Brand Group Director

We are hiring for our Brand Development department, which is responsible for ensuring that the target market is kept top of mind as we lead strategy and execution on behalf of our clients’ brands and businesses.

We are currently seeking a Brand Group Director to serve as the leader in developing and executing brand strategy and marketing plans. You will act as a conduit between Hiebing teams and clients, ensuring strategic outcomes and communication. In addition to having a deep understanding of your target markets, you will demonstrate a strong understanding of your client’s business, industry and competitors.

You will be responsible for leadership and overall management of the client relationship on one or more large accounts, and likely several smaller accounts as well. You will oversee a team and have overall accountability for budgets and planning. In addition, you’ll be the primary contact for the client’s senior marketing staff, driving long-term business building, and development of internal and client marketing and business strategy. The Brand Group Director must bring a standard of excellence, the highest level of integrity and positive energy.

• Guide and lead clients, challenging assumptions and providing ongoing feedback when/where appropriate 
• Lead kickoffs, creative reviews and engage with clients as they provide feedback 
• Champion and demonstrate fluency in understanding of clients’ products/services, industry and competitive landscape
• Establish strategic direction for a client’s brand and drive the development of planning documents and marketing strategy 
• Work with senior leads to complete strategic elements of project brief: Story Strategy, target insights and industry fodder 
• Strategic leadership of organic business building, including proposal/RFP responses, planning for future opportunities and Touchpoint Planning 
• Provide support to project leads in selection and management of external vendors 
• Serve as internal strategy lead and target market authority within a client group 
• Initiate and oversee client deep-dives and other research developed by brand development team 
• Lead or trigger the tough conversations that may be needed to keep projects on track and work at a high level of excellence 
• Drive synergy between all Hiebing functional teams (digital, PR & social & content, insights, creative, media, etc.) 
• Oversee overall client budgets and monthly billing with an eye to profitability and accuracy across assigned clients—organize and maintain retainer billing structures as needed 
• Participate and/or lead in internal Hiebing committees and new business pitches

• At least 13 years of agency (strongly preferred) or brand management experience 
• Proven success holistically managing multiple client accounts and working with cross-functional agency teams 
• Ability to articulate and understand the emotional context and motivations of varying target markets to create true brand devotion 
• The foresight to anticipate and adjust course as needed, strategically or tactically, to ensure quality deliverables 
• Proven capability in developing holistic strategic plans 
• A bachelor’s degree or higher is a must 
• Ability to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship now or in the future