As an ACD, Art, you will... 

Work with your creative partner to ideate concepts, build brands, and execute designs for a variety of communications, both print and digital. You will create solutions that have a business impact on our clients and a meaningful impact on people. Your role is to consistently create and inspire others to deliver world-class, unexpected creative solutions and narratives that are strategically rigorous and executionally efficient.

Be Accountable and Responsible for:

• Brand Architecture: Architect the visual systems, design languages, and structural messaging frameworks for diverse life sciences clients.
• Modular Systems: Build modular, scalable brand platforms that maintain brand integrity across channels and customers for high-volume personalized content.
• Scientific Translation: Translate complex clinical data and brand strategies into compelling visual narratives and persuasive stories.
• Creative Collaboration: Partner across disciplines (Art and Copy) to create foundational creative stories and systems that set the standard for all tactical executions.
• Systems-First Oversight: Oversee creative output to ensure a "systems-first" approach to all design and copy development.
• Insight-Driven Design: Collaborate with strategy and other departments to ensure communications are rooted in deep customer insights.
• Client Stewardship: Navigate senior-level creative reviews with a focus on strategic solutions and establishing scalable brand platforms.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Supervise the work of others—generally 2–4 employees—mentoring junior and mid-level creatives toward systematic, foundational thinking.
• New Business: Contribute to new business pitches from insight-gathering and strategic development through concept creation and client presentation.

These are qualifications we are looking for:

• 8 plus years of proven experience in art direction and design leadership within an AOR agency or design firm
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, and/or equivalent work experience
• Mastery of "systems thinking" with a portfolio showcasing scalable, modular design.
• Ability to translate nuanced strategies into elegant and impactful creative solutions.
• Strong background in digital-first design and omnichannel content architecture with expertise in developing component-based systems within tools like Figma.
• Expertise in navigating the balance between creative excellence and strict medical/regulatory guidelines.
• A portfolio that demonstrates elite craft, conceptual firepower, and the ability to handle high-stakes brand stewardship.
• Exceptional presentation skills with the ability to defend ideas and executions to senior stakeholders.

#LI-JK1

#LI-HYBRID

At MERGE, we’re committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive in both their careers and personal lives, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed.

MERGE is proud to invest in benefits that include meaningful Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K, Lifestyle Spending Account, Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Flexible Time off & Holidays plus many other benefits and rewards.

Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

Open position in all True Media office locations, including Kansas City, MO, Columbia, MO, St. Louis, MO, Portsmouth, NH and Minneapolis, MN; Hybrid work schedule: 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position, now or in the future. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring employer sponsorship.

The Associate Media Director of New Business will be a key member of our leadership team, playing a pivotal role in new business and strategic planning. With extensive expertise in integrated media planning and a deep background in research and insights, they will drive creative opportunities to expand and enhance our agency's growth. This role is crucial in managing a fast-paced new business pipeline, helping to shape the future of our agency’s growth while expanding our strategic capabilities.

As a key lead across the growth team, they will provide strategic support and ownership to new business pitch process, providing rich research and insights leveraging our deep tool stack. This role will have a strong understanding of advanced measurement and the ability to structure measurement strategies. They will also provide fractional support for our current accounts to help inform and drive stronger strategies that lead to client retention.  

Your responsibilities will include contributing to business improvement by achieving personal and departmental goals and objectives efficiently and effectively.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

New Business: 90% of time

• Will be a primary or secondary strategy lead for all new business and growth opportunities.
• Develop strategic procedures and frameworks that allow for us to move in a fast-paced environment to address incoming RFPs and delivery high-level work to support our growth pipeline.
• Utilization of advanced research tools to develop insights and uncover opportunities that outline market, industry, competitive and media trends.
• Identify current gaps in research to incite future actions and project what will bring significant value to our agency and clients.
• Develop decks that are customized to each project with a high-level of storytelling that are built on strategic pillars and principles.
• Support the agency in the use of advanced measurement tools and methodologies to ensure we level up client media effectiveness.
• Effectively develop and manage Measurement Strategies that connect media with clear KPIs and optimized metrics to ensure success of the media campaigns.
• Foster a space for communication within the team by establishing strong connections and implementing feedback loops to enhance training and education. 

Integrated Media Planning and Strategy Development: 10% of time

• Support our current Integrate planning team on research, strategy and channel planning.
• Ensure media strategies are aligned with client objectives, target audiences, media and industry landscape while supporting campaign goals.
• Develop content and support agency POVs/Case studies that drive our strategic view on media.

Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 7-10 years in strategic planning, along with research and insights expertise. (New Business experience is highly preferred)
• 7-10 years of experience in a traditional and digital media planning/buying position at an advertising/media agency
• Experience delegating assignments to a fully developed integrated media team and providing oversight on project development, deliverables and adhering to timelines.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, colleagues, and vendors.
• Proven ability to analyze data and market research to identify trends and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficient in media planning tools and software, as well as analytics platforms (GA4, Commspoint, Nielsen, MRI, Vivvix, MarketMate, etc.)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to clients and internal teams.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, team members and other stakeholders in our agency.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing client needs, industry trends, emerging media channels and internal structure changes.

Education

• A bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, with a degree or concentration in advertising, marketing, or communications preferred; or one to two years of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Total Perks Package

• The chance to be a part of a growing company and the next success story
• Amazing opportunities for career development
• Recognition programs
• Employee referral bonus
• Hybrid work schedule; 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home
• Fun and collaborative work environment
• Casual dress code
• Insurance Coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability)
• 401(k) retirement plan, with employer 4% match
• Work/life benefits, including mental health and wellbeing support
• Flexible Time Off Policy
• Paid holidays, including agency soft closing Christmas Eve-New Year's Day
• Paid leave options, including sick leave, medical leave for self and family, and parental leave

Open position in all True Media office locations, including Kansas City, MO, Columbia, MO, St. Louis, MO, Portsmouth, NH and Minneapolis, MN; Hybrid work schedule: 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position, now or in the future. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring employer sponsorship.

The Associate Media Director of New Business will be a key member of our leadership team, playing a pivotal role in new business and strategic planning. With extensive expertise in integrated media planning and a deep background in research and insights, they will drive creative opportunities to expand and enhance our agency's growth. This role is crucial in managing a fast-paced new business pipeline, helping to shape the future of our agency’s growth while expanding our strategic capabilities.

As a key lead across the growth team, they will provide strategic support and ownership to new business pitch process, providing rich research and insights leveraging our deep tool stack. This role will have a strong understanding of advanced measurement and the ability to structure measurement strategies. They will also provide fractional support for our current accounts to help inform and drive stronger strategies that lead to client retention.  

