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:
Crew Members Casting Call for Production
Job Description
A paid production is seeking five crew members to participate in an upcoming shoot. This opportunity is open to individuals interested in working behind the scenes in a production environment. The team is looking for a balanced group to assist with various on-set responsibilities.
Job Responsibilities
- Assist with general on-set production tasks
- Follow direction from the production team
- Support filming operations as needed
- Maintain professionalism and teamwork on set
Requirements
- 3 males and 2 females
- Ages 27–50
- All ethnic backgrounds welcome
- No visible tattoos or piercings
- Must be available for the scheduled shoot date
- Must submit full application details including photos
Compensation
- $100 for 4 hours
Job Description
A promotional staffing opportunity is now casting outgoing and reliable talent for off-premise sampling events in Florida. Selected candidates will represent brands at live sampling activations, engaging with the public and creating a positive, memorable experience. This role is ideal for individuals with strong communication skills and a friendly, professional presence.
Job Responsibilities
- Represent brands at off-premise sampling events
- Engage with consumers in a friendly and professional manner
- Distribute samples and provide product information
- Set up and break down sampling stations as needed
- Maintain a clean and organized work area
- Follow all event guidelines and brand standards
Requirements
- Must be outgoing, approachable, and professional
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Prior promotional or brand ambassador experience is a plus
- Reliable and punctual
- Ability to stand for extended periods
- Must provide a resume and recent photos
Compensation
- $44 per hour
Sound Designer Casting Call for Indie Horror Film
Job Description
The Tether is seeking a Sound Designer to create an immersive audio experience, incorporating environmental tension, psychological layering, and atmospheric effects.
Job Responsibilities
- Design and produce soundscapes for the film
- Incorporate whispers, ambient tension, and tonal design elements
- Collaborate with the director during post-production
Requirements
- Experience in sound design or audio post-production
- Strong creative and technical audio skills
- Ability to work within the horror genre
Compensation
- $900 flat
- Meals, rides, and accommodations provided where applicable
Grip/Lighting Assistant Casting Call for Indie Film
Job Description
The Tether is hiring a Grip/Lighting Assistant to support lighting and equipment setups, particularly for interior cabin scenes and night shoots.
Job Responsibilities
- Assist with lighting setups and adjustments
- Support camera and equipment handling
- Help maintain efficient on-set workflow
Requirements
- Basic experience in grip or lighting work preferred
- Ability to work in low-light and outdoor environments
- Strong teamwork and reliability
Compensation
- $350 flat (based on cabin scene days only)
- Meals, rides, and accommodations provided where applicable
Production Sound Mixer Casting Call for Indie Film
Job Description
The Tether is seeking a Production Sound Mixer to capture clean, high-quality audio in both outdoor and interior cabin environments for a folk horror short film.
Job Responsibilities
- Record and monitor on-set audio
- Capture clear dialogue in natural and unpredictable conditions
- Collaborate with the director and crew for optimal sound quality
Requirements
- Experience in production sound recording
- Ability to work in outdoor and cabin environments
- Strong attention to audio detail
Compensation
- $700 flat
- Meals, rides, and accommodations provided where applicable
Job Description
A short film production is hiring crew members for various behind-the-scenes roles in Prince George’s County, Maryland. This is a great opportunity for aspiring and experienced film professionals to gain hands-on experience and contribute to a creative project.
Job Responsibilities
- Assist with production tasks depending on assigned role
- Support on-set operations and workflow
- Handle equipment and assist department leads as needed
- Collaborate with the team to ensure efficient production
Roles Available
- Assistant Director
- Grips
- Production Assistants
- Camera Assistants
Requirements
- Interest or experience in film production
- Ability to work in a team-oriented, fast-paced environment
- Strong work ethic and reliability
- Must be available for shoot dates
Compensation
- Flat rate: $50 per day
- Production credit
- Free meals provided
Job Description
An indie short film operating under the SAG Short Project Agreement is seeking a certified California studio teacher to be on set for a brief shoot involving a minor. This role is essential to ensure compliance with child labor laws while supporting the production during filming. The project involves a short scene with a young child actor and requires the presence of a qualified professional on set.
Job Responsibilities
- Be present on set to supervise a minor during filming
- Ensure compliance with California child labor and education regulations
- Support production requirements related to working with a child actor
- Coordinate with production staff to maintain a safe and compliant environment
Requirements
- Certified California studio teacher (required)
- Familiarity with on-set protocols involving minors
- Reliable and punctual for scheduled shoot time
- Ability to work collaboratively with production teams
Compensation
- $250 for approximately 4–6 hours
Job Description
A student film production is seeking passionate and collaborative crew members for an upcoming project filming in the Los Angeles area. This narrative-driven film follows a workaholic woman who becomes invisible during her daily commute, leading her to reflect on her life and identity. The production is looking for dedicated volunteers and creatives eager to gain experience and contribute to a meaningful cinematic project.
