Initiative is different to other media agencies.
Initiative unlocks business growth for the world’s most ambitious brands. We believe in the power of media to reshape our industry and orchestrate a brand’s entire consumer experience, by balancing both what unites people and what makes them different. When brands unite people in culture, they build Fame, and when brands connect individuals to their unique journeys, they build customer Flow. Initiative builds Fame & Flow for brands like Nike, Amazon, Merck, LEGO, and T-Mobile.
Media responsibility is at the forefront of everything we do, whether it’s creating media plans that reflect the diversity of our communities, promote brand safety, and foster sustainability. Our agency celebrates diversity in an inclusive environment where all of our 6,000+ strong talent across 90+ markets feel seen, heard, and valued. Our vision is to create not only a better media company, but also a better media industry, and maybe even a better world.
Position Summary
As an Associate Strategy Director, you collaborate with the Director and Head of Strategy on the creation of the strategic direction a brand will take in communications to achieve their business goals. You are responsible for helping to strategize, produce and make sense of the key cultural, consumer and market intelligence required to design the best possible holistic communications frameworks to deliver on that task. Your work should be held up as best practice both within the agency and externally – recognized by winning awards and client scores.
You have a passion for people, brands and ideas and an insatiable curiosity for culture in every sense. You believe that brands can & should mean something in the world and are driven by the desire to understand the changing world and people’s shifting motivations and behaviors.
You are responsible for co-creating strategic campaign recommendations, insightful consumer profiles and innovative media ideas that connect the creative idea to the audience. It is not your responsibility to manage the client relationship, as you will report to the Client Lead to deliver brilliant strategic thinking for the client team. Creative thinking, sound presentation skills & leadership behaviors are critical to success in this role.
You should produce work that drives re-appraisal of the role of communications and what media can do in the world.
You are responsible for ensuring that the Strategy team’s work is strong and sound, and that it has considered all consumer, category and culture trends. You will help them to think about new ways to respond to a brief and encourage them to work – with you – alongside the Analytics, Communications Design and Client teams to deliver better, smarter and more innovative work.
Key Responsibilities
Client
- Assists Director in managing client relationships, particularly serving as a point of contact amongst key client contacts across their Insights teams, Media Managers, and Brand Managers.
- Being considered a valuable contributor during client meetings with the ability to challenge others’ opinions, and the brief when necessary, in the right way
- Can serve as a point of decision for Strategists in lieu of Director being available for lower-hanging asks
- Delivering innovative thinking that inspires leading edge solutions and award-winning, breakthrough connections / media ideas
- Arming the client team with knowledge & expertise to speak confidently about the strategic direction where required
Internal
- Can independently lead internal calls, brainstorms, and walkthroughs.
- Demonstrate a good understanding of consumers & their behaviors, using syndicated and proprietary data for profiling and insights (MRI, Simmons, eTelmar, Netbase, etc) – proficiency with quant and qual data is important to unlocking insight and identifying opportunities.
- Clearly demonstrate how the strategy delivers on the business need and focus on results and measurement
- Engaging communication style, demonstrating a talent for storytelling, and for translating complex concepts into a simple, powerful narrative, as seen by client engagement during their presentations.
- Supports development of media strategies by translating relevant audience inputs to key pillars across phasing that serve as the cornerstones to build the strategy
- Write cohesive communications architectures that deliver on the platform and give guidance to internal teams for how it translates into actionable ideas that guide channel, partner, and tactical choices
- Train, guide & assist the Strategy & Client teams in development, packaging, and selling of ideas
- Positively collaborate with special business units (search, social, analytics teams) and independent creative partners, contributing to their/our client work
- Use qualitative and quantitative communications channel & cultural tool research to develop applicable insights into the consumer connection with the brand
- Contribute to ideation sessions in conjunction with the Communications Design (media planning) team to generate creative & compelling communications ideas
Desired Skills & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent work experience
- 6+ years in integrated planning role in media, creative, innovation or communications discipline (digital, media or comms planning at an agency or in-house marketing team)
- Ability to think differently: creative & adaptive, entrepreneurial, independently-minded; deeply immersed in cultural understanding and driven by a desire to know more the world / to better understand people’s motivations & behaviors in the shifting landscape
We See You
We embrace diversity, and our responsibility to maintain an inclusive environment is core to our culture and values. We see diversity of people and experiences as fuel for creativity and innovation needed to bring about the best experiences and services. A diverse workforce means we can grow together, be better problem solvers, and bring about long-term, meaningful change where we will achieve above and beyond our business goals. We are better together..