Your responsibilities will include contributing to business improvement by achieving personal and departmental goals and objectives efficiently and effectively.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

New Business: 90% of time

• Will be a primary or secondary strategy lead for all new business and growth opportunities.
• Develop strategic procedures and frameworks that allow for us to move in a fast-paced environment to address incoming RFPs and delivery high-level work to support our growth pipeline.
• Utilization of advanced research tools to develop insights and uncover opportunities that outline market, industry, competitive and media trends.
• Identify current gaps in research to incite future actions and project what will bring significant value to our agency and clients.
• Develop decks that are customized to each project with a high-level of storytelling that are built on strategic pillars and principles.
• Support the agency in the use of advanced measurement tools and methodologies to ensure we level up client media effectiveness.
• Effectively develop and manage Measurement Strategies that connect media with clear KPIs and optimized metrics to ensure success of the media campaigns.
• Foster a space for communication within the team by establishing strong connections and implementing feedback loops to enhance training and education. 

Integrated Media Planning and Strategy Development: 10% of time

• Support our current Integrate planning team on research, strategy and channel planning.
• Ensure media strategies are aligned with client objectives, target audiences, media and industry landscape while supporting campaign goals.
• Develop content and support agency POVs/Case studies that drive our strategic view on media.

Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 7-10 years in strategic planning, along with research and insights expertise. (New Business experience is highly preferred)
• 7-10 years of experience in a traditional and digital media planning/buying position at an advertising/media agency
• Experience delegating assignments to a fully developed integrated media team and providing oversight on project development, deliverables and adhering to timelines.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, colleagues, and vendors.
• Proven ability to analyze data and market research to identify trends and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficient in media planning tools and software, as well as analytics platforms (GA4, Commspoint, Nielsen, MRI, Vivvix, MarketMate, etc.)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to clients and internal teams.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, team members and other stakeholders in our agency.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing client needs, industry trends, emerging media channels and internal structure changes.

Education

• A bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, with a degree or concentration in advertising, marketing, or communications preferred; or one to two years of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Total Perks Package

• The chance to be a part of a growing company and the next success story
• Amazing opportunities for career development
• Recognition programs
• Employee referral bonus
• Hybrid work schedule; 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home
• Fun and collaborative work environment
• Casual dress code
• Insurance Coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability)
• 401(k) retirement plan, with employer 4% match
• Work/life benefits, including mental health and wellbeing support
• Flexible Time Off Policy
• Paid holidays, including agency soft closing Christmas Eve-New Year's Day
• Paid leave options, including sick leave, medical leave for self and family, and parental leave

Open position in all True Media office locations, including Kansas City, MO, Columbia, MO, St. Louis, MO, Portsmouth, NH and Minneapolis, MN; Hybrid work schedule: 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position, now or in the future. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring employer sponsorship.

The Associate Media Director of New Business will be a key member of our leadership team, playing a pivotal role in new business and strategic planning. With extensive expertise in integrated media planning and a deep background in research and insights, they will drive creative opportunities to expand and enhance our agency's growth. This role is crucial in managing a fast-paced new business pipeline, helping to shape the future of our agency’s growth while expanding our strategic capabilities.

As a key lead across the growth team, they will provide strategic support and ownership to new business pitch process, providing rich research and insights leveraging our deep tool stack. This role will have a strong understanding of advanced measurement and the ability to structure measurement strategies. They will also provide fractional support for our current accounts to help inform and drive stronger strategies that lead to client retention.  

Your responsibilities will include contributing to business improvement by achieving personal and departmental goals and objectives efficiently and effectively.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

New Business: 90% of time

• Will be a primary or secondary strategy lead for all new business and growth opportunities.
• Develop strategic procedures and frameworks that allow for us to move in a fast-paced environment to address incoming RFPs and delivery high-level work to support our growth pipeline.
• Utilization of advanced research tools to develop insights and uncover opportunities that outline market, industry, competitive and media trends.
• Identify current gaps in research to incite future actions and project what will bring significant value to our agency and clients.
• Develop decks that are customized to each project with a high-level of storytelling that are built on strategic pillars and principles.
• Support the agency in the use of advanced measurement tools and methodologies to ensure we level up client media effectiveness.
• Effectively develop and manage Measurement Strategies that connect media with clear KPIs and optimized metrics to ensure success of the media campaigns.
• Foster a space for communication within the team by establishing strong connections and implementing feedback loops to enhance training and education. 

Integrated Media Planning and Strategy Development: 10% of time

• Support our current Integrate planning team on research, strategy and channel planning.
• Ensure media strategies are aligned with client objectives, target audiences, media and industry landscape while supporting campaign goals.
• Develop content and support agency POVs/Case studies that drive our strategic view on media.

Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 7-10 years in strategic planning, along with research and insights expertise. (New Business experience is highly preferred)
• 7-10 years of experience in a traditional and digital media planning/buying position at an advertising/media agency
• Experience delegating assignments to a fully developed integrated media team and providing oversight on project development, deliverables and adhering to timelines.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, colleagues, and vendors.
• Proven ability to analyze data and market research to identify trends and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficient in media planning tools and software, as well as analytics platforms (GA4, Commspoint, Nielsen, MRI, Vivvix, MarketMate, etc.)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to clients and internal teams.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, team members and other stakeholders in our agency.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing client needs, industry trends, emerging media channels and internal structure changes.

Education

• A bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, with a degree or concentration in advertising, marketing, or communications preferred; or one to two years of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Total Perks Package

• The chance to be a part of a growing company and the next success story
• Amazing opportunities for career development
• Recognition programs
• Employee referral bonus
• Hybrid work schedule; 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home
• Fun and collaborative work environment
• Casual dress code
• Insurance Coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability)
• 401(k) retirement plan, with employer 4% match
• Work/life benefits, including mental health and wellbeing support
• Flexible Time Off Policy
• Paid holidays, including agency soft closing Christmas Eve-New Year's Day
• Paid leave options, including sick leave, medical leave for self and family, and parental leave

Open position in Portsmouth, NH, St Louis, MO, Kansas City, MO, Minneapolis, MN, Columbia MO; Hybrid work schedule; 2 days in the office, 3 days working from home

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, now or in the future. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring employer sponsorship.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a SVP, Performance Marketing to lead and scale a high-impact performance team within our agency, Swell Media, part of the broader integrated media holding companies True Independent Holdings, and Meet The People. 

This role is built for a challenger-minded performance digital leader, someone who thrives in fast-moving, high-accountability environments and knows how to turn media into a true revenue engine. 

