The Perfect Fit

New Search for St. Louis Client: SVP, Group Account Director #12024

General Description:
The Account Director is accountable for the management and operation of the entire tourist attraction account portfolio, including strategy, creative execution and results.  We’re looking for marketing leaders who have expertise in advertising, PR, promotion, events and marketing communications through integrated channels.  We need experience and thought leadership in travel destinations and/or amusement parks.  We’re looking for exceptional performers who have an entrepreneurial spirit and want to help contribute to and participate in the growth of a category leading creative agency.  This is a career opportunity.

Primary Responsibilities:
•    Be a creative/branding thought leader and articulate to our clients how to move a product or brand forward in the marketplace.
•    Lead strategy, development and delivery of consumer package solutions.
•    Work closely with Creative to assess client needs and service those needs beyond expectation, within the time frame and budget required.
•    Present creative ideas and solutions to Senior Client representatives, in a clear, thoughtful and compelling manner.  Develop and present new business and strategic initiatives.
•    Stay informed of industry trends and lead innovation within your group
•    Oversight of entire account effort, profitability, hiring, quality of work and ongoing client satisfaction.

Experience:
We’re looking for Acct. Directors with at least 11 years of practical experience in the building or creation of national brands.  An MBA is preferred as is experience with travel and leisure destinations, or perhaps theme parks.  That experience should be either in an agency or client brand environment.  We want pros who understand how to mentor the staff and lead by example, developing the younger talent to increasing responsibility.  We want someone who’s fun to be around, yet assertive, articulate and calm amidst the inevitable chaos.  You should have had  at least five direct reports.  An understanding of the Adobe Suite is essential.  We need a strategic, passionate, ambitious, articulate, entrepreneurial and charismatic leader who will drive results and empower the team.

Compensation:
Our client is offering a comprehensive compensation package including a base salary and a superior benefits package..  Your starting salary will be based on experience, expertise and is designed to intrigue premier candidates. The benefits package includes medical insurance (dental and vision), a 401K,  Disability and Life insurance and more.  An excellent re-location package is being offered.

 About our client:
Since the search is rather confidential, I can’t be as candid as I normally like to be.  Let it suffice to say our client is successful, financially stable and growing, forward thinking, modern, strategically strong and tactically brilliant.  Fun, wonderful colleagues who will become friends and who will support you and your family! 
The client base includes Fortune 500 (and 100) national travel, hospitality and amusement brands, consumer package goods, technology and retail, among others..  EOE

With our apologies and respect, we can only respond to candidates of interest to our client.  Please apply through our website www.Bishop-Partners.com.  Please send a cover email explaining your specific qualifications and interest in this position, as you understand it to Bob@Bishop-Partners dot com

International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum Moving to St. Louis!

The renowned International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum (IPHF) is moving to St. Louis’ artistic Grand Center. The museum is one of the premier homes of historic and vintage photographs, camera equipment and celebrates the lives and work of photography’s pioneers and most influential photographers us.  From Ansel Adams to George Eastman, those who had a hand in moving the photographic medium forward are included.  Read the Case for moving to St. Louis.  Like us on Facebook

The Board of Directors (many of whom live in St. Louis) need volunteer support in many ways, to help organize the move, and related activities.  We need volunteers/interns who are proficient with a range of different skills.

We need a writer, who can write press releases, letters to prospective sponsors and members, and help generate social media content for the IPHF’s various online identities . . . from a blog to Twitter.  You will help contribute mightily to the St. Louis move, as well as help support the total brand refresh that has begun.  If you appreciate fine photography, here’s your chance to immerse yourself with others who share that passion.
   
Qualified candidates for the writer internship should be fluent in the techniques of writing for social media.  You should understand how a blog works and the importance of key word usage.  We expect you to have an existing online presence; premier candidates will have their own blog and/or Twitter account and write every day, if not professionally.

We’re also looking for a researcher, with email blast and database segmentation and targeting experience.  The IPHF is developing a comprehensive list of prospective sponsors, members and other supporters.  There is an aggressive campaign being created to reach out to each of these groups to let them know of the re-emergence of the IPHF. 

Qualified candidates for this position will have experience working with databases, excel spreadsheets, and delivering targeted email communications. 

We expect to work hard and have significant fun as we celebrate the history, accomplishments and affect of photography on our everyday lives.  You’ll be able to work from home a great deal of the time with hours of your own choosing.  Each position will only take a few hours per week.

Both of these internships are volunteer positions at the  moment and not paid.  We'd appreciate your forwarding these positions to any friend or colleague who you think might be interested!

Please apply online by uploading your resume to www.Bishop-Partners.com.  Please send an email to Bob detailing your interest and specific qualifications for these positions.

St. Louis Search: Managing Director, Sr. Brand Strategist #11072

General Description:
This is a new position based on the ongoing growth of our St. Louis client. We’re looking for an experienced branding and marketing communications executive who commands the respect of the client with their attitude, talent, experience and brain. We need someone with agency leadership as well as account and operational management experience. We’re looking for someone who can help lead our clients through the nuances of strategic brand positioning based on research, and very smart thinking resulting in exquisitely executed creative. We’re looking for indefatigable energy, enthusiasm and an entrepreneurial spirit . . . We want you to help nurture the existing staff and help grow that staff and the company.

