The Perfect Fit

Urgent Need: Sr. Professional Services Copywriter #21074

Senior Digital Marketing Copywriter #21074
Location: St. Louis or Remote (in the Central Time Zone)

Overview:
Our client is experiencing consistent growth resulting from their success in their category of service. They are committed to building a world class in-house marketing and creative capability. You’ll work directly with and report to the Director of Digital Marketing. You’ll also collaborate with the Director of Marketing Communications, the Social Media Manager and Senior Designer, as well as in-house IT teams. Remote work from the Central time zone is possible.

Principal Responsibilities:
• Content development and creation, with primary emphasis on digital-marketing copywriting.
• Write articles and create content for use in digital and print advertising and marketing projects, particularly to generate new business referrals across a variety of channels (i.e. email, web, mobile).
• Responsible for ensuring that brand identity and messaging are executed consistently in the creation of compelling content for use across all audiences, products and services for our Client and its subsidiaries.
• Website content support and responsibilities, for example, writing metadata descriptions, keyword strategy, and SEO tactics applied to copywriting.
• Develop and maintain thorough knowledge of the organization’s brand, business model, products, services and marketing goals.
• Assist Marketing team with creating, reviewing, proofreading and revising marketing materials and publications.
• Support the brainstorm, conceptualizing, development of marketing campaigns, including paid advertising, email marketing and social media campaigns.
• Excellent editing, proofreading skills, attention to detail, and ability to take direction

New Retained Search: Director of Digital Marketing #21071

General Description:
We’re looking for an experienced marketing digital strategist who has the experience, vision and the confidence to lead an imaginative and effective digital marketing team for our St. Louis area Client. This position includes oversight for the development and management of web properties that support product sales, client assessment, leads and referrals, marketing outreach and brand reputation, while ensuring a positive client experience. Required knowledge includes experience with digital marketing techniques, including web-based campaigns involving landing pages, email marketing, and online advertising media.
This is a strategic role, not a tactical one. Our client already has powerful tactical creatives, technicians and developers. The goal is to find the articulate, forward thinking visionary leader, who has an entrepreneurial spirit, technical expertise and is driven to build something. You’ll manage outside agencies, contractors and vendors; work closely with internal teams to ensure implementation of successful consumer marketing programs; and advise on tactics to improve SEO, SEM and SMO.
This is a career opportunity in a 35+ year old privately held company, constantly growing and evolving and expanding professional services capabilities.  This is not a remote working opportunity.

Responsibilities Include:
• Implementing digital marketing campaigns to drive new leads, including SEM, email marketing, mobile, paid social media and multimedia channels.
• Management of web properties (sites, landing pages, etc., and applying best practices for UX, design, WCAG, SEO and meeting marketing objectives)
• Experience with SEM campaigns supporting development and execution of programs that drive leads and acquisitions at an efficient cost.
• Manage the company’s CMS platform in support of internal users.
• Marketing liaison to the IT development team for cooperative client-focused projects.
• Lead company relationship with external digital marketing firms and contractors focused on paid search and programmatic campaigns, landing pages, UX projects and analytics.

UX & Accessibility Designer/Developer A St. Louis or Remote Opportunity!

I’m starting a new search for a UX & Accessibility Designer/Developer for my St. Louis based Client.  They are privately held, over 35 years old, 400+ employees and one of the most highly respected providers of the professional services they deliver, in the U.S..  Perhaps the best part is that their services make a huge difference in people’s lives.  They are at a confluence of healthcare, insurance and employment, they help represent and support their fellow human beings! 

Our Client is open to a remote worker in the Central Time Zone.

The Client is offering an excellent starting base salary and an unusually strong benefits package (more detail in job description).  My Client is feeling a sense of urgency with this hire.

Overview:
Our client is experiencing consistent growth resulting from their success in their category of service. They are committed to building a world class in-house marketing and creative capability. You’ll work directly with and report to the Director of Digital Marketing. You’ll also collaborate with the Director of Marketing Communications, the Social Media Manager and Senior Designer, as well as in-house IT teams.