When you join Mediabrands, you join a global community and are valued for who you are – your lived experiences, the contributions you make, and the distinct perspectives you bring. Here, what you think and who you are is just as important as what you do. As we recruit, we are dedicated to looking beyond what a resume can show. If you think you’d be a great addition to the team but don’t have the exact experience or skills, we encourage you to apply and share your unique background with us. We see you at Mediabrands.
Wage and Benefits
We offer a Total Rewards package that includes medical and dental coverage, 401(k) plans, flex spending, life insurance, disability, employee discount program, employee stock purchase program and paid family benefits to support you and your family. To give you the ability to better meet your personal needs, and in support of your physical and emotional well-being, you will receive discretionary time off days and company-wide Appreciation Weeks and Wellness Days.
We also offer a competitive Total Compensation package, including a competitive salary and eligibility for an annual discretionary incentive award or a relevant incentive award.
The salary range for this position is posted below. Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position, market considerations, budgetary considerations, tenure and standing with the Company (applicable to current employees), as well as the employee’s/applicant’s skill set, level of experience, and qualifications.
Employment Transparency
It is the policy of Mediabrands, division of the Interpublic group, to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. The job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and other job functions are subject to modification. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
For applicants to jobs in the United States: In compliance with the current Americans with Disabilities Act and state and local laws, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with Mediabrands, please email accommodation@mbww.com.
About Mediabrands
IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). Mediabrands manages approximately $40 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients and provides strategic services and solutions across its award-winning, full-service agency networks UM and Initiative and through its innovative marketing specialist companies Reprise, Magna, Orion, Rapport, Healix,
Mediabrands Content Studio and the IPG Media Lab. Mediabrands clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors. The company employs more than 13,000 marketing experts in more than 130 countries representing the full diversity of humanity. For more information, please visit our website: www.ipgmediabrands.com.
Initiative
Related jobs:
Skycam Utility
Job Description
Skycam is looking for a dependable Utility professional to join the technical crew for the Boise St @ Oregon live sports broadcast. This position plays a hands-on role in supporting Skycam operations, from preparing equipment before the event to monitoring cables during production and assisting with strike afterward. Candidates should be comfortable with physical production work and maintaining focus in a busy stadium environment.
Job Responsibilities
• Support technical operations during Skycam setup, live production, and strike
• Assist with unloading, carrying, and loading broadcast equipment
• Keep a close watch on Skycam cables and reels to prevent tangles or operational issues
• Move and position equipment according to instructions from the technical team
• Help maintain organized cable paths and a safe production workspace
• Assist with breaking down equipment following the live broadcast
• Provide additional utility support to the technical crew as production needs change
Requirements
• Ability to participate in equipment setup, unloading, loading, and strike
• Comfortable performing physically active duties throughout the production
• Must be comfortable with heights and able to climb or walk stadium catwalks when required
• Must be capable of lifting equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
• Strong attention to safety and awareness while working around cables and technical equipment
• Ability to follow instructions and communicate effectively with technical crew members
• Reliable and adaptable in a fast-paced live sports production setting
Compensation
• This is a paid technical production opportunity
• Compensation details will be discussed with selected candidates
Skycam Utility
Job Description
Skycam is looking for a motivated Utility crew member to assist with technical operations for the Washington @ Baltimore live sports broadcast. This behind-the-scenes production position supports the Skycam team with equipment handling, cable management, setup, and strike. The ideal candidate is comfortable with physical work, pays close attention to safety, and can stay focused throughout a fast-paced stadium production.
