Associate Planning Director

AbelsonTaylor Group•Chicago, IL

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

At AbelsonTaylor Group, work that makes you feel good isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. We believe that when you feel good about your work, and where you work, you bring your best self to it. That’s why we create an environment where creativity thrives, teamwork flourishes, and inclusivity is more than just a value—it’s a way of life. Here, you’ll help propel brands that inspire health and brighter futures, all while finding the support, inspiration, and growth opportunities to reach your own potential. Together, we dream boldly, collaborate deeply, and make a meaningful difference—one idea at a time. Now, we are on an unstoppable mission for an Associate Planning Director to join our team. The Associate Planning Director is an entry role into management and requires a mastery of Sr. Planner level duties and qualifications. The APD serves as Integrated Strategist supporting brands as a core team member, coordinating strategic efforts across the Integrated Strategy dept: Planning, Engagement, Media, Marketing Intelligence, Social. The APD provides high level Planning skills and a broad understanding of the role the other disciplines play, adeptly bringing in subject matter experts to support projects as needed. Ready to make a difference and be part of something extraordinary? Join us on this journey toward a healthier, happier world! Apply now!

Requirements

7-9 years prior agency experience.
Bachelor’s degree (preference for social sciences, marketing, communication, or sciences).
Must be innately curious about human behavior.
Must have an interest in health and wellness.

Nice To Haves

Pharmaceutical experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Target Identification: Deep understanding of target attitudes, beliefs, and behavior; creative approaches to presenting target learnings.
Insight Mining: Expertise and creativity in ways to uncover and utilize target insights.
Market Research: Expertise in various qualitative and quantitative methodologies, ability to identify knowledge gaps, and develop an annual learning plan utilizing market research to fill gaps and drive the business.
Storytelling & Creative Inspiration: Excellent verbal, writing, and presentation skills.
Pharma-Proficiency: High-level knowledge of multiple therapeutic areas, with in-depth knowledge of therapeutic areas for brands led.
New Business Pitches: Act as the Planning lead on new business pitches.
Planning Projects: Lead planning-focused projects on supported brands, including market research, insight mining, audience narratives, customer journeys, and positioning development.
Integrated Strategist: Seamlessly coordinate the integration of multiple disciplines, including Engagement, Media, Marketing Intelligence, and Social.
Workshops: Lead insight, positioning, and messaging workshops.
Creative Briefs: Author inspiring creative briefs, approaching brand challenges from fresh perspectives.
Creative Briefings: Lead inspiring creative briefings.
Creative Evaluation: Evaluate creative output through the lens of the target audience.
Thought Leadership: Contribute to thought leadership departmental initiatives, introducing novel approaches.
Lead by example, maintaining composure and professionalism in challenging situations, serving as a role model for junior team members.
Assign projects to balance workloads and challenge team members' skills, ensuring projects showcase the agency's capabilities.
Offer both formal and informal feedback to direct reports to help grow their creative sensibilities and progress in their craft.
Participate in performance reviews for any direct reports and provide coaching to create growth plans for team members as needed.
Foster team motivation and maintain a positive attitude that inspires others.
Facilitate participation, inclusion, and diversity of perspectives on your team and throughout the agency.