Primary Responsibilities:
• Act as primary client liaison through the development of client strategy and resulting appropriate project executions, including budget and timeline oversight.
• Be responsible for managing the activity of account teams. This activity includes generating sales, project design (creative), administration, presentations and cost control.
• Monitor and mentor performance, capacity and growth of client service teams and be responsible for each client’s business to manage revenue, profitability and organic growth targets.
• Increase the level of agency services and provide key marketing advice to internal brand managers and top client management.
• Increase the visibility of agency and its services among the key prospective client categories and executives.
• Conduct and/or supervise research and deliver sales presentations; write proposals, brand positioning statements and the occasional brief.
• Develop new business acquisition strategy with agency Principals to expand client base and consistently continue agency growth.
• Participate on Executive Team for planning Company initiatives and growth strategy.
• Travel as necessary in support of client activities (~20%)

Experience:
The ideal candidate must have a superb track record with at least 15 years of senior level client management experience and internal executive level operations experience in an agency and/or client environment. We need specific experience with research based brand positioning, identity creation or refreshing for both B2C and B2B category leading clients, including non-profits. We expect a degree in marketing or closely related field, and we would prefer an MBA. We need a person who has successfully managed teams of employees, if not entire offices or companies. The candidate will have experience working across all forms of media: print, broadcast, promotion, online, direct and environmental design and have experience working closely with creatives.

The ideal candidate will possess keen analytical skills, is a strong decision maker and is results oriented. Strong interpersonal skills along with both written and verbal communication expertise are required. It’s essential you be team-oriented and proactive, as these attributes are intrinsic to the overall culture and success of the agency. We need a strategic account professional with personality and style, and who understands “thinking big”. You’ve always lead by example and have more of a global perspective and awareness of best practice branding and marketing communication tactics.

Compensation:
Compensation will be commensurate with experience and designed to attract premier candidates. There is no “glass ceiling”! The compensation is based on a salary, with performance based bonus and additional incentives possible. That base compensation is coupled with an outstanding benefits package including medical, life and disability insurance and a 401K with a company match. This is an outstanding opportunity for significant financial success, career longevity, and ongoing professional and personal growth. There is no relocation package being provided.

About Our Client:
Our client started with one employee 18 months ago and now has six. They are consistently winning new business, because they are smarter in their strategy and insights, while delivering best in class creative for their clients’ benefit. They are creating a collaborative culture based on smart thinking, the highest quality execution and a company culture that values collaboration and respect for colleagues, clients and family. The diverse client base includes category leaders in entertainment, construction, education, healthcare and non-profits. EOE

Advertising Interactive Developer #11044

General Description:
Our St. Louis client is looking for a full time Interactive Developer to join their innovative and frequently rewarded in-house team, to support the design and execution of online advertising and marketing for premier national clients.  You’ll work closely with other developers, producers and strategists to help deliver compelling online marketing and advertising, and have fun doing it!  The interactive CDs and producers are the best in the business.

Experience:
Candidates should have a related degree and four to six years of experience, in an agency environment.  We’re looking for strong XML database experience along with ActionScript3.0 and JQuery development skills. That database experience must include web applications founded on database utilization.  We’re looking for a portfolio of work that includes clean design, efficient navigation and architecture and delivers an engaging UX.  We need pros with experience creating dynamic, code driven animation.  We prefer experience with streaming Flash video and .NET2.5+.

The premier candidate will be attentive to details, resourceful, work well under pressure and have strong communication skills. Candidates should be equally effective communicating with technical development team members and non-technical personnel. The ideal candidate will possess a strong work ethic and ability to self-direct, thrive on variety, enjoy and work effectively in a team environment while possessing a hunger for responsibility and learning.

Compensation:
Our client is offering an excellent compensation package with a base salary commensurate with your experience and expertise, the benefits package is (literally) unsurpassed.  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 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 a collaborative team.  This is an outstanding career opportunity and our client wants to hire this developer right now!  EOE

Interested candidates should apply through our website.  We'd appreciate your sending a cover letter detailing your interest and specific experience, along with samples of your work directly to Bob.

New St. Louis Search: Sales & Marketing Manager #11042

We're pleased to announce our newest retained search.  Should you have friends and/or colleagues who you respect and believe would be interested in learning more about this opportunity, we would certainly appreciate the referral.

General Description:
This newly created agency position is responsible for developing leads for our    client, creating and executing an online advertising strategy, including paid ad placement and supporting our client’s sales and marketing process.  You’ll be responsible for identifying, qualifying and tracking prospective clients.  Once identified, this manager will contact those prospective clients to create preliminary awareness of and interest in utilizing our client's services.  You’ll work closely with management and sales colleagues to increase our clients’ online presence to deliver more sales prospect leads.  You’ll conduct online research to identify prospects in our client’s key vertical categories.  You’ll develop tactics for relationship advertising.

