About us

Initiative is different to other media agencies. We are not trapped by a legacy structure primarily centred on paid advertising. Instead, we are liberated by a new world structure designed to deliver highly differentiated and highly effective communications strategies for our clients. We’re not the biggest agency in town. So rather than outsize our competitors we must outsmart them.

The Strategy & Communications Design Manager is a unique role in Initiative developing the communications strategy. Key to this role is developing audience insights, growth & business analysis and how the idea is then delivered through owned, earned, shared and paid ecosystem to drive the desired brand / business / audience outcome.

The strength of this role is that you get to work across the full funnel spectrum of planning; from big brand annual campaigns to borrowing skills from User Experience to curate how people connect and participate with brands. Strategy Communications Designers think about total experience, how audiences encounter the brand and the levers across the marketing ecosystem to unlock brand and business growth.

The Role

As the Strategy Communications Design manager, you are the orchestrator of the strategic communications platform, with the strong support from your senior strategy / comms resource to guide your thinking.

Your role is to uncover high value, growth audience, cultural and macro insights to help guide the strategy through to the idea. Really thinking about the why behind the what. With strong foundation gained from your experience in an agency planning role (media, content or digital), you have a strong understanding of how communications work in today’s dynamic communications landscape.

You think about how the strategy lives alongside the creative idea and what the right vehicles and tactics are to make them spread. You are digitally savvy, with the ability to use new technologies, platforms and approaches to give our ideas the right push to create cultural conversation.

You will work with strategic audience directors to uncover high value audiences to meet the brief. You will work with growth analytics to guide the appropriate high-level communications goals required to deliver the business outcomes.

You will work with Partnerships to identify and vet the short-list of the right channels and partners for the task, helping to make the strategic direction and idea a reality. Comfortable in developing a positive agency village dynamic, you will build influence with your counterparts and clients to guide the comms planning.

What you will bring

• Solid understanding of the strategy and connections craft, seeking to bring others (clients, colleagues, agency partners) on the journey
• Passionate about effective communication, curiosity for human behaviour and champion for creativity that is channelled into quality output for clients
• Broad and up-to-date knowledge of media and consumer trends and how to apply to client business
• Strong communicator who can defend their opinion with key stakeholders, both internally and externally
• Articulate and persuasive presenter with outstanding written and verbal skills that translate into clear message outtake
• Passion for our industry expressed through meeting media, attending relevant events and programs
• Dedicated focus on continual self-development, actively seeking constructive feedback and modifying behaviour if required

Qualifications, Skills and Capability

• Tenure guideline: 3+ years in an integrated planning role in media agency, media partner or communications discipline (digital, content).
• Excellent media channel planning skills that are well developed and polished Ability to effectively delegate and oversee direct reports
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, colleagues and partners
• Strong organisational skills, with a proven ability to problem solve
• Required PC proficiency and solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Ability to work successfully within a team, handling multiple projects and meeting tight deadlines under pressure

Health & Happiness Perks

• Birthday leave - because no one should have to work on their birthday!
• Two bonus Summer Break Days
• Up to an additional requested four weeks leave on top of annual leave
• One mental health day off per quarter
• 4pm finish on Fridays
• 50/50 flexible working arrangement
• Access to paid training and career development courses
• Culture initiatives - clubs, social drinks, regular events
• Vibrant, modern office space near the Yarra River
• Wellness initiatives - gym, meditation sessions, EAP, Mental Health First Aid
• Paid parental leave and more!

If this sounds like you - please apply to join the Initiative team today.

Mediabrands is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. LGBTQIA+, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are encouraged to apply.