Brand Strategist (Open Level)
Job Summary
OKRP is an independent, new-model, Chicago-based creative agency that delivers big-agency creativity with start-up ingenuity. Coming out of last year, we all learned to flex new muscles and “work together, apart”, creating new efficiencies and tweaking processes as we went. We’re currently busy meeting talented people of all different backgrounds, skillsets and levels so when the time comes to pull the trigger we’ve got a jumpstart on formalities. Here at OKRP Strategy serves a crucial role in creating unmissable, influential work, and we need our next great strategist.
What we’re looking for:
- A strategist who can take complex inputs – both qualitative and quantitative – and build tight briefs that inspire creatives to deliver effective work
- One who can craft and present impactful stories using facts, insights, and cultural inputs
- A great collaborator who understands that a strategist should NOT see themselves as the smartest person in the room, rather the most helpful
- Who is comfortable in ambiguity. Who can anticipate the changing needs of our clients and the marketplace and tailor their activities and outputs to get to the best work possible
- Someone who can work autonomously, manage up, and takes pride in creating a reputation of accountability
- Who is in touch with culture and is passionate about monitoring and speculating on its trajectory
- And finally, someone who is willing to see strategy through to execution. Someone who knows the job isn’t done at the creative brief, someone who dives into communications planning, helps sell the work through, and plays whatever role they need to get to great, influential work that our clients are proud to put in market.
Education
- Bachelor’s required, preferably in a social / human-oriented field (e.g., Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, etc.) or communication/marketing (e.g., Integrated Marketing, Brand Planning, etc.). Master’s degree or higher is desirable.
Experience
- While the ideal person for this role will, indeed, embody the above traits, we aren’t necessarily focused on the level of experience. At OKRP a cultural fit is always our top priority, so we’re looking for someone whose wheelhouse fits our description but who is also looking to contribute to the growth and community of our agency by bringing a new-school thought process with them!
Senior Copywriter
Job Summary
We are looking for Senior Copywriters that are searching to find the big idea that also have the passion to sweat the details. A problem solver with soul that finds solutions that feel both human and true, drawing insights from the real word. At OKRP, we believe work is ready when we “feel” it.
Our creatives are prolific and iterative in their approach to the work. They’re deeply collaborative, transparent communicators who always endeavor to “bring something extra” to each assignment. Egoless creativity is key.
The Sr. Copywriter is responsible, in the area of creative for:
- Ownership is key to success. The Sr. Copywriter is responsible for the execution of ideas across TV, print, digital and social channels while directing photographers, illustrators, animators, and junior designers with the utmost attention to detail.
- Participating in all meetings, calls and creative briefings for the internal creative team
- Supporting the Creative Director in day-to-day creative deliverables
- Delivering thoughtful solutions to client briefs
- Routing creative/copy internally for proper approvals with Creative Director
- Managing projects’ creative assets and schedules to ensure on-time deliverables
- Always striving to find the big idea, but also recognize little nuances that give the perfect look and texture.
- Working with CDs and GCDs you will seek out improvement, both in the work that is created and growth as an individual. The Sr. Copywriter should always be looking to master their craft and improve on their skills.
- The Sr. Copywriter should be current on trends beyond advertising – understanding what is relevant in both culture and technology.
- People that work at OKRP are smart, driven, and collaborative. They care about each other and are expected to help each other grow as creatives and as people. Performing other duties as required or assigned that at are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in English, writing, or related field
Experience
- 5 years minimum industry experience, or applicable work experience, and strong recommendations
- Experience working on large, integrated, cross-channel campaigns – and a killer book to boot.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Possess strong copywriting background/skills
- Be both right-brained and left-brained – but never overthink work.
- Resilient in the face of ambiguity and change
- Should be a strong internal communicator, excellent at managing up and down, and a great presenter for pitches.
- Exceptional time-management, organization, written/verbal communication skills
- Energy, curiosity, and an ability to maintain your sense of humor under tight timelines and long hours
- Fluent in Microsoft Word, Google shared documents and have familiarity with Keynote.
Video Editor
Job Summary
As an Editor at Whiskey & Bananas, you are a motivated, curious, individual who will play an important role in our busy and expanding studio, reporting to the Head of Production and the Supervising Editor. You are both creative and technical, wanting to grow with any project you are assigned to.
The person best-equipped to succeed in this position is not easily intimidated by large deliverable batches and quick turnaround times. You are an organized and strong communicator with a team-player mindset, as well as a thought leader who can add value to teams and projects by offering up innovative ideas. You thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Along with being highly organized, the Editor will be great at prioritizing and able to balance multiple projects, potentially on various accounts at one time. To that, you must be able to work with various account lead, creative team, and project manager personalities.
The Editor is responsible, in the area of production, for:
- Creating outstanding content for broadcast, cinema, social, and internal use from offline edit through final delivery.
- Loading dailies, create proxy files, and sync sound if needed
- Assessing footage through repeated screenings and selection
- Using temp music, VO, graphics, and sound effects to create a film which reaches creative goals but also surprises and delights with new ideas.
