Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Published

11/20/2024

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Senior Vice President, Strategic Planning – Full Time, Permanent 

IPG DXTRA (Canada), Inc, d/b/a Weber Shandwick is looking for a strategic leader who sees business problems from the eyes of real people, using data, observation and experience to create strategies that will benefit a client’s brand and drive business impact by engaging audiences and delivering measurable value. With a focus on developing compelling insights, this person will be an active member among cross-functional teams – including strategy, creative, integrated media – and also a large contributor to new business opportunities. They will be responsible for challenging conventional thought and providing a neutral point-of-view for communications strategy and planning.  

In this role, you will turn data and insights into strategies working in lock-step with creative to solve business challenges to drive results. You will also need to be adaptive and responsive, monitoring campaign performance effectively in order to action real time amplification or course correction to push for maximum impact. 

This role is a full time, permanent position working on a hybrid basis from our Toronto office, at 351 King St. E, Suite 800, Toronto, ON, M5A 0L6. Employees will be required to work from the office a minimum of two days per week.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

  • Lead, motivate and grow a team of strategy experts including strategic planners, analysts and subject matter experts and guide the quality of strategic output of key global clients including client stewardship, briefs, strategic narratives, trend mapping and POVs. 
  • Contribute to the management and decision making, resource allocation, and other departmental operations to ensure efficient and effective strategy development.  
  • Create a culture of insight, ensuring the practice is embedded into our client delivery and that the broader agency is educated on brand and communication strategy fundamentals. 
  • Collaborate with account leads to guide global key clients and provide consistent thought leadership. 
  • Champion and enhance the methods by which teams uncover key audience insights and trends to guide strategic programming and client solutions as well as measuring the impact of these programs. 
  • Serve as an opinion leader by sharing best practices, case studies and thought leadership. 
  • Participate in industry events at conferences, industry associations etc. to help position Weber Shandwick as a strategic leader. 

MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS 

  • 10+ years of client-facing, global brand experience in strategic planning, a multi-national agency (PR, advertising, media or digital – social, content, influencer) with a strong background in leading integrated, multi-channel strategies. This includes developing brand strategies, conducting competitive and audience analysis, and guiding cross-functional teams across campaign planning and execution. 
  • 5+ years of experience leading global integrated projects, with a proven track record of translating business objectives into communication strategies and delivering measurable results. Experience in key areas of strategic planning, such as brand positioning, market entry, audience segmentation, and engagement frameworks is essential, along with a solid understanding of data analytics and performance metrics to inform strategy.  
  • Strong persuasive presentation and storytelling skills, able to translate complex data and insights into compelling narratives that influence client decision-making. Proven ability to influence decision-making with clients and experience presenting to large and small audiences, including at client meetings, conferences, and industry events. 
  • Experience building, managing and mentoring a team of 10+ planners, analysts and subject matter experts. 
  • Experience in new business development including contributing to and leading pitches, developing customized strategic presentations, and showcasing value through data-driven insights and innovative strategies. Proven ability to identify growth opportunities, engage industry contacts, and convert prospective clients. 
  • Deep credibility and network within the industry demonstrated through developing/publishing thought leadership, presenting/participation in conferences, memberships at relevant industry organizations, guest lecturing etc
  • Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, anthropology, ethnography, sociology, or related fields. Master’s degree preferred. 
  • Self-motivated, fun, entrepreneurial and endlessly curious. 

The salary range for this position is $149,000 to $228,000 + bonus. 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 background, pertinent experience, and qualifications. Any bonus is discretionary and related to the achievement of individual and company objectives for the given period.

IPG DXTRA (Canada), Inc, d/b/a Weber Shandwick recognizes that your health and wellbeing are a priority. This is why we offer a full suite of benefits including: 

  • Medical 
  • Dental 
  • Vision 
  • RRSP (with employer match) 
  • Tuition Reimbursement 
  • Juice Money – $60 monthly reimbursement to be used towards purchases that nourish your health, mind, body, and soul 
  • Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) – $50 monthly cell phone reimbursement 
  • Hybrid working model 
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) 
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • MyDays – Flexible time off
  • Short-Term Disability  
  • Paid Parental Leave Policy  

IPG DXTRA (Canada), Inc, d/b/a Weber Shandwick is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Weber Shandwick recruits qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, age, ethnic or national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or citizenship status. 