You’ll advise teams on best practices in UX, Accessibility/WCAG issues; make design and functionality changes as needed to web assets; build landing pages for ads and build custom referral landing pages for strategic partnerships. create web components/modules for online events as needed (webinars, You Tube, Facebook) for customers and occasionally employees. Help design, adapt and maximize our “front-end assessment” or screening tools for in-bound referrals; and manage related digital assets in the Umbraco CMS system.

Desired Skills and Experience:
1.       Experience developing and managing websites
            • Excellent technology/coding skills (HTML, JS, etc.)
            • Front end development skills with solid understanding of responsive design, UX, accessibility issues and graphic design

Entrepreneurs Respond to Pandemic and Remote Work

Fortune 500 companies don’t stop operating just because their employees head home. Instead, they use technology to ensure customers have 24/7 access to important information. The Marketing Recruiter offers tips on how you can, too:

Managing priorities. There's quite a bit to do when starting a new business venture in Missouri or preparing to invest and grow your existing small business. And while it's tempting  to prioritize new technology and marketing tactics like you see big business doing, an area that is often overlooked is the process of choosing and establishing the best legal business entity for your business. For example, many business owners who want to grow choose to create an LLC because of its limited liability, flexibility, and tax benefits. As an added bonus, it’s one of the easiest and least expensive structures to set up and manage.

Provide your clients with ecommerce options. 80% of Americans shop online each month, yet nearly half of all small businesses don’t have a website, reports BigCommerce Editor-in-Chief Tracey Wallace. How many major corporations can you think of that have avoided this necessary tool? An added benefit for you as a small business owner is that online shopping means cash tracking… and one less thing you have to do each day. When your customers buy online, your website, if set up properly, will handle everything from calculating sales tax to determining your cost vs. profit.

Answer common customer questions ahead of their expectations. Your website is a key marketing tool that reduces the time you spend responding to customer queries. This includes providing information about your business that would otherwise require your continual communication with potential customers. Think about this: online retail giant Amazon.com provides detailed information about every product they sell. This bag of seaweed snacks is a prime example. Not only are there photos and nutritional information, but Amazon lists sustainable harvesting practices, country of origin, and recipe ideas right from the product page. Customers are further provided with similar items, an effective upsell technique that costs you nothing.

Offer highly-visible reviews of your company from previous customers. Considering that nearly 90% of consumers trust online reviews, it is in your best interest to provide these straight from your site. Search Engine Land reports that you need at least 10 reviews to impact buying behavior. Not sure how to ask for reviews? Check out The Review Solution. This company’s SaaS product is free and lets you post reviews to your Better Business Bureau account page, which can be linked to your website. Reviews essentially let your happy customers do the talking for you. Aside from posting testimonials, you can review companion businesses on their site to link back to your site. What this does is strengthens your online presence and increases the SEO of your domain. Reciprocal relationships are beneficial to all parties.

I'm Proud of 20 Years of Success As A Marketing Recruiter!

I'm very proud to have just passed my 20 year anniversary as a recruiter . . . What a ride! I can’t believe how fast it’s flown by!

I've survived, 9.11, the Great Recession and Covid! While 2020 was the worst year for earnings that I've ever endured in my (entire) professional career, I'm thrilled that 2021 has rebounded so incredibly fast. I’m grateful that my hard work, faith in my abilities, loyal friends, colleagues, existing Clients and my new Clients have all contributed to my resurgence.

I want to thank all of you who have been supporters all these years. Those of you who have referred friends and colleagues for searches as well as referred me to friends and prospective new Clients, are my lifeblood. I couldn't have made it 20 years, without your help and support!

I've been proud to help both my Candidates and Clients. I love presenting new career opportunities to those who aren't really looking or didn't know a career opportunity for them even existed. I get excited when I can help a Client replace, refine or expand their company's capabilities and capacity.

During all this time, I've enjoyed learning more about the worlds of digital advertising and marketing communications. One can't just "stand still" or be "content" with their knowledge of marketing . . . We all have to make the effort and devote the time necessary to grow and learn about new tools and tactics. Digital marketing is an ever evolving and expanding world. Trying to keep up with it, is time I love spending!

