Planner/Buyer, Broadcast Media (Contract)

Location: Charlotte NC, Charleston SC or Columbia SC.

Flexibility: Hybrid

We’re looking for an experienced Media Planner/Buyer to join our growing media team on a freelance basis.

At Chernoff Newman, we’re about Work that Matters and we like to explore creativity from every discipline. So, if you are an advertising and marketing professional with specific experience in media buying, then this is what you’ve been waiting for.

This role has primary responsibility for estimating, negotiating, allocating and maintaining broadcast media buys. The focus will be on TV and Radio and their associated digital formats including Connected Video/Audio, with the opportunity to also buy Print, OOH and other media. Critical thinking and superior math skills will be required, as well as an eagerness to take on responsibility and work through complex issues patiently and diligently. This person will also monitor buy deliveries and assist in preparing post-buy reporting and analysis.

Responsibilities:

• Starting from the media strategy, audience and budget parameters, plan out media buys, creating and maintaining a flowchart with estimates and requesting/managing vendor RFPs and beginning the negotiation process
• Work with Supervisor and Clients to ensure that final media plans meet objectives, budget and other briefed parameters
• Conduct all aspects of media buys, including negotiation, placement, stewardship, securing added value, finalization and billing
• Make Supervisor aware of market, vendor or technology problems as early as possible in the process to facilitate timely resolution
• Work with vendors and account managers to ensure creative deadlines and assets are delivered for on-time campaign launch
• Track schedule deliveries and request makegoods for under-delivery
• Manage billing and clearing process, working to resolve discrepancies promptly and accurately to ensure timely payment
• Conduct post-buy reporting and analysis
• Write POVs (point of views) for all market specific sponsorships and other added value
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media vendors
• Maintain proficiency with Strata media buying and billing software
• Supervise and mentor entry-level talent, helping with training as required
• Complete personal timesheets in a timely and accurate manner

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (related field preferred, but not required with relevant experience)
• At least 3 years real experience as a media buyer – TV a must, radio helpful – or in a mixture of equivalent media sales roles
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills. Demonstrate solid technical and negotiating skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills – both internally and externally
• Detail oriented, with strong problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency with Excel/Sheets spreadsheeting required
• Proficiency with Strata or Mediaocean required
• Ability to multi-task, work successfully with teams, and work under pressure
• Ability to communicate through in person meetings, video, phone and emails

Benefits

Freelance: Rate dependent on experience.

Full-time: Base salary is determined upon factors such as experience, qualifications, training, certifications, and internal equity. Base salary is part of a total rewards package with competitive benefits:

• Group Health Insurance (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• 401k Matching Plan
• Flexible PTO + Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Training + development opportunities
• Life insurance (100% company paid)
• Short-Term + Long-Term Disability (100% company paid)
• Hybrid work setting

Company Values

Enduring: We are long-time trusted advisors and leaders in the communities where we live and work.

Intentional: We are rooted in research, strategy-led, purposeful and deliberate.

Humancentric: We are committed to collaboration, respect and empathy and instill integrity, warmth and kindness in everything we do.

Inclusive: We insist on diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skill sets and are committed to a workforce reflective of our community and culture.

Curious: We seek to address issues through innovative, disruptive and creative ideas.