You will own a portfolio of ecommerce and lead generation clients, driving measurable growth through full-funnel strategy, advanced platform execution, and a relentless focus on efficiency (ROAS, CPA, LTV). Internally, you will lead, mentor, and scale teams. Externally, you will serve as a trusted partner to senior client stakeholders, shaping both strategy and business outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

Client Leadership & Commercial Growth

• Own performance outcomes across a portfolio of ecommerce and lead generation clients, with direct accountability to revenue, CAC/CPA, and ROAS targets
• Build senior-level client relationships, positioning the agency as a strategic growth partner, not just an executional vendor
• Lead new business pitches, RFP responses, and organic account growth, with a focus on expanding performance-driven services
• Identify and unlock growth opportunities across the broader holding company’s capabilities (brand, creative, analytics, CRM)

Performance Strategy (Ecommerce & Lead Gen Focus) 

• Architect and oversee full-funnel, audience-led strategies tailored to:
• Ecommerce (feed-driven media, conversion rate optimization, LTV optimization, retention signals)
• Lead Generation (funnel optimization, lead quality, offline conversion tracking, sales alignment)
• Ensure seamless integration between upper-funnel investment and lower-funnel efficiency, driving scalable, sustainable growth
• Push beyond platform defaults, developing differentiated approaches to audience strategy, creative, and bidding
• Serve as the ultimate technical escalation point for the agency, conducting rigorous audits on high-stakes accounts to identify and resolve performance plateaus
• Develop proprietary testing frameworks that push beyond standard A/B testing into sophisticated incrementality and lift studies

Channel & Platform Leadership

• Oversee execution across all core performance channels:
• Primary - paid search, paid social
• Secondary - programmatic, affiliate, CTV, and emerging platforms
• Maintain deep expertise across key platforms:
• Google Ads (Search, YouTube, Performance Max, Shopping, Merchant Center)
• Meta, TikTok, LinkedIn, and programmatic ecosystems
• Lead advanced capabilities across:
• Feed optimization and automation (critical for ecommerce scale)
• Creative testing frameworks and iteration velocity
• Signal development, audience modeling, and incrementality

Data, Measurement & Martech

• Own the measurement framework and marketing technology ecosystem, including:
• GA4, Google Tag Manager, CRM integrations (e.g., HubSpot)
• Attribution models, incrementality testing, and offline conversion tracking
• Reporting and visualization (e.g., Looker Studio)
• Build closed-loop measurement systems that connect media investment to revenue, pipeline, and customer value
• Drive a culture of testing, experimentation, and continuous optimization

Team Leadership & Challenger Culture 

• Build, lead, and mentor high-performing, performance-driven teams across levels
• Instill a challenger mindset, pushing teams to question platform best practices, test aggressively, and innovate beyond standard approaches
• Act as a player-coach, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on expertise where it matters
• Develop scalable frameworks, playbooks, and training to elevate team performance and consistency

Operational & Financial Leadership

• Oversee portfolio-level performance, including budget allocation, pacing, and forecasting
• Drive accountability to client KPIs, SLAs, and agency revenue/margin targets
• Partner with executive leadership on resource planning, staffing, and operational efficiency
• Build systems that enable scalable growth without sacrificing performance quality

Holding Company Integration

• Collaborate across the broader media organization to deliver fully integrated, cross-channel strategies
• Act as a bridge between performance marketing and brand, creative, analytics, and investment teams
• Ensure performance media is fully aligned with brand strategy, creative direction, and broader media planning
• Help position the agency as a modern, performance-first leader within the holding company ecosystem

Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 8+ years of experience in performance marketing, with leadership roles in an agency environment
• Proven success scaling ecommerce and/or lead generation businesses through paid media and conversion optimization
• Deep expertise across paid media platforms, analytics, and marketing technology
• Mastery of advanced scripts, API integrations for automated bidding, and sophisticated CRM-to-platform data loops (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, and Offline Conversion Tracking at scale)
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex tracking and attribution discrepancies in a post-cookie landscape
• Femonstrated ability to manage high-growth client portfolios and drive measurable business outcomes
• Strong track record in new business, client growth, and senior stakeholder management
• Experience operating within or alongside integrated media organizations or holding companies preferred
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills

Total Perks Package

• The chance to be a part of a growing company and the next success story
• Amazing opportunities for career development
• Recognition programs
• Employee referral bonus
• Hybrid work schedule; 2 days in the office, 3 days working from home
• Fun and collaborative work environment
• Casual dress code
• Insurance Coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability)
• 401(k) retirement plan, with employer 4% match
• Work/life benefits, including mental health and wellbeing support
• Flexible Time Off Policy
• Paid holidays, including agency soft closing Christmas Eve-New Year's Day
• Paid leave options, including sick leave, medical leave for self and family, and parental leave

Open position in all True Media office locations, including Kansas City, MO, Columbia, MO, St. Louis, MO, Portsmouth, NH and Minneapolis, MN; Hybrid work schedule: 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position, now or in the future. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring employer sponsorship.

The Associate Media Director of New Business will be a key member of our leadership team, playing a pivotal role in new business and strategic planning. With extensive expertise in integrated media planning and a deep background in research and insights, they will drive creative opportunities to expand and enhance our agency's growth. This role is crucial in managing a fast-paced new business pipeline, helping to shape the future of our agency’s growth while expanding our strategic capabilities.

As a key lead across the growth team, they will provide strategic support and ownership to new business pitch process, providing rich research and insights leveraging our deep tool stack. This role will have a strong understanding of advanced measurement and the ability to structure measurement strategies. They will also provide fractional support for our current accounts to help inform and drive stronger strategies that lead to client retention.  

Your responsibilities will include contributing to business improvement by achieving personal and departmental goals and objectives efficiently and effectively.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

New Business: 90% of time

• Will be a primary or secondary strategy lead for all new business and growth opportunities.
• Develop strategic procedures and frameworks that allow for us to move in a fast-paced environment to address incoming RFPs and delivery high-level work to support our growth pipeline.
• Utilization of advanced research tools to develop insights and uncover opportunities that outline market, industry, competitive and media trends.
• Identify current gaps in research to incite future actions and project what will bring significant value to our agency and clients.
• Develop decks that are customized to each project with a high-level of storytelling that are built on strategic pillars and principles.
• Support the agency in the use of advanced measurement tools and methodologies to ensure we level up client media effectiveness.
• Effectively develop and manage Measurement Strategies that connect media with clear KPIs and optimized metrics to ensure success of the media campaigns.
• Foster a space for communication within the team by establishing strong connections and implementing feedback loops to enhance training and education. 

Integrated Media Planning and Strategy Development: 10% of time

• Support our current Integrate planning team on research, strategy and channel planning.
• Ensure media strategies are aligned with client objectives, target audiences, media and industry landscape while supporting campaign goals.
• Develop content and support agency POVs/Case studies that drive our strategic view on media.

Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 7-10 years in strategic planning, along with research and insights expertise. (New Business experience is highly preferred)
• 7-10 years of experience in a traditional and digital media planning/buying position at an advertising/media agency
• Experience delegating assignments to a fully developed integrated media team and providing oversight on project development, deliverables and adhering to timelines.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, colleagues, and vendors.
• Proven ability to analyze data and market research to identify trends and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficient in media planning tools and software, as well as analytics platforms (GA4, Commspoint, Nielsen, MRI, Vivvix, MarketMate, etc.)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to clients and internal teams.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, team members and other stakeholders in our agency.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing client needs, industry trends, emerging media channels and internal structure changes.