Job Responsibilities
• Prepare and organize Skycam equipment for live broadcast operations
• Assist with unloading and loading production equipment and broadcast cases
• Monitor Skycam cables and reels throughout the event to prevent tangling
• Carry and position equipment according to instructions from the technical crew
• Support cable management and maintain a safe working environment
• Assist with equipment breakdown and strike following the broadcast
• Respond to additional technical production needs as assigned
Requirements
• Ability to perform hands-on setup, equipment handling, and strike duties
• Must be comfortable with physically demanding live production work
• Comfortable working at heights, including climbing and navigating stadium catwalks when needed
• Must be capable of lifting equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
• Strong attention to detail when working around cables and technical equipment
• Ability to follow technical instructions and established safety procedures
• Reliable and able to work effectively as part of a live broadcast crew
Compensation
• This is a paid technical production opportunity
• Compensation details will be discussed with selected candidates
Skycam Utility
Job Description
Skycam is seeking a hands-on Utility crew member to support technical operations for the Baylor @ Auburn live sports broadcast. This role is essential to keeping Skycam equipment and cables operating smoothly throughout the production. The selected crew member will assist with equipment movement, setup, cable monitoring, and strike while working alongside an experienced technical broadcast team.
Job Responsibilities
• Assist the Skycam technical team with broadcast setup and post-event strike
• Unload, transport, and reload equipment from production trucks
• Monitor Skycam cables and reels to help prevent tangling during operation
• Carry and position technical equipment throughout the venue as directed
• Help maintain organized and safe cable routes during the broadcast
• Support additional technical and utility needs throughout the production
• Follow crew instructions and established safety procedures at all times
Requirements
• Must be comfortable assisting with equipment setup, loading, and strike
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks in a live production environment
• Must be comfortable working at heights, including climbing and walking on catwalks when necessary
• Must be capable of lifting equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
• Strong awareness of surroundings when working near cables and broadcast equipment
• Ability to follow technical instructions and collaborate effectively with the production crew
• Dependable, attentive, and safety-conscious approach to work
Compensation
• This is a paid live sports production opportunity
• Compensation will be discussed with selected candidates
Skycam Utility
Job Description
Skycam is seeking a reliable Utility crew member to provide hands-on technical support for the New York Giants @ New York Jets live sports broadcast. This role works closely with the technical operations team to manage Skycam cables, move broadcast equipment, and support setup and strike. Candidates should be physically capable, attentive, and comfortable working in an active stadium production environment.
Job Responsibilities
• Support the technical operations team with pre-broadcast setup and post-event strike
• Assist with unloading and loading equipment from broadcast trucks
• Monitor Skycam cables and reels to ensure they remain organized and free of tangles
• Carry and position production equipment as directed by the technical crew
• Help maintain safe cable paths and an organized technical workspace
• Provide additional hands-on support as production needs arise
• Follow technical instructions and safety procedures throughout the event
Requirements
• Ability to assist with equipment setup, unloading, loading, and strike
• Must be comfortable handling physically demanding production responsibilities
• Comfortable working at heights, including climbing and walking on catwalks when required
• Must be capable of lifting equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
• Strong awareness of safety when working around Skycam cables and broadcast equipment
• Ability to remain focused and responsive in a fast-paced live production environment
• Dependable team player who can follow instructions efficiently
Compensation
• This is a paid broadcast production opportunity
• Compensation will be discussed with selected candidates
Skycam Utility
Job Description
Skycam is looking for a dependable Utility crew member to support technical operations for the Houston @ Carolina live sports broadcast. This hands-on production position will assist with preparing Skycam equipment, managing cables, moving broadcast gear, and completing strike responsibilities. Candidates should be comfortable with physical work and able to stay alert and safety-focused throughout a fast-moving stadium production.
Job Responsibilities
• Assist with Skycam setup and technical preparation for the broadcast
• Unload, carry, and organize equipment from broadcast production trucks
• Monitor Skycam cables and reels to prevent tangling during operations
• Help position and move equipment throughout the venue as directed
• Support the technical crew with cable management and game-day production needs
• Assist with equipment breakdown, strike, and loading after the event
• Follow established safety procedures while working around technical equipment
Requirements
• Comfortable assisting with setup, equipment handling, and production strike
• Must be physically capable of carrying broadcast equipment and cases
• Comfortable working at heights, including climbing and navigating catwalks when necessary
• Must be capable of lifting equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
• Strong attention to detail when monitoring cables and technical equipment
• Ability to follow instructions and work effectively with a live production crew
• Reliable, safety-conscious, and prepared for a physically active role
Compensation
• This is a paid live sports production opportunity
• Compensation will be discussed with selected candidates
Skycam Utility
Job Description
Skycam is seeking a hardworking Utility crew member to support technical operations for the Alabama A&M @ Howard live sports broadcast. This behind-the-scenes role helps keep Skycam operations running efficiently by assisting with equipment movement, cable monitoring, setup, and strike. Candidates should be safety-focused, physically capable, and ready to contribute in a demanding stadium production environment.