Job Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the production team in your assigned crew role
- Assist in executing various aspects of film production (pre-production, on-set, or post-production)
- Support a smooth and efficient filming process
- Contribute creatively while following direction from department leads
- Maintain professionalism and teamwork throughout production
Requirements
- Interest or experience in film production or related roles
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Passion for storytelling and independent/student filmmaking
- Availability for scheduled shoot days
- Willingness to contribute in a volunteer capacity
Positions Available
- Producer / Production Manager
- 1st AD / Co-Producer
- Production Coordinator
- Casting Director
- Art Director / Prop Master
- Cinematographer
- Costume Designer
- Key Grip / Gaffer
- Boom Operator
- Production Assistants
- Additional crew roles, including post-production, may be considered
Compensation
- Unpaid (volunteer)
- Film credit
- Meals provided
Job Description
The independent feature film Killing The Light is now hiring local Dallas-based crew members for a 20-day shoot. This moderate low-budget production offers a collaborative environment for professionals looking to gain hands-on experience and grow their skills while working on a compelling project. The production is seeking dedicated non-union Texas locals to join various departments.
Job Responsibilities
- Support production operations based on assigned crew role
- Collaborate with department heads and team members throughout production
- Maintain professionalism and efficiency on set
- Assist with setup, execution, and wrap of production tasks
- Follow production schedules and directions from leadership
Requirements
- Must be a Texas resident and local to the Dallas area
- Must have reliable transportation to self-report to set
- Non-union applicants only
- Prior production experience preferred (varies by role)
- Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills
- Ability to work a Monday–Friday schedule (with possible Saturday)
Roles
Line Producer
- Experienced Dallas-based line producer with strong budgeting and logistics skills
Production Manager / Coordinator
- Experience in production management or coordination; familiarity with payroll and scheduling
Production Assistants / Drivers
- Valid driver’s license required
- Ability to drive trucks (up to 16’) and assist on set
- Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs
Production Designer
- Experienced in overseeing art department, including set design, props, and dressing
Costume Designer
- Skilled in wardrobe management, rentals, and continuity
Casting Associate (Training Position)
- Organized individual interested in learning the casting process
- Includes scheduling, communication, and assisting with auditions
Volunteer Background Actors
- Open to individuals seeking on-set experience (meals and credit provided)
Compensation
- Crew rates: $225–$300 per 12-hour day
- Meals and production credit included
- Casting Associate: $1,000 flat stipend
- Volunteer background actors: meals and credit only
Job Description
Wynn Publications is seeking a skilled and energetic production team for an upcoming game show pilot filming in Raleigh, North Carolina. This high-energy, fast-paced project is looking for experienced crew members across multiple departments to help bring an interactive and engaging show to life. This is a great opportunity for film and TV professionals looking to work on an exciting new production.
Job Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the production team to execute a game show pilot
- Operate equipment and fulfill duties specific to your assigned role
- Maintain professionalism in a fast-paced production environment
- Follow direction from producers, directors, and department heads
- Ensure smooth setup, execution, and breakdown of production elements
Requirements
- Prior experience in film, television, or live production preferred
- Strong teamwork and communication skills
- Ability to work in a high-energy, fast-paced environment
- Must submit portfolio or past work
- Must provide availability and specify desired role
- Must be able to work in Raleigh, North Carolina
Roles
- Camera Operators
- Sound Technicians
- Lighting Crew
- Production Assistants
- Set Designers
- Directors / Assistant Directors
Compensation
- Paid opportunity (based on role and experience)
Job Description
An event production team is seeking a polished and professional Box Seat Concierge to assist at a classical concert in Brooklyn. This guest-facing role involves providing premium service to attendees, including champagne service and coat check assistance, ensuring a high-end experience for guests.
Job Responsibilities
- Provide concierge-level service to guests in box seating areas
- Assist with champagne service and coat check operations
- Maintain a professional, welcoming, and attentive demeanor
- Ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for event attendees
- Follow event guidelines and coordinate with the event team
Requirements
- Strong customer service and communication skills
- Professional appearance; must wear black-on-black attire
- Polished, friendly, and attentive personality
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment
- Reliable and punctual for scheduled event shifts
Compensation
- $30 per hour
- Minimum 3-hour shift
- 1099 contractor position with direct deposit
Job Description
A USC student production is seeking dedicated crew members for an upcoming short film shooting on a professional sound stage. This collaborative project offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, work alongside fellow filmmakers, and contribute to a creative production environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Assist in various on-set production roles depending on position
- Collaborate with the director and production team to ensure smooth operations
- Support lighting, camera, art direction, and set preparation
- Maintain organization of equipment, props, and set elements
- Contribute to a positive, efficient, and professional set environment
Requirements
- Interest or experience in film production or related fields
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting
- Strong communication and problem-solving skills
- Willingness to take direction and adapt on set
- Passion for filmmaking and storytelling
Roles Available
- Grips
- Gaffers
- Assistant Camera (ACs)
- Art Director
- Set Dresser
- Prop Master
- Production Assistants (PAs)
Compensation
- Unpaid
- Meals provided
- Copy and credit included
- Opportunity to network with USC School of Cinematic Arts filmmakers