Education

• A bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, with a degree or concentration in advertising, marketing, or communications preferred; or one to two years of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Total Perks Package

• The chance to be a part of a growing company and the next success story
• Amazing opportunities for career development
• Recognition programs
• Employee referral bonus
• Hybrid work schedule; 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home
• Fun and collaborative work environment
• Casual dress code
• Insurance Coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability)
• 401(k) retirement plan, with employer 4% match
• Work/life benefits, including mental health and wellbeing support
• Flexible Time Off Policy
• Paid holidays, including agency soft closing Christmas Eve-New Year's Day
• Paid leave options, including sick leave, medical leave for self and family, and parental leave

Open position in all True Media office locations, including Kansas City, MO, Columbia, MO, St. Louis, MO, Portsmouth, NH and Minneapolis, MN; Hybrid work schedule: 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position, now or in the future. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring employer sponsorship.

The Associate Media Director of New Business will be a key member of our leadership team, playing a pivotal role in new business and strategic planning. With extensive expertise in integrated media planning and a deep background in research and insights, they will drive creative opportunities to expand and enhance our agency's growth. This role is crucial in managing a fast-paced new business pipeline, helping to shape the future of our agency’s growth while expanding our strategic capabilities.

As a key lead across the growth team, they will provide strategic support and ownership to new business pitch process, providing rich research and insights leveraging our deep tool stack. This role will have a strong understanding of advanced measurement and the ability to structure measurement strategies. They will also provide fractional support for our current accounts to help inform and drive stronger strategies that lead to client retention.  

Your responsibilities will include contributing to business improvement by achieving personal and departmental goals and objectives efficiently and effectively.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Other duties may be assigned)

New Business: 90% of time

• Will be a primary or secondary strategy lead for all new business and growth opportunities.
• Develop strategic procedures and frameworks that allow for us to move in a fast-paced environment to address incoming RFPs and delivery high-level work to support our growth pipeline.
• Utilization of advanced research tools to develop insights and uncover opportunities that outline market, industry, competitive and media trends.
• Identify current gaps in research to incite future actions and project what will bring significant value to our agency and clients.
• Develop decks that are customized to each project with a high-level of storytelling that are built on strategic pillars and principles.
• Support the agency in the use of advanced measurement tools and methodologies to ensure we level up client media effectiveness.
• Effectively develop and manage Measurement Strategies that connect media with clear KPIs and optimized metrics to ensure success of the media campaigns.
• Foster a space for communication within the team by establishing strong connections and implementing feedback loops to enhance training and education. 

Integrated Media Planning and Strategy Development: 10% of time

• Support our current Integrate planning team on research, strategy and channel planning.
• Ensure media strategies are aligned with client objectives, target audiences, media and industry landscape while supporting campaign goals.
• Develop content and support agency POVs/Case studies that drive our strategic view on media.

Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 7-10 years in strategic planning, along with research and insights expertise. (New Business experience is highly preferred)
• 7-10 years of experience in a traditional and digital media planning/buying position at an advertising/media agency
• Experience delegating assignments to a fully developed integrated media team and providing oversight on project development, deliverables and adhering to timelines.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, colleagues, and vendors.
• Proven ability to analyze data and market research to identify trends and make data-driven decisions.
• Proficient in media planning tools and software, as well as analytics platforms (GA4, Commspoint, Nielsen, MRI, Vivvix, MarketMate, etc.)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to clients and internal teams.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, team members and other stakeholders in our agency.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing client needs, industry trends, emerging media channels and internal structure changes.

Education

• A bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university, with a degree or concentration in advertising, marketing, or communications preferred; or one to two years of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Total Perks Package

• The chance to be a part of a growing company and the next success story
• Amazing opportunities for career development
• Recognition programs
• Employee referral bonus
• Hybrid work schedule; 3 days in the office, 2 days working from home
• Fun and collaborative work environment
• Casual dress code
• Insurance Coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability)
• 401(k) retirement plan, with employer 4% match
• Work/life benefits, including mental health and wellbeing support
• Flexible Time Off Policy
• Paid holidays, including agency soft closing Christmas Eve-New Year's Day
• Paid leave options, including sick leave, medical leave for self and family, and parental leave

Assistant Director

University of Kansas Hillel

Role Overview

Make your mark on Jewish student life by joining KU Hillel as our next Assistant Director. This senior staff member is a passionate Jewish leader who prioritizes creating student-led, innovative, and meaningful programs, experiences, and communities on campus. You will inspire students and staff to dream big, as you empower them to make those dreams a reality. You’ll have meaningful ownership over strategy and implementation across all aspects of our student-facing operations. KU Hillel strives to foster a pluralistic community where students explore and own their Jewish journeys.

The University of Kansas is an exciting melting pot of undying school pride— be that through sports like KU Jayhawk Basketball, love for our beautiful campus up on the hill, or connection to the micro-communities they see as family. KU Hillel staff meet students where they are, building Jewish community all across campus life. We seek a proven professional who leads with passion, empathy, and curiosity and who approaches the world with nuance, humor, and always puts people first. We welcome candidates from student affairs, higher education, nonprofit leadership, religious education, and other related fields. 

What You’ll Do

Strategy & Leadership

• In partnership with the ED, develop and drive a strategy for expanded student engagement.
• Develop a broad-spectrum approach to student leadership with multiple entry points for engagement.
• Be the leading voice and active model for building authentic relationships with students and fostering a welcoming, pluralistic environment that celebrates the Jewish students who call KU home. 

Communication & Education

• Champion Jewish learning and identity exploration through student-driven experiences.
• Oversee and implement a communications & marketing plan to creatively reach students in as many ways as possible. 
• Oversee organizational communications, marketing, and program calendars.

Supervision & Management

• Supervise a team of 2-3 employees and 8-10 student interns. Support staff in leveraging their strengths and interests into new opportunities.
• Support staff in leveraging their strengths and interests into new opportunities.

Operations & Administration

• Oversee and manage a six-figure program budget and support grant opportunities.
• Help maintain financial accountability by helping with daily operations and monthly financials. 
• Contribute to grant writing, development planning, and campus partnerships.
• Improve systems and operational efficiency.

Who You Are

• You’re A Relationship-Builder: You thrive on meeting new people, understanding their interests, and forging meaningful connections.
• You’re A Mentor & Role Model: You mentor and develop emerging leaders with empathy and clarity.
• You’re an Educator & Facilitator: You facilitate thoughtful conversations and learning spaces.
• You’re A Creative and Bold Thinker: You reimagine the ordinary, think big, and embrace a risk-taking, entrepreneurial spirit.
• You’re an Organized Self-Starter: You are organized, proactive, and detail-oriented, while still taking time to dream about new opportunities. 