Job Responsibilities
• Support the technical operations crew with pre-event setup and post-event strike
• Assist with unloading and loading broadcast equipment from production trucks
• Watch Skycam cables and reels closely to prevent tangling during operation
• Carry and position equipment based on instructions from the technical team
• Help maintain organized and safe cable routes throughout the production
• Provide hands-on utility support as technical needs arise
• Follow crew instructions and safety procedures throughout the live broadcast
Requirements
• Ability to assist with equipment setup, loading, unloading, and strike
• Must be comfortable performing physically demanding production tasks
• Comfortable working at heights, including climbing and walking on catwalks when needed
• Must be capable of lifting equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
• Strong attention to safety while working around Skycam cables and broadcast equipment
• Ability to follow directions and work collaboratively with a technical crew
• Reliable and adaptable in a fast-paced live sports production environment
Compensation
• This is a paid live broadcast production opportunity
• Compensation will be discussed with selected candidates
Skycam Utility
Job Description
Skycam is seeking a skilled Utility crew member to provide technical production support for the San Francisco @ Las Vegas live sports broadcast. The position involves working alongside the Skycam technical team to prepare equipment, manage cables, and assist with setup and breakdown. This opportunity is a strong fit for someone who enjoys physical, hands-on work and can stay focused in a fast-paced stadium environment.
Job Responsibilities
• Assist the technical crew with Skycam setup and post-event strike
• Help unload and reload broadcast equipment and production cases
• Monitor Skycam cables and reels throughout operations to prevent tangling
• Carry, organize, and position technical equipment as instructed
• Support safe and efficient cable management during the live broadcast
• Complete additional utility and technical support tasks as needed
• Work collaboratively with the crew to keep production operations running smoothly
Requirements
• Must be capable of assisting with equipment unloading, setup, and strike
• Comfortable carrying and handling broadcast production equipment
• Must be comfortable working at heights, including climbing and walking on catwalks when required
• Must be able to lift equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
• Strong situational awareness when working around moving cables and technical equipment
• Ability to follow technical and safety instructions accurately
• Reliable, attentive, and comfortable working in a live sports production environment
Compensation
• This is a paid technical production opportunity
• Compensation details will be discussed with selected candidates
Skycam Utility
Job Description
Skycam is looking for a production Utility professional to assist with technical operations for the San Jose St @ USC live sports broadcast. The role supports the Skycam crew with equipment preparation, cable monitoring, loading, and strike while helping maintain a safe and efficient workflow. This opportunity is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on broadcast production and is comfortable working in physically demanding environments.
Job Responsibilities
• Assist with Skycam equipment setup before the live broadcast
• Unload, carry, and organize technical equipment from broadcast trucks
• Monitor cables and reels to prevent tangling during Skycam operations
• Support the technical crew with equipment placement and cable management
• Assist with breakdown, strike, and loading equipment after production
• Maintain awareness of safety procedures when working around technical equipment and elevated areas
• Complete additional utility assignments as directed by the technical operations team
Requirements
• Must be comfortable with hands-on live broadcast production work
• Ability to unload, carry, position, and reload production equipment
• Comfortable working at heights and navigating stadium catwalks when required
• Must be capable of lifting equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
• Ability to stay focused while monitoring moving cables and equipment
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to follow technical instructions
• Dependable and safety-conscious approach to production work
Compensation
• This is a paid live sports production opportunity
• Compensation will be discussed with selected candidates
Skycam Utility
Job Description
Skycam is looking for a hands-on Utility professional to support technical operations for the New Orleans @ Los Angeles Rams broadcast. This live sports production role involves preparing equipment, monitoring Skycam cables, and assisting the technical crew throughout setup and strike. Candidates should be comfortable with physical work, heights, and the fast-paced demands of a stadium broadcast environment.
