities involved in the execution of a campaign, while maintaining a sense of humor.

Layoffs and still more layoffs . . .

It’s been another difficult week in the advertising, marketing and graphic design community.  There are multiple agencies, marketing resources and design firms being forced to reduce their staffs.  I’m aware of Groove, ProWolfe Partners, Rodgers Townsend and Group360.  It’s possible (sadly, likely) there are others.

I know that every advertising and marketing President, CEO, COO, CFO (and their company leaders), along with their clients are all trying to figure out what’s next.  Clients are cutting back projects., or canceling them altogether.  Clients are asking agencies to do the same amount of work, for less money. 

The unfortunate but real result of that is that employees have to work harder for the same amount of pay . . . and they will, because they’re thankful that they’re still among the ranks of the employed.  If there’s any internal grumbling going on because of the additional work, I suggest they read my thoughts on “becoming indispensible . . . rather than vulnerable”.

One of the most unfortunate results of all the layoffs everywhere is that companies are having to cut workers who they value highly, but simply can no longer afford.  It’s one of the cold realities of business that under the prevailing circumstances, staffs are necessarily shrinking.  Employers are in some cases cutting those people who they were training for additional future responsibility.  They’re cutting employees that they worked hard and spent money to find and then train.  I know this, because for the first time people I’ve recruited into agencies, have had to be laid off.

I will say that I’ve never seen employers making such an effort to provide the most fair severance packages they possibly can.  Severance packages historically rarely existed for employees under Director level.  Not only am I seeing Company principals doing everything they possibly can from a strict monetary perspective, but they’re making an effort to help in other ways too (in every way they can). 

I know examples of employers letting the laid off employee continue to use the Company’s laptop, so there’s a possibility of generating freelance income.  I know that employers are working deals to help the laid off employee purchase the Blackberry they’ve been using at a reduced cost.  Employers are making sure that art files or other relevant (and non-proprietary) information is available for the creation of portfolios.  Employers are trying to refer those laid off employees to other sources of possible employment . . . my website for one (I’ve heard from several and I appreciate the trust that indicates) and/or outsourcing firms for advice and support.  They are willingly providing enthusiastic and in some cases, emotional recommendations of the person they just had to fire.

The Employee feels terrible.  Employers feel terrible.   The spouses and families of the employee feel terrible.  The reality is there is no choice.  Revenue gets reduced and responsible employers have to reduce staffing levels for the security of their other employees and the company itself.

This is a brutal responsibility that quickly reduces the “glamour” of owning a business to the grim reality of having to take someone’s livelihood away from them.  You’ve all heard “it’s business . . ." and it is.  Sadly.

Latest Search: St. Louis V.P. of Stragetic Business Development #9022

We're pleased to have been retained to conduct a search for a category leading St. Louis client.

General Description:
We’re looking for a new business developer who is a strategically founded marketing, branding and communications expert.  We want someone enthusiastic and experienced with successfully developing and maintaining high level client relationships.  Our client provides strategic consulting and marketing communications through events, the internet and alternative video, among other channels. Our client is also expert at delivering communications to large numbers of internal employees or groups. You will meet with senior clients, develop an understanding of their business needs along with developing a genuine relationship, resulting in sales based on smart thinking and flawless execution.  Our client can produce the solutions they recommend.

Primary Responsibilities:
•    Understand the company’s unique approach and be able to persuasively deliver dynamic             presentations, resulting in loyal relationships and ongoing sales.
•    Research, identify, qualify and present to potential clients. 
•    Develop the relationship to the point of the prospect hiring your company.  Maintain responsibility for overall client satisfaction.
•    Act as primary client liaison through the development of client strategy and resulting appropriate project executions, including budget and timeline oversight.
•    Travel (~20%) as necessary to develop and support new business and account activities.

The Fastest Search . . . Ever!

I had hoped to be able to take the week between Christmas and New Year's off.  It ended up not happening because of two different searches that started on December 23rd and 24th.  I'm thrilled to be busy.  Vacations and time off can wait! (This is part of the "glamor" of self-employment!)  This is also the reason my blogging has ground to a halt recently.

