Strategic Planner  

• Conduct in-depth competitive audits on activities in the Digital/Social/Mobile Landscape
• Develop well thought-out research plans, identifying the right mix of primary and secondary, using cost and time-effective tools and trusted partners
• Stay current on news of the day and information related to a broad mix of relevant subjects
• Develop recommendations that answer the client brief based on audit and research efforts
• Play an active role in conceptualization, research, planning and development of new client campaigns
• Work with the Colleagues to write creative briefs, research dossiers, etc.
• Responsible for managing the research library
• Investigate client marketing channel usage and the relative value of ROI
• Create and implement strategies for clients across multiple channels
• Align knowledge of trends with client business objectives to create opportunities and solutions
• Be aware of client’s competitive landscape and market conditions, and make informed recommendations regarding established and emerging platforms for engagement
• Identify prime target audiences for direct customer communications
• Evolve insights into inspiring ideas that build an emotional connection to the brand.
• Present case studies (ours and those of our competitors), effectively articulating how consumer behaviors are informing how a brand should behave and interact online (and off).
• Develop data-driven personas and social/digital consumer journey maps.
• In partnership with creative, evoke theater in a document to romance the ideas and elicit the desire to learn more, change behavior, take action, etc.
• Juggle multiple assignments and work in a high-pressure environment.
• Manage time and establish priorities while maintaining flexibility to respond to changing demands.
• Brainstorm new and creative growth strategies for clients
• Manage a portfolio of accounts and ensure overall performance of client campaigns
• Demonstrate success in supporting business growth through new client wins and increased reach within existing clients
• Maps research timelines and milestones that can be adjusted and budgeted by Project Management and Account leads.
• Partner with account leaders to ensure planning is appropriately staffed to the client need and potential.
• Collaborate seamlessly with Edelman business units (Consumer, Digital, Corporate, etc.) to identify and articulate opportunities where there is no formal RFP or RFI.

Basic Qualifications

• At least five years of extensive experience in an account or brand planning role at an advertising, digital, integrated marketing or PR agency

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (minimally), likely in Marketing, Advertising, or related field, but potentially other majors (e.g., Liberal Arts: psychology, economics, English, other.)
• Ability to combine data and insights into a point of view
• Analytics experience
• Proficiency in PowerPoint
• Basic understanding of communications marketing concepts and practice
• Strong presentation and written communication skills
• Experience within the account planning department of an advertising, marketing, or PR agency or client environment
• Experience mining for and examining research data from multiple sources including primary and secondary research (MRI, Data Monitor, Roper Reports, etc) and crafting thoughtful research reviews to be used for planning and account teams to develop insights, strategy and ideas
• Experience defining, planning, and executing key projects in partnership with internal teams and client contacts
• Project Management knowledge with strong presentation and written communication skills
• Deft at developing powerful narratives to deliver insights and strategy
• Solid grasp of brand strategy and brand equity assessment
• Demonstrated track record of bringing insight, strategy development and idea generation to new business pitches