Primary Responsibilities:
Develop and utilize an online marketing/advertising strategy including online media (including social), LinkedIn and appropriate portals to purchase online advertising for our client (your employer), exposing their brand to more prospects.  Help develop an efficient protocol for following up on prospects while constantly building the online brand.
Identify, qualify and make initial contact with interested prospective national clients utilizing multi-market marketing communications.  Qualify the relationship with the prospective client and help them move to our client (your employer) for their marketing communications needs.
Support our client’s new business account executives to develop and maintain long term client relationships resulting in their loyalty, ongoing satisfaction and sales.

Experience:
We're looking for an enthusiastic, ambitious and entrepreneurial sales and marketing pro who has three to five years of agency or Marcom digital media experience.  You must have experience with paid online media buying, social media tactics and have experience developing a consistent online brand presence.  You must have experience utilizing SEO, and analyzing web data and metrics and refining approach as needed.  Previous experience involving client interaction on the telephone is essential.
We want someone who personable, outgoing and has proven the ability to multi-task while being extremely detail oriented.   This is an opportunity to achieve increasing responsibility and satisfaction in a fast paced, creatively professional environment.

Compensation:
There is a base salary commensurate with your prior earning history and experience.  Additionally, there is a comprehensive benefits package including medical (dental and vision option) and 401K with company match.
 
About our Client:
 Our client is over 20 years old and a consistent leader in their marketing thinking, working with a diverse base of loyal national clients who are leaders in their categories. Their business has consistently grown year over year. There is a veteran staff of professionals to support your efforts, resulting in tactical executions that assure your clients’ ongoing satisfaction. Our client’s leadership team is smart, forward thinking, nimble, entrepreneurial and innovative, always thinking about developing new ways to help their clients communicate their message. The environment is creative and professional and your colleagues are passionate about high end creative, in support of strategic marketing communications and content development.  EOE

Please apply through our website (www.Bishop-Partners.com). 

New St. Louis Search: VP of Strategic Business Development #11033

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 strategic client relationships.  Our client provides strategic branding, consulting and marketing communications through events, the internet and alternative video, among other channels. Our client is also expert at delivering internal communications to large corporations, associations and other groups. You will meet with senior level 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 in-house.  This is a new business development position, with success achieved through a strategic, consultative sales process.

Primary Responsibilities:
•    Understand our client’s unique approach and be able to persuasively deliver dynamic integrated marketing 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 our client.  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.
•    Provide strategic marketing ideas and suggestions to clients to help them achieve sales growth.

Experience:
We’re looking for candidates with a degree and at least 10 years of marketing leadership and aggressive new business creative sales success at the clients’ “C” level.  We want strategic thinkers who know what questions to ask to identify opportunity. We’re looking for candidates with national B2B branding/promotion/marketing experience from either the agency or client side.  Experience in video production and sales is a significant plus.  Premier candidates have succeeded in this role before  and understand sound marketing communications strategy. We expect a proven ability to develop relationships and close sales!  You should have a desire to work very hard to represent a nationally recognized firm and move them to the boardrooms of the country’s most desirable clients. 

Compensation:
Compensation will be commensurate with experience and your ability to deliver results.  The compensation is based on a salary and incentive, coupled with an outstanding benefits package including medical, life and disability insurance and a 401K.   Our client is willing to pay top dollar for premier candidates and there is no glass ceiling to earnings.   This is an outstanding opportunity for significant financial success, career longevity, and ongoing growth both professionally and personally for the ambitious candidate. There is no relocation package being provided.

About Our Client:
Our client is over 20 years old and a consistent leader in their marketing thinking, working with loyal clients who are leaders in their category..  Their business has consistently grown year over year.  There is a veteran staff of professionals to support your sales and resulting tactical efforts and assure your clients’ ongoing satisfaction.  Our client’s leadership team is smart, forward thinking, nimble, entrepreneurial and innovative, always thinking about developing new ways to help their clients communicate their message.  The environment is creative and professional and your colleagues are passionate about high end creative, in support of strategic marketing communications.  EOE

New Search for St. Louis Client: Sr. Account Executive, Direct Marketing #11024

General Description:
As a result of growth, our full service agency client needs a Sr. Account Executive for their direct marketing efforts.  This opportunity will utilize your history of strategic concepting, developing loyal client relationships 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 five to seven years of agency experience, with several of those years immersed in direct marketing.  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 the Client:
The client is an integrated advertising communications agency who is expert in delivering the marketing message directly to the targeted consumer.  They are an award winning, 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 Sr. AE right now!   EOE

Please apply through our website, and send an email directly to Bob detailing your interest and qualifications for this position.

St. Louis Client Needs: Director of Interative Marketing #11021

This new position has been created  because of the demand on the existing interactive leadership’s time.  The Director of Interactive will develop key client campaigns from the initial client meetings through implementation and analytic follow-up. This position has equal components of oversight of online strategy development, superb client service and interactive creative/development execution.  This Director will have a role in integrating online communications with other client communication activity and setting strategy for client projects. This role supports account and creative directors in the day-to-day management of accounts in the area of online communications.  This Director is a lead voice on the interactive component of client presentations and new business pitches.

