Copywriter/Creative Strategist

Remote/Hybrid: Lead and Support Wisconsin Region Clients and Growth Plan

Reports to: President, Randy McDaniels

This position is a critical component of the Creative, Account Management and New Business Teams. The challenging and rewarding work involves developing concepts, plans and writing copy to be used in a wide variety of projects for business-to-business and consumer marketing communications along with the creation of audio and video projects. Projects may include print, broadcast and outdoor advertising; collateral materials; branding, displays and exhibits; audio/video, newsletters; press releases; and more. The Creative Strategist will also write for digital marketing projects, such as websites, e-blasts, e-newsletters, banner ads and especially social media.

Copywriting

The core work of the position will consist of creative concepts through finished copy that best communicates the client’s message— following set marketing goals—keeping consistent with a new or established brand. Work within a time-management system to meet all deadlines and achieve max billable hours. During the creative process, collaborate with the assigned campaign/project designer, keeping the entire account team informed and updated on progress. Directing/supervising the production of voiceovers for videos and complete radio spots will also be involved.

Editing & Proofreading

Edit rough copy, checking grammar, punctuation, etc.; proof final copy, layouts and finished art to catch errors and check corrections.

Directing Photo and Video Shoots

This includes travel to remote locations.

Client Contact

Engage in client contact when required; develop a rapport and maintain a professional relationship.

Job Responsibilities

Attend creative team meetings scheduled by the Account Team per the company’s designated creative process
Contribute to discussions regarding client projects
Have a deep understanding of each client, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats, target audience and competitor activities
Strategic and creative thinking
Prepare copy concepts for internal/client review
Write and edit marketing communications copy from conception to completion, incorporating client feedback as appropriate
Aid in the development of proposals and pitch documents to help land and retain business, including RFP responses and client presentations
Have initiative and work well independently, but also work collaboratively as needed
Partner with art directors on brand and concept development
Help to produce and direct audio and video production
Act with the client’s best interests in mind
Keep up to date with trends in marketing communications
Manage, write, and be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously
Must record time at end of each day

Acquisition of New Business for all divisions within McDaniels Marketing, as well as our digital division, McD Digital to include website development, content management systems, animation, social media, SEO/SEM, and more. This position will assist with the selling of agency services including marketing strategy, branding, advertising, public relations, marketing research and exhibits.

New Business Acquisition Process

Work with other New Business team members to research prospects primarily within our key niches of healthcare, agriculture, tourism, industrial and financial services.
Work with other New Business team members to utilize a combination of phone, direct mail and email to contact potential new clients
Attend trade shows and conferences
Establish and maintain a high volume of activity
Work on proposals with agency team members
Close new accounts that add value to the agency revenue pool

Account Management Assistance

As part of this job role, you will build brand equity for our clients and ultimate success for their business or organization with other Account Management team members. Track and work directly on all projects, proposals, new business pitches for existing core and new McD clients. Attend outside functions and planning meetings with clients and agency teams. Note: there will be an account manager at HQ assigned to each account to facilitate project completion.

Client Contact and Team Collaboration

Engage in consistent client contact developing an excellent rapport and maintaining a professional relationship with clients and McD staff. Cooperate and work with others on creative team (art directors, creative director, writers, designers and account managers).

Working Requirements

This is a deadline/results-driven and competitive industry.
Additional hours at trade shows, conferences and trips to and from client locations.
Quarterly meetings at the McD home office will be required to build relationships with the core McD team. Lodging will be paid.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive Salary plus commission

Commission structure

15% of gross profit generated from accounts that you land (solo or shared) Some accounts will be assigned to manage as a part of your salary.

Health insurance (United Healthcare) $700/month toward the premium ($8,400)
401K plus profit-sharing (lump sum distribution) once you qualify
Vision insurance through BCBS
Group dental insurance (shared expense) We pay 20% of the premium.
Pet insurance at group rates
Year-end and holiday bonuses
8 days paid time off first year; 15 days second year
Holiday pay
Group outings and events
Continuing education
Fun travel opportunities

See employee handbook for eligibility requirements.

Travel

The agency has three company vehicles you can use for trips, and you will be issued a corporate credit card for expenses. If you use your personal vehicle for travel, you will be able to claim the mileage and be reimbursed. Average amount of travel is 2 – 4 days per month with some months at zero. Some trips are simply to and from the same day for clients who are close by. Overnight travel usually comes in bunches for conferences and important client meetings and new business pitches. This position will not require you to be gone a huge number of days per year like some sales positions.

Comp Time

Is provided if you have to travel and attend a conference on a Saturday or Sunday. Your commission income will properly reimburse you for additional hours worked beyond that.

Year-end bonus

Occurs at the Christmas/Year End Celebration Party

401K/Profit Sharing

Only the profit-sharing portion of the 401K has a 7-year vesting requirement. All safe harbor 3% contributions by the agency and your own contributions are your property immediately.

Required Experience/Expertise/Attributes

Bachelor’s degree in advertising, marketing, communications or English
15 years of relevant creative experience
Ability to write for a wide-range of mediums for different industries – writing that is intelligent and demonstrates strong analytical and conceptual thinking
Superior knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation
Knows how to become an instant expert in each topic through diligent research; is good at learning new industries, companies, products and services
Displays strong project management and proofreading skills with excellent attention to detail
Can research, analyze and organize information concisely and effectively to craft clear, persuasive messaging that speaks to the target audience it is intended to motivate while keeping project objectives in mind
Finely honed interviewing skills
Proven ability to create award-winning work
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Exhibits innovation, curiosity and a strong work ethic
Public speaking and presentation skills (to assist with client meetings/presentations)
Proficient in Microsoft Office products
Experienced in scheduling, managing and directing audio/visual production
Possess a positive attitude – team player with client goal-oriented mindset