IPG DXTRA (Canada), Inc, d/b/a Weber Shandwick 
351 King St. E, Suite 800  
Toronto, ON 
M5A 0L6  
416-642-7963 
stefanie.korn+canada@webershandwick.com  

We make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at JobAppAccommodation@ipgdxtra.com. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or vendors; rather it is strictly for applicants who require special assistance accessing our employment website. Due to volume, messages sent to this email address that are not related to an accommodation cannot be answered.

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DIRECTOR – INTEGRATED MEDIA STRATEGY

 

At Weber Shandwick, we build brand stories worthy of coverage, conversation and engagement. We’re a passionate and diverse team that protects and promotes some of Canada’s (and the world’s) most iconic and beloved brands … and has fun while doing it!

 

If you’re a strategic communicator with an earned-first integrated-marketing mindset, here’s an opportunity to play a leadership role at a forward-thinking, award-winning and globally leading integrated communications agency. Weber Shandwick Canada is PRovoke Media’s Canadian Agency of the Year, IABC Canadian Large Agency of the Year (five years running), a certified Great Place to Work (five years running) and boasts the most exciting client list of any agency in the country.

 

POSITION PROFILE

 

We are currently seeking a Director to join our Integrated Media team in Toronto.

 

We’re looking for a self-starter who can help us tell compelling stories for our clients. The position requires a seasoned public relations practitioner with a deep understanding of the earned media landscape, influencer marketing and social platforms, and knows how to shape stories built to travel across the media and digital communities where our clients’ audiences engage.

 

You love the thrill of the pitch, building relationships with media and influencers, and constantly immersing yourself in media, culture and technology trends to drive impact for brands.

With 7-10 years of experience, you’ll play a lead role on integrated account teams to create strategies across earned, owned and paid platforms that transform stories into trending topics. Familiarity with both traditional media as well as digital and social platforms is key.

Responsibilities

  • Develop a deep understanding of our client’s business and target audiences, and – working in close collaboration with our Creative, Insights and Client Experience teams – lead the creation and execution of integrated multiplatform campaigns that drive meaningful business results
  • Weave earned media, influencer, social and paid tactics together into integrated plans that tell our clients’ stories and exceed their expectations
  • Oversee campaign execution, rolling up your sleeves and stepping in where required, and taking accountability for program success
  • Provide expert counsel to clients and colleagues on media/influencer/digital trends, issues and best practices – act as a thought leader and trusted partner who shares knowledge and expertise
  • Collaborate effectively with inter-agency teams to develop holistic plans and fully integrated strategies for our clients
  • Lead a high-performing team; mentor and develop junior team members
  • Play a collaborative role in staffing and resourcing to balance team workloads and ensure optimal account service

 

REQUIREMENTS

  • 7-10 years of experience, preferably within an agency environment
  • Expert understanding of the overall media, social media and cultural landscapes
  • Proven ability to garner earned-first coverage and conversation on behalf of brands
  • Established media relationships and illustrative examples of past success
  • Deep expertise in building and managing media relations and influencer strategies
  • Outstanding communication skills to successfully present program recommendations and establish trusted relationships with senior clients
  • Proven experience in developing and nurturing strong client relationships
  • A working style that is self-motivated, well-organized and resilient to ever-changing timelines, requests and deliverables
  • Proven experience building teams, managing and mentoring team members and working collaboratively in a cross-functional setting 
  • Ability to work effectively with integrated agency teams

The Weber Shandwick Collective recognizes that your health and wellbeing are a priority. This is why we offer a full suite of benefits including:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • RRSP (with employer match)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Juice Money – $60 monthly reimbursement to be used towards purchases that nourish your health, mind, body, and soul
  • Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) – $50 monthly cell phone reimbursement
  • MyDays – Flexible time off
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Paid Parental Leave Policy

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Weber Shandwick recruits qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, age, ethnic or national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or citizenship status.

