Media Strategist

We are looking for a Media Strategist to join one of the M+C Saatchi Group's specialist divisions. M+C Saatchi World Services partners with governments, civil society, foundations, academia, and the private sector, working on critical issues including national security, social justice, and conflict prevention.

ABOUT THE ROLE

• To lead the communications strategy and media planning using a PESO model for diverse projects in multiple countries.
• To bring a rigorous approach to the development of media dissemination strategies to effect knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours in target audience groups across the world.
• To use and champion multiple sources of research, best practices, and critical thinking, including bringing innovative media approaches into the business.
• To set an example within the agency in media strategy/management and digital communications to answer client problems by developing effective ways of working, tools, and techniques and sharing them with the organisation.
• To give communications strategy and media guidance to other members of the strategy and other departments as appropriate.
• To manage junior media strategists working as part of the team to deliver results.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain an in-depth understanding of both the commercial and development sector strategic and communication best practices.
• Maintain a working knowledge of region(s) of interest including social, cultural, political, and economic aspects.
• Keep up-to-date on strategic theory and innovations in target geographical areas as well as emerging platforms and technologies which may be applied.
• Be prepared to assist outside the stated core responsibilities and be proactive in supporting a small, dynamic project team dealing with daily challenges.
• Be an ambassador for the agency.

ABOUT YOU

What you bring (knowledge, expertise, experience, and skills):

• Essential:
• Experience of designing and implementing integrated media campaigns in a range of channels best suited to the audience including but not limited to television, OOH, radio, social, programmatic advertising, and influencer marketing.
• A working knowledge of the pros and cons of earned media channels including social media, public relations, and public affairs.
• Knowledge of fundamental techniques, tools, and practices of a media strategist.
• Ability to quickly analyse and process large volumes of data and insight from multiple sources.
• Ability to craft and present simple and effective communications strategy and media plans designed to reach a target audience sometimes in hard-to-reach environments.
• Ability to work with messaging strategists and creative staff/partners to ensure the media and communication strategy creates the greatest impact with the resources available.
• Adept at managing multiple partner relationships including but not limited to media buying agencies, digital platforms, data suppliers, and in-country media consultants.
• An ability to understand the culture and media landscape of a country and translate this into usable insight for the dissemination of messages through paid, earned, and owned media.
• Knowledge of multiple forms of research – both in the development of strategy and the subsequent reporting of it.
• Experience in a similar working environment.
• Practical understanding of commercial operations.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills (English).
• Proficient in all components of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• A firm interest and understanding of geo-politics and International Relations.
• Excellent communication skills to support work with senior stakeholders and to understand client requirements.
• Desirable:
• Experience of working with government, the international development sector, or similar (includes previous or voluntary work).
• Demonstrable liaison skills across numerous sectors and disciplines (for example ties to academic practitioners).
• Regional language proficiency.

WHAT YOU GET

A competitive salary and benefits package that includes 27 days holiday per year, pension contributions, private healthcare, discounted dental insurance, enhanced maternity/parental leave, plus a whole host of others including:

• Cultural stimulation allowance - £250 per person per year
• Half days off before bank holidays
• Emergency care days for dependants
• Up to 5 days volunteering leave per year to work for a registered charity
• Up to 10 days special emergency leave per year
• Season Ticket loan
• Payroll Giving Scheme
• Thursday drinks to unwind and socialise
• An annual Summer and Christmas party
• Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion sees us offer inclusive bank holidays
• Learning opportunities around D&I, targeted mentoring programmes, and the opportunity to participate in several active Employee Led Networks and associated events.
• This role will be supported with all the necessary personal development required to set someone up for success.

ABOUT M+C SAATCHI GROUP

M+C Saatchi Group has pledged its commitment to create a company that values difference, with an inclusive culture. As part of this, M+C Saatchi Group continues to be an Equal Opportunity Employer which does not and shall not discriminate, celebrates diversity, and bases all hiring and promotion decisions solely on merit, without regard for any personal characteristics. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please make us aware as part of your application.