I previously posted the job description for a Marketing Brand Manager.  I received a phone call at noon on Christmas Eve day from this new client.  When I picked up the phone, she said "Wow!  I can't believe you're there!", to which I responded "I can't believe you're calling me at noon on Christmas Eve day.  We must be two of the last people still working!"

I'm excited about the fact that this new client found me through the internet.  That doesn't sound like such a shock, but I took it to mean that all the time and effort spent over the past several months, trying to improve my online presence is working.

This is an extremely challenging search in that the client is moving its Corporate Headquarters to St. Louis.  The CEO, CFO and Sr. Director of Marketing and the rest of the senior strategic team will be visiting town this coming week.  Interviews for the final candidates will take place during their visit.

For those of you counting, that's two weeks from engagement through interviews.  It's far and away the most compressed time line I've ever had to deal with . . . virtually unrealistic, especially considering the nature of the long Holiday Season this year.  We play the hand we're dealt!

Many of you probably received an email from me over the past week.  I want to sincerely thank those of you who took the time to respond, and/or refer friends or colleagues who you believed to be qualified and might be interested.  I've spoken with dozens of you.  I'm pleased that I have highly qualified candidates for my client.  I'll let you know how the interviews go this week.

I also want to thank Walt of AdSaint for his support and ever present clever sense of humor:

"Urgently?" There's a word AdSaint hasn't seen in a job description lately. But Bob Bishop says a client has a truly urgent need for a Marketing Brand Manager, and we love the fact there can still be a sense of urgency in filling marketing jobs, so we're urgently posting it.

If you're not staying in touch with AdSaint, you're not staying in touch with the St. Louis Marketing, Advertising,  PR and Promotions Industries.

I had confidence in my ability to provide premier candidates in such a short time line for two reasons.  The first and most important is the network of friends, colleagues and candidates I've been able to develop over time.  The second is that I knew that St. Louis had a robust pool of potential candidates who were outstanding marketers and who had the required pet food experience and an MBA.  The fact that Nestle Purina, Purina Mills, and other manufacturers are in the region provides plenty of qualified candidates.

It's wonderful to actually have a corporate headquarters moving to St. Louis for a change!  We've lost too many over the past years.

Urgent Need: St. Louis Brand Marketing Manager #8124

This posting was originally published on December 26, 2008.  This posting was causing technical problems and had to be deleted, then re-posted.

The Holiday Season has been unexpectedly busy, I'm pleased to say.  It's a pleasant surprise considering the economy, time of the year, etc..  I hope you're enjoying this Holiday Season, and getting some time off.

We're working on a search for a brand new client!  If you know of anyone qualified for this Brand Manager position, I'd appreciate the referral.  This is an extremely urgent search.  We will be working with our client and interviewing candidates the second week of January (really)!  If you know of someone qualified, who might be interested, I encourage you to let them know as soon as possible!

General Description:
This new position results from our client’s rapid growth.  Our client is looking for an experienced brand manager with pet and/or consumer products, with a new product marketing background.  We need experience to help lead the development and roll out of new pet food products.  Our client is passionate about developing natural, healthy pet food products and treats.  Our client has a long history of providing top of the line natural, nutritional products.  This position will be responsible for involvement in innovation and new product development, brand management, new channels account specific marketing and consumer/account promotions.

Senior Creative Director-Writer, TV #8112

General Description:

Our client’s ECD partner and writer has.  We’re looking for a Sr. CD/Writer with “big brand” experience and a portfolio of big ideas and a TV reel extraordinaire, to prove it.  This writer and thinker will have the opportunity to work on the agency’s biggest accounts, with an ability to touch many others.  We’re looking for a personable leader, thinker and presenter who’s been there before.  Why consider this opportunity when you’re very happy where you are?  Because St. Louis is a spectacular place to live, work and play.  Our client has a great reputation for the way they treat their employees and their culture.  They do work that is consistently awarded, for some of the biggest brands on the planet.  It won’t hurt to find out more.