- Working in session with OKRP teams to craft the final film, taking creative and client notes and goals into account.
- Preparing for finish sessions such as color, mix, and VFX.
- More often than not, conforming the final edit after finishing sessions. Adding final VFX, graphics, and slate information
- Outputting to delivery spec for multiple outlets and traffic options
- Demonstrating proficiency in After Effects
- Adapting to many styles of filmmaking, whether docu style, narrative, montage, rip, etc
- Performing other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Film Production and/or Post-Production
Experience
- Previous experience in professional editorial settings, whether through internships or entry level work.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Basic/working knowledge of Adobe Premiere & Photoshop.
- Knowledge of other programs like After Effects, Resolve, or Avid is a plus.
- Exceptional time-management, organization, multitasking, and communication skills.
- Ability to be a team player.
- Possesses energy, curiosity, and an ability to maintain your sense of humor under tight timelines and long hours.
- Has an eye for detail
- Resourceful in problem-solving and knows when to elevate concerns to receive more guidance
- Flexible and adaptable in the face of ambiguity and change
- Organized and maintains an organized file management system and file server
Producer
Job Summary
We are looking for a Producer—a proactive thinker, resourceful problem solver who possesses an outgoing, get-it-done attitude. The Producer will work closely with the internal cross-functional team to provide day-to-day support to ensure smooth production processes and positive deliverables for our clients.
You will manage projects including, but not limited to, video production, print production and content creation. As a Producer, you will partner with creative, strategy, account and business affairs across projects. It is your responsibility to ensure that elements are delivered on time and on budget in collaboration with your core team.
Producers maintain relationships with outside partners including, but not limited to, production companies, recording studios and post facilities – securing estimates and outlining parameters and schedules for agency projects. Strong and clear communication, attention to detail and organizational skills are required for this position. Ideal candidates must be able to perform well under pressure, and be nimble—able to anticipate potential conflicts and production needs, problem solve and provide alternate solutions as changes arise during a project.
The Producer is responsible, in the area of Production, for:
- Leading a project team of production resources including staff, freelance and vendors
- Collaborating with creative teams to determine suitable production partners for each creative concept
- Working with production companies to obtain director treatments and bid packages
- Preparing estimates and triple bids as necessary
- Developing production and post production schedules
- Oversight of all phases of production including shoots, edits, voice-over and sound mixing and color sessions
- Maintaining exceptional working relationships with clients and attending status and review meetings as required
- Oversight of post-production and final deliverables, including shipping and completion reports
- Performing other duties as required or assigned that at are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required
Experience
- 4-6 years industry experience, or applicable work experience, and strong recommendations
- Varied experience as a line and agency producer is a plus
- Strong communication skills, both written and oral
- Experience managing small and large budget projects ($500K – $2M a plus)
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Flexibility and adaptability in the face of ambiguity and change
- Ability to collaborate quickly with external and internal teams
- Time management skills and ability to manage priorities and workflow
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and respond quickly to change
- BONUS: Spanish language skills and knowledge of SAG talent rules and requirements
Associate Creative Resource Manager
Job Summary
At OKRP, Creative Resource management team members have a unique balance of both left brain and right brain, and they thrive in a fast-paced environment with creativity at its center. They appreciate the creative process and the flexibility needed to develop award-winning work.
The Associate Resource Manager works day-to-day within the creative department — engaging with project management, production and finance, reporting to Head of Creative Services. Ultimately, this role supports the CEO, ECD and all Creative team members. Therefore, success in this position means developing strong inter-department partnerships.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
- Maintain constant knowledge of all current and upcoming projects as they relate to creative team members
- Update topline creative status report with upcoming key dates, timeline and scope changes
- Anticipate creative needs; adjusting daily resource allocation plans within ERP system as directed
- Help Head of Creative Services expand a roster of full time and freelance talent
- Review time reports and raise past and upcoming capacity and over planning with HOCS
- Negotiate and execute freelance contracts, and ensure seamless freelance onboarding and offboarding
- Update and report freelance forecasts to HOCS for input, and raises upcoming end dates
- Schedule creative department meetings and support presentation development
- Suggest areas of process improvement with HOCS and collaborate on solutions
- Foster an environment where creativity and innovation thrive – by supporting the talent and process
- Always support and allow for a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment
Experience
- 3+ years of experience in creative resource management &/or project management in an ad agency or creative PR environment
- 360-program experience with an understanding of project workflow from kick-off to delivery
- Familiarity with the design development process is a plus
- Intuitive understanding of how scopes may align with creative team members, based on level, experience and expertise
- Workflow management experience within an ERP tool preferred (Workbook or similar)
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Express a positive, anything-is-possible outlook
- Highly collaborative, diplomatic and resourceful
- Inclined to turn problems into problem-solving
- Detail-oriented, and also a clear and concise communicator
- Confident managing and prioritizing multiple tasks, and comfortable raising time-sensitive concerns and questions in a deadline-driven environment
- Mac savvy and proficient in Microsoft Office
Account Director
Job Summary
As the Account Director, you will act as leader of client relationships and be responsible for familiarizing yourself with specific team hierarchies. You will be the go-to person for all things related to your specific accounts’ brands.