Core responsibilities will include preparing project planning materials; managing communications with internal account, creative and development teams, vendors/partners, and external clients while overseeing the implementation of projects insuring on time and on budget delivery.

Primary Responsibilities:
•    Simultaneously oversee a range of interactive projects as both lead producer and primary client manager.
•    Define and manage team expectations and resources regarding scope of work and responsibilities.
•    Facilitate communication between client, account, creative and development to strategize the approach for client communications projects and new business pitches.
•    Develop project management documentation: wireframes, sitemaps, technology specs, work orders, change orders, etc.
•    Serve as primary point of contact for internal and external clients for online components of marketing plan.
•    Assist in conducting client research and competitive analysis.
•    Assists in development and tracking of budgets as well as monthly billing.
•    Deliver project management responsibilities on select projects, as necessary.

Experience:
We’re looking for candidates with a related degree and a total of around 15 years of integrated marketing communications experience with at least five of those years in recent online marketing communications leadership.  We need an articulate expert who can confidently speak the technical jargon of development in a way both clients and their technical support will understand. A knowledge leader who will patiently share that knowledge and methodology experience with co-workers and clients.  We need someone who’s skilled with both the spoken and written word . . . Someone who’s compulsively organized and able to manage all the elements of a complex project, while being charming, engaging and collaborative . . . A fierce defender of the quality of the final product.   Someone wants to study the analytics of the campaign to determine its success and identify areas for improvement.  We’re looking for a temperament that is calm in the midst of a fast paced, quickly changing environment. 

Compensation:
Our client is offering an excellent compensation package with a base salary commensurate with your experience and expertise and including profit sharing, health and dental plans, company paid insurance (short and long-term disability and life) and vacation/holiday time . . . and yes, even free parking!

About the Client:
The client is an integrated marketing communications agency that is mature, yet young at heart!  The agency has been in existence for over twenty years, and has a spectacular reputation for consistently producing high quality work, and being recognized as a great place to work.  There has been steady, consistent growth of national, regional and local clients over that life span. Your colleagues are extremely collaborative and have a cooperative spirit of mutual support.  There is truly a family atmosphere where everyone looks out for each other.   EOE

Please apply through our website at www.Bishop-Partners.com and send a separate letter detailing your interest, qualifications and any available samples of your work directly to Bob.

New St. Louis Search: International PR Manager #10123

International PR Manager #10123
Location:  St. Louis County

General Description:
As a result of our client’s continued growth, this new position will be responsible for refining the global PR infrastructure, speechwriting, message positioning and incorporating meeting planning into a tactical marketing plan.  You’ll manage a support team to help coordinate a marketing communications plan that will incorporate the consistent development of new products into the existing Marcom calendar.  Our client is an inventive leader in the animal nutrition and feed category, who has grown consistently for decades.

Primary Responsibilities:
•    Support product/market positioning through the development of a significant global PR/communications infrastructure for long term, repeatable impact.
•    Integrate PR, product introductions, events and e-Marketing to drive business plan.
•    Oversee the geographic coordination of consistent messaging in support of the tactical marketing calendar.
•    Create a baseline (including tradeshows and e-Marketing) and repeatable model for PR
Including industry pubs and key partner channels (NGOs and Associations).
•    Coordinate the global delivery and development of a fundamental “share of voice” by identifying and developing relationships with strategically significant media outlets.
•    Create a “text bank” to track all text collateral in a searchable format.
•    Formalize relationships with content providers to ensure a reliable and agile “flow” process to deliver content based on calendar educational opportunities.
•    Travel up to 20-25% in support of these activities

Experience:
We’re looking for candidates with a marketing degree and 10-15 years of marketing communications experience, across multiple marketing channels and specifically with PR.  A blend of agency and client side experience would be desirable, as would international experience and knowledge in the animal nutrition/feed category.  Viable candidates will have experience writing for publication, speeches and interviews.  They’ll have experience developing and utilizing relationships with media (traditional and new).  You must be confident, hard working and with an ability to multi-task with simultaneous complex global projects.  You should have successfully and profitably lead teams.

Compensation:
Our client has a history of a market leading compensation package.  That comp plan includes a premier salary (plus target performance bonus) along with a substantial family-friendly benefits package including insurance (medical, dental, disability, life), EAP, Wellness, exceptional 401K and more.

About Our Client:
Our client is a mature, diverse company that has consistent growth as a result of product innovation through research.  They are a category leader in animal health, nutrition and feed and continue to expand their global footprint.  One of the most desired companies to work for in the St. Louis area, offers an above average compensation package including a competitive salary, generous bonus, and outstanding benefits.  Come work for one of the few companies in town that has continuously hired through the recession.  EOE

Please apply through www.Bishop-Partners.com.  Please email a cover letter detailing your interest and specific qualifications directly to Bob.

New Search: Business Meeting Producer #10112

As you know, I'm a retained recruiter specializing in marketing and advertising.  A good client has asked me to help with a contract position that they have an urgent need for.  The position will start as soon as we can find the right candidate and will run through the end of February, at least.  There is an excellent possibility for the position turning full time at that point.