What You’ll Bring to the Job

• Bachelor's degree required. Master’s degree or relevant certificates preferred. 
• 3-5 years of experience in leadership development, relationship-based engagement, or Jewish educational programming, or adjacent fields. Transferable skills make a difference!
• Experience supervising professional staff/teams and/or facilitating leadership development for young adults.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to effectively communicate with a variety of stakeholders.
• Commitment to pluralism and comfort in engaging with Jewish life and community.
• Ability to work some evenings, weekends, and Jewish holidays to support student life.
• Primarily in-person in Lawrence, KS, with limited remote flexibility during the academic year. Staff frequently choose to live in nearby Kansas City. A monthly transportation stipend is offered to help offset expenses.
• Familiarity with Google Suite, Canva, and social media marketing platforms is a plus.

What You’ll Receive

• Competitive salary in the nonprofit marketplace. The salary range for this role is $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience.
• Monthly transportation stipend. 
• Monthly cell phone stipend.
• Relocation support of up to $2500 for those moving to the area
• A comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, Life, AD&D, and Long Term Disability (LTD) insurances, Flexible Spending accounts, generous vacation/sick time, and parental leave.
• High-level professional development to help develop core skills and gain expertise from changemakers, engagers, and Jewish life experts.
• Mentoring and career coaching to help you during and after your position
• A network of terrific colleagues from across the Hillel movement. 
• Travel opportunities, both domestically and internationally, multiple times per year.

About KU & Lawrence, Kansas City, and Our Community

KU Hillel proudly serves more than 1,000 Jewish Jayhawks with a dynamic professional team and strong community partnerships. KU Hillel is a student-centric, data-informed team committed to dreaming big, entrepreneurial thinking, and creating new and exciting opportunities to build student leadership, provide pre-professional training, and build a sense of belonging on campus.

Kansas City and Lawrence are incredible places to live:

• Kansas City is a major metropolitan area with a population of over 2.2 million, while Lawrence offers a true college-town atmosphere with about 100,000 residents, blending cultural energy with a more relaxed pace of life.
• Both Kansas City and Lawrence are highly livable communities, featuring all the cultural amenities of a big city, with the midwestern hospitality that makes you feel at home.
• Kansas City is a cultural hub for the arts and museums, and home of the very best barbecue in the world. Kansas Citians are passionate about our hometown teams, the beloved Chiefs and Royals, and KC is considered the Soccer Capital of the USA. 
• Lawrence is home to the University of Kansas, where we “bleed crimson and blue” every day. The place where basketball was born, you can travel the world in Jayhawks gear, and be proudly greeted with “Rock Chalk Jayhawk,” a welcome sign that you’re in good company.

**Interested candidates willing to relocate to Kansas are encouraged to use Jewish Federation’s See KC program as a resource to learn more about living in Kansas City and our incredible Jewish community. Kansas City boasts a thriving Jewish community of more than 20,000, including an incredible group of young professionals living in and around the KC Metro Area.**

The University of Kansas (KU) is centered in Lawrence, Kansas. Today, Lawrence remains a crossroads of culture, celebrating the artists and innovators that populate its history and create an unmistakable identity.  So, too is the spirit of the Jayhawks that powers KU. KU is the state’s flagship institution, home to innovative research and the constant pursuit of knowledge. 

Company Information
For more than 20 years, AEG has played a pivotal role in transforming sports and live entertainment. Annually, we host more than 160 million guests, promote more than 10,000 shows and present more than 22,000 events around the world. We are committed to innovation, artistry, and community, and leverage the power of our 300+ venues, leading sports franchises, marquee music brands, integrated entertainment districts, premier ticketing platform and global sponsorship activations, to create memorable moments that give the world reason to cheer.

Our business is interwoven with the human mind and heart, and we strive to build a diverse and inclusive company that reflects the artists, athletes, and fans that we host; reach beyond traditional boundaries to support the communities in which we operate; and minimize our impact on the environment by adopting sustainable practices throughout our business operations.

If you want to be challenged to up your game and make a difference, then join us in giving the world reason to cheer!

A Brief Overview

The Sr Manager Marketing-Integrated is responsible for the development and execution of marketing and promotional plans for shows. This position will execute long-term marketing initiatives and oversee issues and risks that affect the marketing campaign. The Sr Manager Marketing-Integrated will work with artist managers, agents and marketing teams to develop effective integrated marketing plans that will reach the correct demographic and target customers appropriate for each show. In addition, this position will work with talent buyers, local and central leadership to oversee execution of best practices across email, social, media buying, customer relationship management, reporting, etc.

What you will do

• Responsible for the development and execution of marketing and promotional plans for shows. Develop and execute long-term marketing initiatives. Oversee issues and risks affecting the marketing campaign.
• Generate marketing budget, book and account for advertising and media ensuring funds are allocated to correct partners. Manage advertising settlements for each show to ensure those are settled accordingly.
• Work with national tour director, talent buyers, and regional marketing director to plan the marketing spend. Work with central digital media buying, partnerships, CRM and creative teams to develop digital marketing plans for targeted audiences, custom creative and impactful partnership activations.
• Oversee and evaluate show performance market-by-market, making adjustments to meet marketing strategy in changing market or competitive conditions. Develop digital advertising plans to optimize campaigns for best performance to drive ticket sales.
• Oversee publicity, advance press interviews, secure and manage artist availability for promotions with management, label and public relations agencies.
• Collaborate with agencies and vendor partners like Ticketmaster and AXS on marketing opportunities, product development, and improving efficiencies.

Education Qualifications

• BA/BS Degree (4-year) (Advanced Degree Preferred) Marketing/Business Communications or a related field

Experience Qualifications

• 6-8 years Of related work experience
• Experience with media buying, executing digital media plans and omni-channel digital marketing
• Experience working with email, mobile and digital marketing programs
• Experience sourcing and managing content development and publishing
• Experience and knowledge of music industry

Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of data analysis and budgeting
• Strong knowledge of programmatic media and real time bidding
• Strong knowledge of social media and online marketing initiatives and strategies
• Displays in-depth knowledge and understanding of Social Media platforms, their respective participants (Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, Google +Local, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest etc.) and how each platform can be deployed in different scenarios
• Computer savvy with knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Google AdWords, Rubicon, CMS, Photoshop, WordPress
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel); and ability to learn required business systems
• Strong proficiency in content marketing theory and application
• Must be detail orientated with a high standard for quality and able to multitask and manage multiple campaigns and projects at once
• Executes creativity and documented immersion in Social Media
• Excellent interpersonal, as well as written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively supervise and lead a productive team.
• Ability to switch from the creative side of marketing to analytical side, ability to prove ideas are analytically sound
•  

Qualifications (ALL)

• BA/BS Degree (4-year) (Advanced Degree Preferred) Marketing/Business Communications or a related field
• 6-8 years Of related work experience
• Experience with media buying, executing digital media plans and omni-channel digital marketing
• Experience working with email, mobile and digital marketing programs
• Experience sourcing and managing content development and publishing
• Experience and knowledge of music industry
• Strong knowledge of data analysis and budgeting
• Strong knowledge of programmatic media and real time bidding
• Strong knowledge of social media and online marketing initiatives and strategies
• Displays in-depth knowledge and understanding of Social Media platforms, their respective participants (Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, Google +Local, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest etc.) and how each platform can be deployed in different scenarios
• Computer savvy with knowledge of MS Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Google AdWords, Rubicon, CMS, Photoshop, WordPress
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel); and ability to learn required business systems
• Strong proficiency in content marketing theory and application
• Must be detail orientated with a high standard for quality and able to multitask and manage multiple campaigns and projects at once
• Executes creativity and documented immersion in Social Media
• Excellent interpersonal, as well as written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively supervise and lead a productive team.
• Ability to switch from the creative side of marketing to analytical side, ability to prove ideas are analytically sound

Payscale: $75K - $82K

Bonus: (If applicable) This position is eligible for a bonus under the current bonus plan requirements.