#LI-SK1

We make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at JobAppAccommodation@ipgdxtra.com. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or vendors; rather it is strictly for applicants who require special assistance accessing our employment website. Due to volume, messages sent to this email address that are not related to an accommodation cannot be answered.

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Are you a dynamic leader with an entrepreneurial spirit and a proven track record of successfully managing complex accounts? Do you thrive on building meaningful relationships with your clients, teammates and partners? Are you obsessed with being proactive and delivering results? If you answered yes to the above, we’re looking for YOU!

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We’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships across an organization, manage multiple projects and lead and inspire a high-performing team. You are someone who leads with empathy and isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and get into the work when your team needs you.

If you’ve got a passion for PR, here’s an opportunity to advance your career at a forward-thinking, award-winning and globally leading integrated communications agency. Weber Shandwick Canada is PRovoke Media’s Canadian Agency of the Year, IABC Canadian Large Agency of the Year (five years running) and boasts the most exciting client list of any agency in the country. We’re a passionate and diverse team that protects and promotes some of Canada’s most iconic and beloved brands – and has fun while doing it!

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  • Serve as the primary account lead, day-to-day counsel and trusted advisor to stakeholders across our clients’ organization.
  • Develop an in-depth knowledge of our clients’ businesses, anticipate their needs and be their go-to for guidance and problem solving.
  • Work with clients to translate their needs into meaningful and actionable briefs and communicate expectations/goals to your team – planning and activating the work across our integrated media, creative, insights and project management teams.
  • Be accountable for the delivery of innovative high-quality work – maintaining consistency across the account.
  • Manage account financials and contribute to driving growth – ensuring team billability and account profitability. 
  • Lead financial planning/forecasting and work with agency operations teams to determine short- and long-term staffing and talent needs.
  • Contribute innovative ideas for client and new business work – inspiring ideation amongst team members.
  • Develop positive relationships with partner agencies and work collaboratively as part of integrated agency teams – always working toward the best possible outcome for our clients.
  • Lead an integrated account team comprised of both direct reports, as well as members of other teams across the agency.


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  • 10+ years of communications experience, ideally in an agency setting
  • Experience leading and growing complex accounts
  • Excellent knowledge of the Canadian media and social landscape
  • Creative and a strategic thinking
  • A track record in building strong client relationships and leading teams that deliver results
  • Proven leadership skills, with the ability to inspire a team by motivating, coaching, consistently providing feedback, and leading by example

The Weber Shandwick Collective recognizes that your health and wellbeing are a priority. This is why we offer a full suite of benefits including:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • RRSP (with employer match)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Juice Money – $60 monthly reimbursement to be used towards purchases that nourish your health, mind, body, and soul
  • Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) – $50 monthly cell phone reimbursement
  • MyDays – Flexible time off
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Paid Parental Leave Policy

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Weber Shandwick recruits qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, age, ethnic or national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or citizenship status.

#LI-SK1

We make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at JobAppAccommodation@ipgdxtra.com. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or vendors; rather it is strictly for applicants who require special assistance accessing our employment website. Due to volume, messages sent to this email address that are not related to an accommodation cannot be answered.

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At Weber Shandwick, we build brand stories designed to earn attention, coverage and conversation. We’re a passionate and diverse team that protects and promotes some of Canada’s (and the world’s) most iconic and beloved brands … and has fun while doing it!  
 
If you’re a dynamic social and influencer marketing expert with an integrated mindset, here’s an opportunity to play a leadership role at a forward-thinking, award-winning and globally leading agency. Over the last five years, Weber Shandwick has been recognized as PRovoke Media’s Canadian Agency of the Year, IABC Canadian Large Agency of the Year, a certified Great Place to Work (six years running) and boasts the most exciting client list of any agency in the country. 

 

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We are currently seeking a Director – Social & Influencer Strategy to join our Integrated Media team in Toronto. We’re looking for a self-starter who is ready to play a key role in driving the agency’s social and influencer teams forward. As a key member of our Social & Influencer team, this person will lead breakthrough work across several major accounts, while driving growth and socializing best practices across the agency. 