General Description:
As a result of our client’s growth, this new position is responsible for handling all aspects of the production of sophisticated business meetings for Fortune 500 clients.  There are multiple simultaneous complex projects that will demand your ability to handle a wide range of strategy, production, budget and timeline issues.  This Meeting Producer will have the opportunity to demonstrate responsibility, strategic thinking, and client relationship skills while orchestrating all the components necessary for the meeting’s production.   This is an exciting opportunity, to work in an unusually energetic and collaborative shop where your outstanding performance can lead to opportunities for increased responsibility. 

Primary Responsibilities:
•    Be responsible for all aspects of daily client interface with agency, including both internal and external communications with clients, agency colleagues and vendors.
•    Lead your clients through the conversation necessary to help them identify and understand appropriate strategies and tactics to efficiently meet their meeting goals. 
•    Be project manager for overseeing that all meeting elements; creative, video, speech writers, entertainment, traffic and billing, etc., are completed on time and on budget. 
•    Negotiate and manage all expenditures and insure the profitability of all work.
•    Be accountable for the clients’ complete satisfaction while not caving into the client’s every (strategic, creative, budgeting, timeline or tactical) whim.
•    Pre-production and on-site implementation for meetings/events as appropriate (20%).

Experience:
We need an ambitious, self directed and confident meeting producer with a related degree and at least 10 years’ meeting production experience.  Someone who’s been waiting for that special opportunity to perform their magic with national clients we’ve all heard of.  Only candidates who have experience with producing business meetings will be considered.  We want someone who has proven the ability to multi-task while being extremely detail oriented and passionate about client satisfaction and creative execution.  You must be able to demonstrate the ability to be assertive with all of the personalities involved in the production of meetings, while maintaining a sense of humor and calm demeanor!

Compensation:
There is a base salary commensurate with your experience and with bonus potential.  Additionally, there is an outstanding benefits package including medical (including dental/vision option) and disability insurance.

The Client:
Our client is over 20 years old and a consistent leader in their meeting concepts and sophisticated production, working with a diverse base of loyal national clients who are leaders in their category. Their business has consistently grown year over year.  There is a veteran staff of colleagues to support your efforts, resulting in tactical executions that assure your clients’ ongoing satisfaction.  Our client’s leadership team is smart, forward thinking, nimble, entrepreneurial and innovative, always thinking about developing new ways to help their clients communicate their message.  The environment is stable, creative and professional and your colleagues are passionate about producing consistently spectacular work.  EOE

Please apply through our website.  Please email a cover letter detailing your interest and specific qualifications directly to Bob.

The position will start as soon as we can find the right candidate and will run through the end of February, at least.  There is an excellent possibility for the position turning full time at that point.

New Search: Senior Consumer Brand Strategist #10094

General Description:
This new position is a result of our St. Louis client’s growth and need to more fully service their clients at a smarter and more strategic level.   Our client is a marketing communications firm who accelerates their client’s path to market.  They are not a traditional agency. 
This position will partner with Fortune 100 consumer package goods brands in helping them define and execute brand identity, positioning and supporting marketing communications.  We want someone who can drive the “what should we do” conversation with senior client representatives. 
Our client works extensively in new product development and the re-positioning of established national (and sometimes global, iconic) brands, with emphasis in the food and beverage category.  Our client engages with brands from the concept stage, through every facet of production, with marketing support up to and on store shelves (brand positioning and packaging through promotion).

Primary Responsibilities:
•    Work closely with the ECD and Group Account Director in delivering actionable insight into their clients’ strategic marketing needs.
•    Meet with senior client reps and lead the strategic discovery process resulting in dynamic (and successful) tactical marketing solutions.
•    Write the resulting brief and collaborate with the creative and account staff in executing the marketing solution.
•    Travel as necessary for client responsibilities and new business development meetings.

Experience:
We’re looking for a special person who could be a writer, a planner, brand manager, CMO, or a hybrid of those titles.   We’d like that person to have an elite education (MBA preferred) and at least 15 years’ experience of strategic brand experience with at least 10 years of that experience on the client side.  We want someone who’s very smart, but insatiably driven to continuously learn through additional experiences and reading.
The ideal candidate will have significant prior experience with brand identity and positioning, new product development, packaging, promotion at retail and/or shopper marketing experience for national consumer package goods brands.  Additionally they should be fluent with the most current marketing channels including traditional and new media applications.

We’d also like that classically trained candidate to be unusual and/or unpredictable . . .  someone with an atypical approach and solution to an issue.  This person has a non-traditional thought process and delivers powerful, non-traditional and innovative (perhaps constructively disruptive) insight.  We’re looking for brilliance that leads to success in an “off center” way.  As you’ve guessed, this is a very unusual marketer.

Compensation:
Our client is offering a comprehensive compensation package including a base salary, the potential for a bonus based on performance and outstanding benefits..  Your starting salary will be based on experience, expertise and is designed to intrigue premier candidates. The benefits package includes medical insurance (dental and vision), a 401K, Disability and Life insurance.  A relocation package is being offered.