Benefits: Full-time: We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes: medical, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays, vacation and sick time, company paid basic life insurance, voluntary life insurance, parental leave, 401k Plan (with a current employer match of 3%), flexible spending and health savings account options, and wellness offerings.

AEG reserves the right to change or modify the employee’s job description whether orally or in writing, at any time during the employment relationship.  AEG may require an employee to perform duties outside their normal description.

AEG's policy is to hire the most qualified applicants, and we comply with all applicable federal, state and local employment laws in making hiring and employee decisions.  We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, marital status, disability, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, or any other legally protected status recognized by applicable federal, state or local law.

Employer does not offer work visa sponsorship for this position.

About the Opportunity

This isn't a traditional sales role; it's a chance to build and operate a hyperlocal magazine in your community, backed by the support of an established national company. You'll build something of your own: developing your market, your client relationships, and working to grow a recurring revenue stream.

If you're a relationship-driven seller ready to invest in building a business, this role blends sales, ownership, and community leadership into one unique opportunity.

Position Summary

We're seeking a Territory Sales Manager (known to N2 as Area Directors) to launch, grow, and lead a BeLocal publication in your local market. If accepted, you'd operate as a local publisher: driving revenue, building partnerships with business owners, and shaping a magazine that reflects the heart of your community.

Your first months will focus on establishing your territory and building your client base. From there, you grow an asset you own.

This hybrid position involves a blend of in-person community engagement and work performed from your home office.

Who You Are

• Entrepreneurial and self-directed: you're energized by building something, not just maintaining it
• A natural relationship-builder with consultative sales instincts
• Motivated by helping local businesses grow and succeed
• Confident enough to trust N2's proven system and make it your own

What You'll Do

• Conduct consultative meetings with local business owners to establish long-term advertising partnerships
• Build meaningful relationships within the community using a proven engagement model
• Connect local businesses with their ideal customers through your publication
• Engage with homeowners to capture authentic, community-driven content
• Manage your territory, sales pipeline, and publication operations
• Partner with N2's national team for design, production, training, and ongoing support
• Lead your publication's growth as the face of Stroll in your market

What You’ll Love

• Ownership, Not Just Employment – Build and manage a local publication business in your market
• Flexible Schedule – Design your workday around your life
• Comprehensive Training – Proven, repeatable systems to guide your success
• Award-Winning Culture – Supportive, nationally recognized team behind you
• Community Impact – Become a connector and leader in your local area

Income Snapshot

The average commission for the top 10% of Area Director franchisees with one BeLocal publication is $132,850*.

The average yearly commission earned among the top 10% of Reporting Publications (the 8 highest earning publications out of 84 total) was $139,360. Within this group, the median was $129,156, the highest was $198,956, and the lowest was $115,851.

Your financial results may differ. Important assumptions and qualifiers relating to this information can be found in Item 19 of our October 10, 2025 franchise disclosure document.

About The N2 Company

The N2 Company helps small- to mid-sized businesses connect with affluent homeowners through high-quality monthly publications, targeted digital advertising, and creative community events. Our portfolio includes 800+ custom publications across brands including Stroll, BeLocal, Greet, Real Producers, and more.

About BeLocal

BeLocal welcomes new movers to their community by connecting them with trusted local businesses. New residents value BeLocal as a guide to their new neighborhood. Local businesses benefit by reaching customers actively looking for services in their area.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED
• US Resident
• Ability to operate a home-based business with local community engagement

We're seeking an analytical Associate Director of Paid Search to lead the strategy and implementation for a key client in the insurance vertical. As the dedicated subject matter expert, you will architect the paid search roadmap and ensure flawless execution. This role involves aligning search strategy with client objectives and overall digital strategy, collaborating with a cross-functional team (Account, Creative, Media, and Measurement), and leading platform approach, content distribution, and community management across Google, Microsoft, and other ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

Data-Driven Strategy & Execution

• Strategy: Design and implement comprehensive Paid Search strategies, translating complex client goals into actionable SEM tactics.
• Analytics: Conduct rigorous analytics to extract customer insights, model attribution, and report channel performance, explaining the "why."
• AI & Future-Proofing: Lead the client's strategy through the AI evolution of search (SGE, Copilot). Aggressively test and govern AI-driven products (PMax, Demand Gen, Broad Match), ensuring automation uses the right data for incremental growth.
• Optimization: Lead a proactive testing roadmap (A/B, multivariate) and use statistical evidence for optimization decisions. Monitor industry activity for opportunities.

Financial Stewardship: Manage high-volume budgets precisely. Accountable for forecasting, pacing, and ensuring spend contributes to client ROI.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Integrated Planning: Collaborate with stakeholders (internal Account/Creative and external client teams) to align Paid Search with broader integrated campaigns.
• Platform Management: Oversee daily management of Paid Search platforms (Google, Microsoft) and vendor relationships to ensure optimal strategy.
• Team Guidance: Foster a collaborative environment. Collaborate on streamlining processes on the insurance vertical, guide junior members on strategy, reporting insights and optimizations, ensuring high-quality output. Provide thought leadership across the Paid Search team. 

Insights & Innovation

• Competitive Intelligence: Conduct deep competitor analysis to maintain client advantage.
• Trend Application: Monitor Paid Search tools/automation trends, applying them to boost client performance.

Qualifications

The "Data" Requirement

• Analytical Mindset: Must guide complex reporting and identify optimization opportunities in large datasets.
• Excel Mastery: High proficiency with Microsoft Excel (financial modeling, complex formulas, pivot tables) is required.
• AI Fluency: Understand Generative AI/LLMs and manage the shift from keyword-based to intent-based/predictive modeling.

Tech Stack: Conversant in Paid Search analytics, emerging formats, and enterprise automation tools (e.g., Fluency, SA360, Kenshoo/Skai, Marin).

Professional Experience

• Experience: 6–8 years of Paid Search strategy and execution experience.
• Management: Proven experience managing high-budget campaigns
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or equivalent work experience.
• Industry: Experience on health insurance client or healthcare industry is a plus.