So, let me just say to any of you who've read this far, thank you! You've helped make my professional life, successful, exciting,  fulfilling and fun! Here's to many, many more years of "executive recruiting" and your continued support!

Resources For Your Remote Career Path

When you have the ability to work remotely, the opportunities are endless. You could land a full-time job with a company that operates virtually, or you could even open up your own online business! No matter what’s next on your professional journey, Bishop Partners can help you get ready. Here’s how to search for remote work opportunities, network online, and spruce up your resume for the job hunt.

Find a Telecommute Position

Today, plenty of companies allow their employees to work remotely. Here’s how to land the remote job of your dreams!

● Wondering how to find job postings for remote positions? Check out these platforms.
● Create a virtual portfolio for employers to view that showcases your most important professional achievements.
● Get in touch with Bishop Partners if you need resume and portfolio consulting.
● Get ready for your video interviews in advance by rehearsing your answers and testing out your technology.
● Once you’ve secured a remote position, settle into a routine that will boost your productivity!

Run a Business From Home

You can open a business without renting a retail space. These tips will help you launch a company that you can run remotely.

● Don’t launch a product or service without creating a business plan first — you can get all of your ideas down on paper.
● Registering your business as an LLC will grant you limited liability and tax perks, so get your Certificate of Formation in your state through an online formation service!
● Make sure that customers can easily find you online by setting up a small business website.
● Running a remote business doesn’t have to prevent you from networking — these tips will help you connect with others online and offline.

Tips for Job-Seeking Veterans

Are you transitioning from the military to civilian life? These resources are packed with tips on landing the right remote job.

The Recruiting Market is Red Hot and Rapidly Becoming Candidate Driven!

What the difference a year makes! Employers are no longer simply driving the recruiting bus, picking up experienced and skilled employees. Candidates need to want to work for you (employer) as badly as you want them on board!

In a survey with ExecuNet (a leading Executive Recruiting resource), completed last week the results were surprising, if not downright shocking!

“We are hearing from more and more executive recruiters that the executive hiring market is very strong. Some compare it to 1999-2000 just before the “dot com” bust. That may be overblown, just glad things are moving forward.

The challenges of a strong marketplace is that it isn’t all good news for recruiters who work so hard to fill a position. It is clearly becoming a candidate empowered market.

A Robert Half survey from February, 2021 highlighted that 28% of candidates backed out after receiving a job offer:

▪ 44% received a better offer from another company
▪ 27% received a counteroffer from their current employer
▪ 19% heard bad things about the potential new company through due diligence”

One of the principles of interviewing is: “Know Your Candidate!” They have options.

Know if your candidate is interviewing elsewhere – a top candidate attracts other recruiters, so keep the pulse on all candidates you are seriously pursuing; you can be seen as a helpful part of their process.

Understand what competitors are offering – top candidates can be expected to attract top interest and you can build relationships to help them compare offers, so they can better make a decision.

Prepare for the Counteroffer – clear with the candidates early what their view is of a counteroffer and lack of longevity for anyone who accepts one.

Improve the way to extend offers – take advantage of the relationship between hiring manager (or recruiter) and candidate and be open, honest and sincere.

Help your candidates resign – enable them to leave graciously and professionally, it protects them and commits them to final closure.

Do you, the Employer, have the time and resources necessary to really develop the relationships and understand the nuance of a candidate’s career goals? Those are the (simple) elements that help the retention of high value candidates. It’s also why there are Executive Recruiters!

Give Bob a call to see how Bishop Partners can help you hire the most valuable candidates, in a timely way.

Recruiting Surges as Pandemic Recedes! It’s Recruiting Pandemonium!

The St. Louis Post Dispatch Headline over the weekend read, “US Economy Roaring Back”! Friday in the Wall Street Journal, “Jobless Claims fell below 500,000 last week for the first time during the pandemic as layoffs continue to decline.” It’s not only bars and restaurants who are having trouble hiring . . . it’s every (not any) employer who is interested in upgrading particular capabilities.   

The second week in January, 2021 Bishop Partners experienced an incredible, sudden acceleration of recruiting activity from our former and new Clients. It was exciting! We’ve already completed more searches this year, than all of 2020!