 About our client:
Our client is mature, yet young and innovative.  . . a  comprehensive marketing resource.  Our client is proud of the loyalty of their own client base, which is leading to frequent, substantial new business opportunities and successes.  The environment is urban, modern, collegial and fun.  Our client is interested in loyal, productive and happy employees and works hard to retain them.  EOE

Interested candidates should upload their introduction, resume and portfolio info to our website: Bishop-Partners.com (Retained Recruiter).  We’ll respond promptly.  Thank you!

New St. Louis Search: Senior Online Producer #10092

The Sr. Producer will manage key client projects from the initial client meetings brief through to implementation. This position has equal components of superb client service and detailed project management.  The Sr. Producer will have a role in integrating online communications with other client communication activity and setting strategy for client projects. This role supports account directors and account managers in the day-to-day management of accounts in the area of online communications.

Core responsibilities will include preparing project planning materials; managing communications with the interactive project team, vendors/partners, internal account teams, and external clients; and overseeing the implementation of projects to plan, timeline, and budget.

Primary Responsibilities:
•    Defines and manages team expectations regarding scope of work and responsibilities.
•    Facilitate communication among team members – internally and with the client – via regular team meetings, weekly status reports, and project website.
•    Identify, acquire and manage all assets necessary for project.
•    Identifies and assesses impact of changes in scope; ensures that revised estimates are developed and improved, and appropriate project documentation is updated.
•    Serve as primary point of contact for internal and external clients for online components of communications plan.
•    Assist in conducting client research and competitive analysis.
•    Assists in development and tracking of budgets as well as monthly billing.

Experience:
We’re looking for candidates with a related degree and a total of around 15 years of advertising experience with at least five to seven of those years in recent online advertising.  We need an articulate expert . . . A knowledge leader who will patiently share that knowledge and methodology experience with co-workers and clients.  We’re looking for a temperament that is calm in the midst of a fast paced, quickly changing environment.

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.  A re-location package is being offered.

About the 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 a collaborative team.  This is an outstanding career opportunity and our client wants to hire this Senior Producer right now!   EOE

Please apply directly through our website www.Bishop-Partners.com and send a separate email of introduction to Bob detailing your interest and qualifications.

New Search: Associate Creative Director-Art #10084

We’re looking for ACD candidates with a related degree and 5-7 years’ experience.  We’re looking for candidates who have leadership capabilities, superb design skills and an approach to innovative, contemporary marketing  (across all channels) that can reach and impact customers in that targeted 18-28 demographic.  We only want candidates with national CPG food and beverage experience (including packaging), who are ambitious and who want increasing opportunities and responsibilities in their career growth.  Here’s an opportunity for your next step forward.

Our client is winning new business and consistently growing.  They want creatives who “live the lifestyle”, can “be the consumer” and know what resonates with that demographic.  Your portfolio should show novelty, risk and success for the client.  You must understand and embrace the emergence, proliferation and evolution of online, mobile and virtual tools, blurring the boundary between one’s professional and personal life.  We want enthusiasm and evidence that you’re embracing the confluence of the internet, broadband and mobile.  It’s likely you also have a significant online personal brand.  We want to see it!  Experience with traditional tactics is assumed.

We want a voracious learner, someone who’s not content with the status quo but is looking towards and playing with, the future.  You need to have worked closely with colleagues by contributing,  collaborating, enhancing and presenting to both internal and external stakeholders.  You should be sensitive to helping your colleagues grow.

Our client is offering a compensation package including a base salary and outstanding benefits.  Your starting salary will be based on experience, expertise and is designed to intrigue premier candidates. The benefits package includes medical insurance (dental and vision), a 401K, Disability and Life insurance.  EOE


If you’re intrigued and want to learn more, apply through our website and we’ll respond promptly.  As a part of your application process, send links or electronic samples directly to Bob@Bishop-Partners.com.

New Retained Search: President of Marcom Agency #10075

We're thrilled to be starting a new retained search for one of the region's premier marketing communications firms.  This is a very special opportunity for those who are the elite leaders of our industry.  Please apply through our website at Bishop Partners.

Marketing Communications Firm President #10075
Location:  St. Louis

This position of agency leadership in St. Louis is a result of succession planning efforts on the part of the agencies’ principals.  Those principals are interested in identifying and recruiting a marketing communications leader to take the helm of a well established marketing communication resource with a superior reputation.  The position includes all the responsibilities of a functioning President.  The ideal candidate will feel comfortable and driven to provide the strategic and tactical leadership, vision and inspiration so necessary to compete and win in today’s Marcom market.  The client base is composed of premier national and regional clients.  The staff is smart, hard working and passionate about doing the finest work possible in support of their clients’ needs.