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Strategic Thinker: A big-picture thinker with a proven ability to drive execution. You can see the forest and the trees.
• Communication: Excellent verbal, writing, and presentation skills. You can defend your data and strategy to stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving: Expert problem-solving and issue-resolution skills. You are a self-starter who can work independently in a dynamic environment.
• Collaboration: A positive outlook, excited about supporting teammates to drive success as a collective.

Thought Leadership: An innovative leader who participates in developmental POVs for the Paid Search team and organization at large.

#LI-JK1

#LI-HYBRID

At MERGE, we’re committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive in both their careers and personal lives, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed.

MERGE is proud to invest in benefits that include meaningful Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K, Lifestyle Spending Account, Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Flexible Time off & Holidays plus many other benefits and rewards.

Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

As an ACD, Copy, you will... 

Work with your creative partner to ideate concepts, build brands, and execute copy for a variety of communications, both print and digital. You will create solutions that have a business impact on our clients and a meaningful impact on people. Your role is to consistently create and inspire others to deliver world-class, unexpected creative solutions and narratives that are strategically rigorous and executionally efficient.

Be Accountable and Responsible for:

• Brand Architecture: Architect the copy systems, voice and tone guidelines, and structural messaging frameworks for diverse client life sciences clients.
• Modular Systems: Build modular, scalable messaging frameworks that maintain brand integrity across a multi-channel creative ecosystem and allow for high-volume personalized content.
• Scientific Translation: Translate complex clinical data and brand strategies into compelling narratives and persuasive stories.
• Creative Collaboration: Partner across disciplines (Art and Copy) to create foundational creative stories and systems that set the standard for all tactical executions.
• Systems-First Oversight: Oversee creative output to ensure a "systems-first" approach to all design and copy development.
• Insight-Driven Design: Collaborate with strategy and other departments to ensure communications are rooted in deep customer insights.
• Client Stewardship: Navigate senior-level creative reviews with a focus on strategic solutions and establishing scalable brand platforms.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Supervise the work of others—generally 2–4 employees—mentoring junior and mid-level creatives toward systematic, foundational thinking.
• New Business: Contribute to new business pitches from insight-gathering and strategic development through concept creation and client presentation.

These are qualifications we are looking for:

• 8 plus years of proven experience in copywriting and creative leadership within a healthcare AOR agency
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, and/or equivalent work experience
• Mastery of "systems thinking" with a portfolio showcasing scalable, modular messaging frameworks and storytelling.
• Ability to translate nuanced strategies into elegant and impactful creative solutions.
• Strong background in digital-first storytelling and omnichannel content. architecture with an understanding of how to build component-based copy.
• Expertise in navigating the balance between creative excellence and strict medical/regulatory guidelines.
• A portfolio that demonstrates elite craft, conceptual firepower, and the ability to handle high-stakes brand stewardship.
• Exceptional presentation skills with the ability to defend ideas and executions to senior stakeholders.

#LI-JK1

#LI-HYBRID

At MERGE, we’re committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive in both their careers and personal lives, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed.

MERGE is proud to invest in benefits that include meaningful Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K, Lifestyle Spending Account, Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Flexible Time off & Holidays plus many other benefits and rewards.

Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

As an ACD, Copy, you will... 

Work with your creative partner to ideate concepts, build brands, and execute copy for a variety of communications, both print and digital. You will create solutions that have a business impact on our clients and a meaningful impact on people. Your role is to consistently create and inspire others to deliver world-class, unexpected creative solutions and narratives that are strategically rigorous and executionally efficient.

Be Accountable and Responsible for:

• Brand Architecture: Architect the copy systems, voice and tone guidelines, and structural messaging frameworks for diverse client life sciences clients.
• Modular Systems: Build modular, scalable messaging frameworks that maintain brand integrity across a multi-channel creative ecosystem and allow for high-volume personalized content.
• Scientific Translation: Translate complex clinical data and brand strategies into compelling narratives and persuasive stories.
• Creative Collaboration: Partner across disciplines (Art and Copy) to create foundational creative stories and systems that set the standard for all tactical executions.
• Systems-First Oversight: Oversee creative output to ensure a "systems-first" approach to all design and copy development.
• Insight-Driven Design: Collaborate with strategy and other departments to ensure communications are rooted in deep customer insights.
• Client Stewardship: Navigate senior-level creative reviews with a focus on strategic solutions and establishing scalable brand platforms.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Supervise the work of others—generally 2–4 employees—mentoring junior and mid-level creatives toward systematic, foundational thinking.
• New Business: Contribute to new business pitches from insight-gathering and strategic development through concept creation and client presentation.

These are qualifications we are looking for:

• 8 plus yeas of proven experience in copywriting and creative leadership within a healthcare AOR agency
• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, and/or equivalent work experience
• Mastery of "systems thinking" with a portfolio showcasing scalable, modular messaging frameworks and storytelling.
• Ability to translate nuanced strategies into elegant and impactful creative solutions.
• Strong background in digital-first storytelling and omnichannel content. architecture with an understanding of how to build component-based copy.
• Expertise in navigating the balance between creative excellence and strict medical/regulatory guidelines.
• A portfolio that demonstrates elite craft, conceptual firepower, and the ability to handle high-stakes brand stewardship.
• Exceptional presentation skills with the ability to defend ideas and executions to senior stakeholders.

#LI-JK1

#LI-HYBRID

At MERGE, we’re committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive in both their careers and personal lives, ensuring they feel supported and empowered to succeed.

MERGE is proud to invest in benefits that include meaningful Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K, Lifestyle Spending Account, Employer Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Flexible Time off & Holidays plus many other benefits and rewards.

Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

BarkleyOKRP PR believes that modern consumers are guided and inspired by trusted sources. We believe brands win with stakeholders when they lead with purpose inside their organizations and share relevant stories that build and protect their reputations. From sustainability and culture to marketing ideas and actions, we create integrated ideas and communication strategies that bring a brand's purpose to life. We are searching for someone who is passionate about building relationships with media to create authentic endorsements and content. We desire detail-oriented team members who believe in collaboration and client service.

Responsibilities:

· Serving as PR lead on agency account

· Strategic communication planning and direction

· Client relationship management and counsel

· Event planning and management

· Integrated marketing communications collaboration across the agency

· Crisis and risk management consultation

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent industry experience required

· 10+ years public relations experience or related experience and/or training

· Deep agricultural communication experience required specifically in the row and specialty crops space and crop protection

· Knowledge of the ag trade media landscape and contacts

· Experience leading client relationships and accounts

· Experience in developing strategies to secure national and trade media coverage

· Experience in executive interview coaching and training, as well as counsel

· Excellent communication and persuasion skills, both written and oral

· Impeccable attention to detail and stellar organizational skills

· Creative problem solver with strong critical thinking skills

· Familiarity with sustainability practices and trends

As our newest Associate Director on the Strategy team, you connect things. 

You connect insight to idea. Obscure culture into specific opportunity. Data points into brand action. Disparate signals into a path forward.