 

The ideal candidate is passionate about social media and working with influencers and creators. The position requires expert-level understanding of social platforms and influencer marketing and the role they play in the larger interconnected and ever-evolving media ecosystem.  

 

They have deep experience in the social and influencer space with notable brands and are in tune with emerging trends, as well as the broader cultural and technological shifts taking place in the media landscape. This role calls for curiosity about what comes next in technology, marketing and media, paired with a passion for working with influencers.  

 

We’re looking for someone who knows how to motivate a team, tap into their passion and lead with a sense of integrity, honesty and humility – someone who can set the big-picture strategy but isn’t afraid to roll up their sleeves and dive into the work. 

 

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who wants to put their strategic skills to work driving engagement for great brands, is highly collaborative and willing to grow and lead a team doing bold new things.  

 

Responsibilities 

 

  • Develop a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses and target audiences, and – working in close collaboration with our Creative, Insights and Client Experience teams – lead the creation and execution of innovative and integrated social and/or influencer campaigns that drive trackable and meaningful results 
  • Serve as the primary Canadian social and influencer lead for major global brands – 

leading the development of innovative social/digital initiatives from briefing to execution, including campaign strategies, content creation, paid integration and measuring effectiveness/ROI, as well as digital team structure and workflows 

  • Stay at the forefront of technology trends, new applications and emerging platforms to champion social and digital innovation and continuously further our offerings 
  • Provide expert counsel to clients and colleagues on social/digital/influencer trends, issues and best practices – act as a thought leader who shares knowledge, expertise and strong counsel internally and externally  
  • Continuously advance the agency’s influence offering; overseeing key relationships with talent agencies and content creators, and institutionalizing a set of best-in-class tools and processes for identification, contract negotiation, content planning, paid amplification, campaign optimization, measurement and ROI analysis 
  • Collaborate effectively with inter-agency teams to develop holistic plans and fully integrated strategies for our clients 
  • Work closely with our Insights team to advance our social listening and analytics offering 
  • Socialize and promote our social and influencer capabilities to drive organic and new business growth 
  • Lead a high-performing team of digital specialists; mentor and develop junior team members 

 

REQUIREMENTS 
 

  • 8-10 years of experience, preferably within an agency environment or major brand 
  • A thorough command of the social media and digital world (from the evolving social web to mobile tools and trends), sophisticated client service and digital communications skills, high energy, and passion for this area of rapid change and innovation 
  • Expert-level proficiency in social media platforms and inherent curiosity about emerging communities – willing to experiment with cutting-edge platforms and techniques and sell in new ways of thinking to clients  
  • Deep expertise in building and managing influencer programs, establishing best practices and leading strong influencer marketing teams. 
  • Understand the paid media environment and how it applies to a holistic social media strategy   
  • Firm understanding of social platform paid and advertising tools  
  • Familiarity with a broad set of social and influencer analytics tools; and experience working with an analytics team to measure campaign ROI and generate insights that inform future strategy 
  • Established relationships with social platforms, partners, influencers and talent agencies  
  • Outstanding communication skills to successfully present program recommendations and establish trusted relationships with senior clients  
  • Proven new business expertise and success 
  • Proven experience building teams, managing and mentoring junior staff and working collaboratively in a cross-functional setting  

 

The Weber Shandwick Collective recognizes that your health and wellbeing are a priority. This is why we offer a full suite of benefits including:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • RRSP (with employer match)
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Juice Money – $60 monthly reimbursement to be used towards purchases that nourish your health, mind, body, and soul
  • Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) – $50 monthly cell phone reimbursement
  • MyDays – Flexible time off
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Paid Parental Leave Policy

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Weber Shandwick recruits qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, age, ethnic or national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or citizenship status.

#LI-SK1

We make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at JobAppAccommodation@ipgdxtra.com. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or vendors; rather it is strictly for applicants who require special assistance accessing our employment website. Due to volume, messages sent to this email address that are not related to an accommodation cannot be answered.