Primary Responsibilities:

•    Lead the agency’s vision, goals, creative and account identity, ongoing excellence and insure growth into the future.
•    Be accountable for the ongoing profitability and revenue growth of the agency.
•    Lead, oversee and approve all budgetary efforts including operations, marketing and employee retention and growth.
•    Be the final decision maker, after consulting with the Executive Team on those issues relevant to the culture, operations, stability and growth of the agency.
•    Analyze, characterize and identify markets, potential clients, and expanded geography by assessing the market size/growth, business models, dynamics, and key players/organizations.
•    Lead the strategic client acquisition planning process, including the lead generation process and actively manage and track efforts to guide the marketing strategy and engagement with various potential clients.
•    Consistently and successfully lead the new business development efforts, utilizing existing client contacts,  experience and industry position, for the benefit of the agency.
•    Unsurpassed presentation and negotiation skills and an ability to communicate to a variety of audiences, both externally and internally.

Experience:
We’re looking for smart, charismatic and successful marketing professionals who have a degree and a track record that leaves no doubt about their being an innovative marketing communications leader (B2B, B2C and B2E).  We think a minimum of 15 years’ experience in an agency, design firm, or interactive agency is a minimum.  You must have run a company.  You must be fluent with the language and methodology of “modern marketing”.  “Traditional” experience is less important than innovative, or even experimental marketing efforts.  You must understand and be able to articulate those elements that separate effective creative and design from the frivolous.  You must have led teams and have had a positive impact on those team members and the clients served.  It is essential that your clients will enthusiastically testify to your commitment to their satisfaction with your work.  It’s also essential that they be thrilled with the success of the work you’ve provided for them.  We’re looking for that special person who’s a creative leader who’s comfortable with and successful at new business development.

Compensation:
Our client is interested in recruiting premier employees, the compensation package reflects that desire, and will be custom designed for the candidate.    A relocation package (if necessary) and a competitive benefit package are also included.

About Our Client:
Our client’s a mid-sized agency and over 30 years old, with a superb reputation for smart strategic thought coupled with spectacular creative design that consistently succeeds for their clients.  They think of themselves as a “hybrid” . . . they’re proud of delivering strategy like an agency, with the creative of a design firm. 

The client base is composed of premier national and regional clients, including institutions and non-profits.  The staff is smart, hard working and passionate about creating the finest work possible in support of their clients’ needs.  They have literally scores of awards, both local and national supporting the quality of thinking and execution.  There is a pride in providing unsurpassed client service . . . and beyond!  They have been named one of the best places to work in St. Louis.  EOE

New St. Louis Search: VP, New Business Development, Marketing #10077

General Description:
We need a seasoned account person to lead Fortune 500 brand clients.  The position entails strategic development and oversight, supervision of  tactical execution and significant client contact in support of those efforts.  Be a new business "hunter": Identify new client opportunities, develop relationships and "close" new business opportunities.  Represent the clients’ needs and goals to the agency and facilitate execution of smart, strategically driven tactical solutions, delivering spectacular results.  The position is a career opportunity to work with world-class brands and all the responsibility, and resulting professional and personal satisfaction that goes with it.  The tactical execution for our client involves a focus on new media marketing, with  print, collateral, events, and direct marketing.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Be “the face of the agency” and represent it with an enthusiastic, out-going personality, detail orientation and ability to consistently build and grow loyal client relationships.
• Identify new business opportunities and develop relationships that lead to new business for our client.
• Lead clients’ planning and discovery meetings.  Be responsible for proposal and final creative brief writing for presentation to and review by the client.  
• Ensure that proper and consistent communication is maintained within the project team and the client, maximizing client results and agency profitability.
• Responsibilities include proper documentation of client need, budget negotiation and acceptance, internal/external resource planning, deadline management, and resolving the “issues of the day”.
• Ensure that deliverables coincide with project scope, plan, budget, strategy and goals.
• Maintain and grow project revenue from existing accounts by identifying new business opportunities and assisting in new business development initiatives.
• Develop an annual "outbound" marketing plan for our client and manage the tactical execution of that plan.

Experience:
A Degree and at least seven years of current advertising or marketing communications experience is required,  preferably with a creatively-driven agency (an appreciation for great creative and a proven ability to sell it is essential) working with national consumer brands.   You must have expertise in online marketing and experience with social marketing.  We want experience dealing with client principals, negotiating agency fees, strategic development and tactical execution across a wide spectrum of outlets as mentioned above.  We need someone who’s ambitious, articulate and entrepreneurial and who commands the clients’ respect, with the result of developing long term, loyal client relationships. We need a team player and leader who also knows how to have fun while handling significant responsibility.  This is a new business development position.

Compensation:
The compensation will be custom designed for the premier candidate and will include a salary with an opportunity for a performance bonus.  The package is augmented with medical insurance 401K, flexible vacation/PTO policy and tuition assistance.  Employees are supported and treated with loyalty and respect.  The office is an exciting and fun place to work. 

About Our Client:
Our client is one of the fastest growing “boutique” (read unique personality) agencies in the region.  The Agency has an attitude and personality that inspires their workers to demand clever winning strategies, executed with elegance and enthusiasm at the highest standards of quality.  This is not a typical place to work.  There is passion about client success in the air.  The Agency’s loyalty to their workers is impressive.  There is spirit of cooperation among co-workers, that you don’t find in every agency!  Our client needs this Director of Client Services now!  EOE 

Interested parties should apply by uploading a resume to our website, and sending an email of introduction directly to  Bob.  If you have friends and/or colleagues who you respect and believe to be qualified for this position, we'd appreciate your referral.