Experience:

We think a degree and a minimum of 10 years experience, with at least five as a CD/Writer in a fast paced agency is about right.  We need someone with experience in a diverse range of marketing solutions.  Interactive experience is necessary.  We want proven leadership, altruism and the desire to create work that is recognized for its innovative thinking and creative excellence. You need to be able to provide insight leading to concepts providing successful on-strategy solutions to the clients’ needs.  Demonstrable success in client presentations, including the ability to articulate the strategy, concept and execution, budget, timeline and the measurement of success.  We need a hard worker who’s portfolio, personality and attitude will command the respect of colleagues and clients.  We need an engaging personality and an extrovert who can present the strategy and concept to the client in a compelling way.

Senior Interactive Project Manager #8058

Job Number: 8058

Senior Interactive Project Manager

Location:

St. Louis

General Description:

The region’s leading advertising agency is looking for a project manager with an experienced understanding of the internet and interactive marketing.  We’re looking for a PM who has experience guiding clients through the experience of developing or expanding their online presence.  We need a smart, motivated and self-confident professional who understands the critical importance of managing client expectations.   We’re looking for that professional who wants to be challenged to support the most elegant and effective marketing solutions across varied media, for premier regional and national clients.  The more creative experience and understanding, the better!

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Be an integral part of an experienced team, managing all tactical aspects (strategy, production, budget, timeline) of daily client interface between creative and our client.
2. Manage their client’s expectations around process (what comes next) and deliverables.
3. Be accountable for the clients’ complete satisfaction and loyalty by being detailed oriented and capable of organizing simultaneous projects.
4. Assist in normal office management duties and support colleagues as needed.

Experience:

A degree and at least seven years of prior success in account support or management in an agency, design firm, sales promotion or public relations firm is necessary.  There must have been daily experience dealing with internet and/or interactive issues with your clients.  We want someone who has proven the ability to multi-task while being extremely detail oriented.  We’re looking for ambitious, over achievers who haven’t found the right situation for professional satisfaction and the environment in which to be challenged while learning the business and growing professionally.

Director of Marketing and Strategic Development #8092

Job Number: 8092

Director of Marketing and Strategic Development

Location: St. Louis

 

General Description:

This is a new position to develop and deliver an ongoing marketing plan for our client, as well as be the conceptual thought leader in their response to their client requests for proposals.  You will report directly to the President, while working closely with the creative and account service staff in creating, developing and executing innovative marketing interaction centered on events, experiential and face-to-face encounters.  You will meet with senior clients, develop an understanding of their business needs along with an ongoing genuine relationship, resulting in your ideas consistently generating revenue, friendship and loyalty (repeat business). 

Primary Responsibilities:

·         Lead the existing sales, creative and account service teams in ideation and concept development in response to existing and new client opportunities.

·         Develop an ongoing, comprehensive marketing plan for our client recognizing their industry leadership in innovative experiential marketing communication and create a new, broader awareness of their history of successes. Manage a significant budget in support of that effort, with accountability for results.

·         Meet the client at their offices to ask the right questions to understand their needs and to help develop the proper solutions.  Write the resulting brief and present to the internal staff.  Lead ideation and RFP response.

·         Develop big ideas that are executable across a variety of marketing channels including, but not limited to events, direct (including online), outdoor, PR and video creating an integrated ability to touch consumers where they happen to be.

·         Present those ideas in a clear and persuasive way back to the client in a way the client understands, agrees with and buys!

·         Mentor younger colleagues, and live our client’s brand as a way of supporting and growing the reputation, brand and culture of our client.

·         Travel as necessary (up to 30%) in support of client communication and projects.

Experience:

We’re looking for candidates with a degree at least 10 years of marketing leadership.  We want strategic thinkers who know what questions to ask to identify opportunity. We’re looking for candidates with national CPG branding/promotion/marketing experience.  You should have experience simultaneously overseeing projects of at least $250K.  We’re looking for someone with high amounts of ego and empathy, someone who’s altruistic and willing to sacrifice.  We need someone with versatility and a willingness to adjust their thinking as necessary.  Premier candidates have played this role before in advertising, sales promotion, or perhaps public relations agencies and understand that it’s all about dialog and identifying the big idea, to be executed across multiple, integrated strategies. You need to be able to develop relationships and close the deal!  This is a sales position based on strategic creative concept ability.