For example, in an agency or in-house creative group, those superior creatives, digital media planners/strategists/buyers, client service leaders or new biz developers are extremely difficult to identify and hire. They don’t watch job boards or apply for new positions. If they’re not working at the employer of their choice, being paid what they’re worth and professionally very happy, it’s their own fault!

When layoffs are planned and executed, employers don’t lay off their most valuable employees. They lay off those who are not great at what they’re doing or who’s comp level was just too much during Covid.

Companies are more methodical in the approach to hiring in that the openings are a result of analyzing the business model and organizational structure to key on personnel realignments, upgrades or replacements. With the vaccine rollout and a better understanding of how to mitigate surges than a year ago, companies are working feverishly to meet demand and expand capabilities (modern marketing), while also assessing where they can embrace remote talent in some departments permanently.

If you aren’t already, now is the time to be developing your hiring strategy for the rest of the year. Business is bouncing back quicker than anyone expected . . . don’t get lost in the dust!

To efficiently identify, recruit and hire the top performers in your industry, it’s smart to hire a professional recruiter who specializes in your industry. You want the position filled as quickly as possible.

Give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss your needs and explain how we can be a resource for you.

Beginner's Guide to Starting a Small Business

If you’re looking for a way to become an active member of your community, consider starting a business. Local entrepreneurs help cities and neighborhoods thrive. They pave the way for industry and contribute to upward growth for everyone around them. Here are some tips for how to create a business that’s interwoven with your community:

Getting Started
Set a strong foundation in order to build a company you can be proud of:

● Take a look at this article to figure out if you’re ready to start a business.
● Look over different business structures to see which is right for you.
● Raise funds through loans, grants, investors, or crowdfunding.

Building a Local Team
Create jobs for your neighbors and build a unified team:

● Freelancers can help you handle basic foundational tasks, such as accounting or email marketing, while you build a full staff.
● Be sure to do an honest audit of your own skills in order to see what gaps you need to fill with your team.
● For example, if you don’t have much marketing experience, you may want to consider using a marketing recruiter to help you find a great fit.
● Even if you’re hiring locally, you can still consider hiring remote workers in order to

Photo Credit: Pexels

reduce office costs and attract self-motivated candidates.

Staying Community-Minded
Your business has the power to make a real difference in your community:

● Offer your product or services to local people and businesses to build relationships.
● Build charitable giving into your budget so you can support local improvement efforts.
● Join your local chamber of commerce in order to stay knowledgeable on what’s happening and connect with other business owners.

With time, local businesses can become defining elements of a neighborhood or city’s character. Focus on building a business that supports the community, and it will support you in kind!

New Urgent Search, Account Director in Minneapolis

With 50 years of data-driven direct marketing experience, our Minneapolis Client offers the services, resources, and expertise their clients need to power successful, omni-channel marketing campaigns.

Our Client’s rapidly growing Marketing Services team is seeking experienced account/client services professionals to serve in the position of Account Director. The primary role of the Account Director is to support Group Account Directors, Strategists, and the Sales team in developing and implementing direct response marketing strategies. This will include managing client communication and deliverables as well as direct or indirect supervision of assigned Account Services team members.

Principal Responsibilities
• Become an expert on each of assigned clients’ company, products, industry, offers, messaging and brand guidelines, etc.
• Brings new ideas, insightful thinking and proactive planning to clients on a regular basis.
• Provides input and assist the Group Account Director and Strategists in the development of strategic marketing communication plans.
• Frequently develop pitch and presentation materials and “sells” ideas and recommendations to clients.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with client contacts through daily interactions as our Client’s principal representative.
• Actively participate in development of campaigns from ideation through to client approval and performance analysis in a leading role.
• Develop creative briefs and any reference materials needed to give strong direction to the internal team in order to complete deliverables.
• As necessary, review creative materials and provide detailed proofing to ensure it matches the requirements outlined on estimate, matrix, or other reference documents
• Deliver quality materials on-time, on-strategy and on-budget; monitor project labor vs. budget on ongoing basis, revising scope documents or escalating concerns as appropriate
• Ability and willingness to travel, up to 30%