New Retained Search: Prepress Production Manager #10033

Location: St. Louis Metro

General Description:
This is a new position resulting from our client’s growth.  The Production Manager is responsible for all components of digital prepress production including the scheduling of all day-to-day production and delivering quality work on time, to our client’s flexo and offset presses.  The role requires contact with clients and other vendors on a regular basis. It also requires an acute ability to troubleshoot day-to-day business challenges, from color and technical job related concerns to managing department personnel.  The purpose of this position is to plan, facilitate, and deliver job information to production in the most efficient and profitable manner possible, while offering support to graphic artists and making recommendations on production and quality improvements wherever possible. You’ll work with senior management to expand the capabilities and efficiencies of the department over time.

Primary Responsibilities:
•    Assign workloads to personnel for production scheduling needs, oversee departmental estimating and billing and facilitate communications with production, customer service and clients.
•    Create and maintain the highest quality approach to the department resulting in 100% customer satisfaction and loyalty.
•    Identify, develop and establish “best practices” in workflow and color management, including profiling of all in-house hardware (including presses), proofing devices, monitors, etc.
•    Establish and maintain an automated workflow documenting hours/billing, production scheduling and digital file archiving systems.
•    Quality Control review of digital and analog deliverables for accuracy and completeness.
•    Training and professional development of department employees.
•    Review, refine and upgrade as necessary, department knowledge of technical concepts and theories, as well as hardware and software used by department professionals.
•    Communicate with senior management regarding the growth and profitability of the department.
•    The overall quality, efficiency and profitability of the department, including staff hiring, training, mentoring and performance reviews.

Experience:
We think a related degree and a minimum of 10 years of prepress production experience in a flexo and offset press environment, with at least three years of supervision of employees is about right.  You must be fluent in the latest versions of appropriate software, hardware and color management tools for multiple presses and proofing devices.  We’re looking for a leader with very strong written and verbal communications skills, able to manage a fast moving department that’s driven by quality and customer service.  You should be able to anticipate and resolve production issues.  Specific experience with flexo printing, Kodak and DuPont plate making equipment, and process dot and solid ink density knowledge are critical.  Flexo packaging experience is ideal.  We’re looking for a self-motivated hard working leader with experience keeping a digital prepress department on the leading edge of technology, quality, efficiency and profitability.

Compensation:
Our client is offering an outstanding compensation package, designed to intrigue premier candidates.  In addition to a base salary with the possibility of bonus based on performance,  the package includes medical benefits (dental and vision options), a 401k with Company match, and short and long term disability.

About Our Client:
Our client is over 25 years old and consistently growing and improving their technological and hardware production capabilities.  They are known as an industry leader in technology solutions for delivery of flexo printing for packaging.  They have a large, new facility in the metro St. Louis area with some of the most modern flexo and offset presses (literally) in the world.   Every level of management is accessible, helpful and supportive.  Every employee is given the tools they need for success, without micro-management.  They hire the best and expect superior performance and results.  There is very little employee turnover.  They have long term loyal customers who have come to trust our client’s ability to consistently perform above expectations.  Our client is ready to hire right now!  EOE

New Search: Web Designer/Developer #10033

We're just starting a new search for this online designer.  Our client is interested in hiring this person as soon as possible, so if you know of a friend or colleague who's looking for a new opportunity and step forward in their career, please feel free (and encouraged) to forward this description to them.

Web Designer #10033
Location:  St. Louis

General Description:
Because of growth resulting from new business, award-winning St. Louis branding/marketing/communications agency client is looking for a full-time web designer to add to our online team.  We create interactive, print and video communications for category leading clients around the world.  This is a fast-paced agency environment that requires an ability to quickly change gears and produce great work in a variety of styles for a variety of audiences. 

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 a web designer with 2-3 years advertising agency or design firm experience—but even more important is a portfolio that shows us cutting edge work in a variety of media and styles.  Additional skills desired include:  Enhanced web programming skills (ASP, PHP, jQuery, ActionScript, etc.), an understanding of relational databases and SQL, CMS (Drupal, Wordpress, ModX, etc.), HTML email, print design, and the flexibility to work within several software and server platforms. A proficiency in streaming media and motion graphic applications, such as After Effects, would be even better!

About Our Client:
Our client is over 20 years old and a consistent leader in their marketing thinking, working with loyal national clients who are leaders in their category.  Their business has consistently grown year over year.  Our client’s leadership team is smart, forward thinking, nimble, entrepreneurial and innovative, always thinking about developing new ways to help their clients communicate their message.  The environment is creative and professional and your colleagues are passionate about high end creative, in support of strategic marketing communications,  EOE.

Please apply through our website www.Bishop-Partners.com.  Please send a separate email to Bob@Bishop-Partners.com detailing your interest in and qualifications for this position including a link to your online portfolio.

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.