Job Responsibilities
• Assist the technical operations team with equipment setup and post-production strike
• Unload and reload broadcast equipment and cases from production trucks
• Monitor Skycam cables and reels to help prevent tangles during operation
• Carry and position technical equipment throughout the venue as directed
• Support cable organization and other game-day technical production needs
• Work safely and efficiently alongside the Skycam and broadcast production crews
Requirements
• Must be able to assist with unloading trucks, carrying equipment, setup, and strike
• Comfortable working at heights and potentially climbing or walking on stadium catwalks
• Must be capable of lifting equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
• Ability to perform physically active duties throughout the production
• Strong attention to safety when working around cables and technical equipment
• Dependable and able to follow instructions in a fast-moving live broadcast environment
Compensation
• This is a paid sports production opportunity
• Compensation will be discussed with selected candidates
Skycam Utility
Job Description
Skycam is seeking a capable Utility crew member to support technical operations for the Seattle @ Tennessee live sports broadcast. This hands-on production position plays an important role in preparing the Skycam system, managing cables, moving equipment, and assisting with strike after the event. The role is well suited for someone who is physically active, attentive to safety, and ready to contribute to a fast-moving broadcast crew.
Job Responsibilities
• Assist the technical operations crew with Skycam setup and post-event strike
• Help unload, carry, organize, and reload broadcast equipment
• Monitor Skycam cables and reels throughout operations to prevent tangling
• Support proper cable placement and management around the production area
• Move medium to heavy broadcast cases and equipment as directed
• Work closely with technical crew members to complete production tasks safely and efficiently
Requirements
• Ability to assist with equipment unloading, setup, and strike
• Must be comfortable performing physically demanding production duties
• Comfortable working at heights, including climbing and walking on catwalks
• Must be capable of lifting equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
• Strong awareness of safety while working around cables and broadcast equipment
• Must be dependable, attentive, and able to follow technical instructions
• Ability to work effectively as part of a live sports production team
Compensation
• This is a paid live broadcast production opportunity
• Compensation details will be discussed with selected candidates
Skycam Utility
Job Description
Skycam is looking for a reliable Utility crew member to provide technical production support for the Baltimore @ Minnesota broadcast. This role focuses on preparing and maintaining the Skycam system throughout the event, including equipment setup, cable monitoring, and strike. Candidates should enjoy hands-on production work and be comfortable performing physical tasks in a live stadium environment.
Job Responsibilities
• Support the technical operations team during setup, game-day production, and strike
• Unload and load broadcast cases, cables, and other production equipment
• Monitor Skycam cables and reels to help prevent tangles during operation
• Assist with carrying, positioning, and organizing technical equipment
• Help maintain safe and efficient cable management throughout the broadcast
• Follow technical crew instructions and established on-site safety procedures
Requirements
• Comfortable performing physical tasks associated with live broadcast production
• Ability to assist with equipment unloading, setup, and post-event strike
• Must be comfortable working at heights, including climbing and navigating catwalks
• Capable of lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 40 pounds
• Must remain attentive while working around moving cables and technical equipment
• Dependable, safety-conscious, and able to collaborate effectively with a technical production crew
Compensation
• This is a paid live sports production opportunity
• Compensation will be discussed with selected candidates
ESPN – Los Angeles Chargers @ Baltimore – Runner III
Runner III
Job Description
ESPN is seeking a dependable Runner III to join the production team for the Los Angeles Chargers @ Baltimore broadcast. This live sports production opportunity involves providing hands-on support across the event, from completing important errands to assisting with announcer logistics and crew communication. The ideal candidate brings substantial remote broadcast experience, takes initiative, and can adjust quickly when production priorities change.
Job Responsibilities
• Work closely with operations and production teams to support the live broadcast
• Complete errands and deliver production information or materials as requested
• Assist with coordinating announcer arrivals, departures, and related logistics
• Provide timely support for show-related assignments throughout the event
• Maintain dependable communication with production and operations personnel
• Adapt to last-minute requests and changing priorities during the broadcast
• Help create an organized and efficient working environment for the production crew
Requirements
• Must live within 100 miles of the event site
• Must be at least 21 years old and legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• Valid driver’s license required
• Must have completed at least 10 shows as a regional-level runner in live remote production
• Reliable communication access through phone, text, and email
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments
• Must be proactive, flexible, professional, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with the venue and surrounding area is preferred
• Ability to lead or coordinate other production runners is preferred
• Working knowledge of basic broadcast operations
Compensation
• This is a paid live broadcast production opportunity
• Compensation will be discussed with selected candidates