You lead. 

You are the “hub” of all strategic activity within the agency, partnering closely with creative, account, media, social, and innovation teams. You inspire, guide, and lobby for the right idea – for the brand, for the business, for the humans.

You work high and low.

You must execute high-level brand strategy and day-to-day planning. You must have foresight and be in the weeds. You must love writing a clear, succinct product brief, then jumping to an overarching brand challenge, all before your second cup of coffee.

You push the thinking.

You see past the noise to find the more human idea. You ask better questions. You get messy and deep into a creative idea to make it come to life. You persuade internal teams and the client to make the brave idea happen. You love great advertising. But you push for the business idea that makes for great advertising.

You’re a person of action. 

You’re not interested in sitting in your own head, deciphering cultural radio static. You understand a large worldview, but you can quickly get to the practical. You operate in real time, quick, lean, and collaborative. You’re responsible for generating a product that is thoughtful, yet wholly relatable.

(Open to any BarkleyOKRP office location) 

As Director, Legal – Commercial Transactions, you will join our growing legal team with a primary focus on drafting, reviewing, and negotiating technology and commercial agreements in support of our evolving and growing advertising agency. The ideal candidate will bring strong commercial contracting experience, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to support business teams in complex, fast-paced transactions.

In this role, you will:

· Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of technology and commercial contracts, including subscription agreements, master service agreements, professional services agreements, reseller/distribution arrangements, and confidentiality agreements and data protection agreement.

· Partner with internal stakeholders to facilitate transactions while managing legal risk.

· Provide advice on contract interpretation and dispute resolution, ensuring compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

· Develop and improve contract templates, playbooks, and negotiation guidelines to streamline the contracting process.

What We’re Looking For:

· Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school and admitted in MO or IL.

· Minimum of 7-10 years relevant experience, including at least 3 years directly focused on drafting and negotiating technology and commercial agreements.

· Strong knowledge and familiarity with contract law and commercial transactions, intellectual property issues in technology licensing and services agreements.

· Experience supporting enterprise technology or digital transformation initiatives.

· Familiarity with AI governance frameworks, privacy and data protection.

· Excellent drafting, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to balance legal and business considerations.

· Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple projects with competing priorities.

Who you are:

· You have a genuine interest in learning about the ever-evolving world of advertising.

· You thrive in a fast-paced environment, are a self-starter, able to prioritize effectively and work both independently and as part of a growing team.

· You possess a willingness to be flexible and proactive in solving complex challenges, with a proven track record of understanding business needs and finding creative solutions.

· Contribute to the legal team’s ongoing efforts to build, improve and operationalize internal processes, workflows, best practices, and commercial templates.

At BarkleyOKRP, we are on the front lines of a world-class idea company. We are looking for a Client Experience team member who is prepared to change the trajectory of brands by creating the conditions for trusted relationships and world-class work. This person will be expected to contribute to a diverse and inclusive environment where each team member can bring their best self. If you want to learn what you're capable of when surrounded by top talent working on innovative brands, let's talk.

This team member can purposefully define client business needs while leading a team to smoothly and flawlessly deliver creative ideas that will impact their business. This person’s passion for the industry won’t let them rest until problems are solved, work is delivered, ideas are sold-in, teams are empowered, and clients are impressed. 

The ideal candidate will carefully balance the art of strategic business knowledge with skillfully (and independently) managing a team to deliver large scale projects.  This team member has an in-depth knowledge of their client’s business and plays a key role in managing the relationship.  They also recognize the importance of accurate and timely details with clear, concise communications and the ability to prioritize the right information to lead the team forward. This person is skilled at not only providing client feedback, but also at interpreting it for the team and distilling it to the essence of what is needed and will impact the work.      

As a leader on the team, they are highly responsive, responsible and a crucial resource for capturing and delivering information that guides the team’s day-to-day workflow. They are expected to know the minutiae of a project as well as the higher level strategic role it plays.  When asked, a team member at this level has a thoughtful POV on the business, the competition, and the client’s priorities. This team member is a manager of people who is responsible for developing talent, nurturing an individual’s career, and outlining a path for growth.

To succeed in this role, they must be highly organized and able to perform multiple tasks for different teams / clients on an ongoing basis. Our ideal candidate is able to manage daily responsibilities, adaptable to project deliverable changes and actively participate in cross-functional team ideation sessions. Their understanding of the client’s needs, will help them independently troubleshoot with limited oversight and insightfully recognize opportunities with our current and potential clients. They will have experience with marketing campaigns and a desire to deliver exceptional client service.

Responsibilities:

CLIENT: Independent Client relationships

Excellent client communication that builds trust, digs for insights, and sets expectations that allow for a brand to reach its biggest possible future

• Serve as category and Client’s brand/business expert to BarkleyOKRP teams
• Fosters team member agency relationships to maximize integration and collaboration in service of the client's goals
• Proactively manages client expectations by partnering with Project Management to identify areas of risk and opportunity
• Supports the overall Client Experience that delivers external strategic documents like Annual Planning and 360 Scorecard or internal performance tied to financial forecasting, Whole Brand Assessment and Team Annual Huddles

CREATIVE: Create conditions for project-based whole brand thinking.  Protect the work

Understands the Whole Brand Spectrum and looks for opportunities where it can be applied to best support the client’s needsWork closely with Director and VP/Client Experience to create a long-term plan for Whole Brand transformation and growth through projects that build the brand.

• Contribute to the making of brave ideas by ideating with the team, bringing client insight, setting up correct expectations, aligning teams, connecting resource needs, and (pre)selling in the work
• Accountable that all elements and deliverables from BarkleyOKRP are concepted based on the aligned strategic brief of the Whole Brand that delivers against client set objectives, timing, & budget

COLLABORATION: Flawless communications, proactive team leader on key projects, financial/resource awareness

• Embraces and sets an example in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where each team member feels they can bring their best self, be respected and seen
• Independently runs large projects from inception to in-market delivery, working with cross-agency teams.  Keeps communication and roles clear.
• Identifies when to escalate any issues to senior leadership and does this in a timely manner with a problem-solving mentality 
• Keeps the team calm, focused and inspired as they work together 
• Partner to Director on all financial needs and management of invoicing, POs, estimates, etc
• Manages a direct report and guides that person in their career path and clearly identifies roles and responsibilities that set that individual up for success

Qualifications:

• Experience with media clients + digital work preferred
• 6+ years of relevant brand or agency experience
• Excellent client communication and the ability to establish a connection with senior-level client leadership 
• Self-starter with the ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Strong collaborator with the ability to lead cross-channel initiatives with a diverse range of team members and stakeholders
• Ability to run projects independently with minimal supervision
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of effectively articulating both strategic recommendations and detailed tactical plans
• Ability to develop trusted relationships and partner with diverse teams and mid-senior client leads
• Demonstrated success in a cross-functional team environment
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and clients at once, while correctly prioritizing
• Digital experience with production experience is and preferred