Director

We’re looking for a Chicago-based Director to join SHIFT’s growing consumer team. You will hit the ground running by managing programs for one of the country’s largest restaurant chains and have the opportunity to work on other exciting consumer brands, take part in business development, and mentor team members. A creative mindset with the ability to manage events from conception to day-of logistical details is essential. A passion for media relations (earned and sponsored), influencer marketing, and social media marketing are also required. Here’s a bit more about what we’re looking for, what you’ll be doing and what it takes to succeed at SHIFT. **What You Bring** - Currently located in greater Chicagoland – we are in-office three days a week and this position will also require some travel. - Seven+ years of increasing responsibility in an agency or fast-paced client environment (some agency experience is critical). - Experience in food, beverage, CPG and hospitality – fast food chain restaurant and/or franchise experience is preferred - Ability to work with a remote team - Ridiculously strong oral, written and interpersonal communications. - Experience and passion for bringing together various groups to a consensus and shared goal and moving projects forward - A deep understanding of today’s consumer – from micro to macro shifts – and how those trends are impacting people’s purchasing power and the brands they engage with - A demonstrated record of developing and executing successful public relations strategies and programs while closely managing budgets - Experience in influencer marketing and social media best practices; with knowledge of what it takes to create earned media campaigns and sponsored opportunities - Experience reaching top-tier media with creative storytelling - Strong personnel management and mentoring skills - The ability to form strong client relationships **What You’ll Be Doing** - Managing a large client in fast food / restaurant space - Ensuring your team’s work is client- and/or media-ready before we press send. - Collaborating with experts across the network who can strengthen your team’s efforts, and/or whom your team’s expertise can help strengthen theirs. - Running client events in the Chicago area (and beyond) in collaboration with owner/operators - Identifying and working with media, influencers and partners - Ensuring all clients are kept informed on emerging trends, actively engaged in our relationship and delighted with our work. - Broadening our base of relationships within your clients - Nurturing and growing your network of trusted relationships with the media, industry analysts and influencers. - Leading new business prospecting, proposals and presentations - Contributing to SHIFT’s content engine to help cement SHIFT as voice of authority/credibility and you as a thought leader in the consumer behavior/experience space. - Building SHIFT’s and your own personal profile through active engagement in relevant industry/trade groups, events and initiatives. **What it Takes to Succeed Here** - **Help us improve**. Become fluent in the agency’s brand and business; familiarize yourself with our teams, clients, best case work and best proposals. See a missed opportunity along the way? Call it out. Share your thoughts. Make us better. - **Make yourself smarter**. Invest any downtime you have in your first six months to become certified in Google Analytics, and to master Google’s keyword tools. Both will help you prepare client-ready work more quickly as requested. - **Know what’s going on.** Read/watch/listen to and then analyze and report the news that’s important to you and your clients; provide recommendations for actions that the client can/should take as a result. - **Have a point of view**. We’re not looking for people who agree with everything we say. We’re looking for people who think independently, believe in things important to them and can bring and defend that passion to work with the…