The person best-equipped to succeed in this position is a self-directed, operational leader – a “do-er” as well as a thinker/manager. OKRP’s ADs are not easily intimidated by large deliverable batches and quick turnaround times and are comfortable with B2B as well as B2C. They must be organized, strong communicators with team-player mindsets who are also thought leaders, adding value to teams and projects by offering up guidance, support, and brand-specific feedback. Thriving in a fast-paced environment is a must.
Along with being highly organized, the AD will be great at prioritizing and able to balance multiple projects. To that, candidates must be able to work with various creative team, planner, production lead, and project manager personalities.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
The Account Director is responsible, in the area of account management, for:
- Ensuring deliverables meet client objectives/expectations
- Managing the day-to-day project needs and client communications
- Delegating projects/tasks to Sups, AEs, and Coordinators as needed
- Empowering and encouraging Sups, AEs, and Coordinators in their day-to-day activities and providing mentorship and constructive feedback when needed
- Creating estimates and SOWs for new projects
- Managing scope (in partnership with PM) and ensuring project profitability
- Reviewing all project briefs and ensuring team success in project kickoffs
- Will perform other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.
Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Advertising, Marketing, Communication or related field
- 8+ years industry experience and strong recommendations
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Tourism and/or Hospitality experience is a MUST
- Digital experience is a MUST
- Strong understanding of the production process and working with government contracts
- Experience managing multiple projects at a time and working within tight timelines
- Direct, clear communicator
- Knows the importance of when to professionally say “no”
- Incredible attention to detail
- High sense of ownership/responsibility
- Flexibility and adaptability in the face of ambiguity and change
- Organizational and time-management skills
Account Director
Job Summary
The AD will act as leader of client relationships and is responsible for familiarizing themselves with specific team hierarchies. They are the go-to person for all things related to their specific accounts’ brands.
The person best-equipped to succeed in this position is a self-directed, operational leader – a “do-er” as well as a thinker/manager. Our ideal AD is not easily intimidated by large deliverable batches and quick turnaround times and is comfortable with B2B as well as B2C. Candidates must be organized, strong communicators with team-player mindsets who are also thought leaders, adding value to teams and projects by offering up guidance, support and brand-specific feedback. Thriving in a fast-paced environment is a must.
Along with being highly organized, the AD will be great at prioritizing and able to balance multiple projects. To that, candidates must be able to work with various creative team, planner, production lead and project manager personalities.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
The Account Director is responsible, in the area of account management, for:
- Ensuring deliverables meet client objectives/expectations
- Managing the day-to-day project needs and client communications
- Delegating projects/tasks to AS / SAE / AE as needed
- Empowering and encouraging AS / SAE / AE in their day-to-day activities and providing constructive feedback when needed
- Creating estimates and SOWs for new projects
- Managing scope (in partnership with PM) and ensuring project profitability
- Reviewing all project briefs and ensuring team success in project kickoffs
- Will perform other duties as required or assigned that at are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.
Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Advertising, Marketing, Communication or related field
- 8+ years industry experience and strong recommendations
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Experience managing multiple projects at a time and working within tight timelines
- Direct, clear communicator
- Knows the importance of when to say “no”, professionally
- Incredible attention to detail
- High sense of ownership/responsibility
- Flexibility and adaptability in the face of ambiguity and change
- Organizational and time-management skills
Account Executive
Job Summary
The Account Executive is a proactive thinker and resourceful problem solver who possesses an outgoing, get-it-done attitude. You will work closely with the internal cross-functional team to provide day-to-day support to ensure smooth internal processes and positive deliverables for our clients.
To succeed in this role, you must be flexible, highly organized and able to perform multiple tasks directly supporting different teams/clients on an ongoing basis. You will manage day-to-day documents, communications and project calendars, reporting directly to the Account Supervisor, and potentially co-managing the team’s Account Coordinator. You’ll also be a pro at proofreading all internal and client-facing documents.
Essential Functions & Responsibilities
The Account Executive is responsible, in the area of Account Management, for:
- Supporting account lead on day-to-day client & creative deliverables including management of supporting file assets
- Coordinating meetings, calls and creative briefings / reviews for the internal cross-functional team, along with the project management team
- Developing and actively participating in meeting preparation, presentations, and reports.
- Managing weekly client and internal team status reports
- Preparing and managing cycle forms / notes to properly communicate client feedback to creative teams
- QC-ing and proofing all emails, decks, and any additional internal and client-facing documents/communications that represent your team and brand.
- Mastering project details, internally
- Actively involved in billing, budgeting, and ongoing tracking of finances
- Assisting in the management of ongoing trafficking needs
- Striving to have a strong understanding of the client business and competitive set
- Performing other duties as required or assigned that are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.
Experience
- Bachelor’s degree mandatory; a concentration in advertising, marketing, or communication a PLUS
- 3-5 years industry experience, or applicable work experience, and strong recommendations
- Digital campaign and / or project management experience is a plus
- Creative production and media experience are a PLUS
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
- Exceptional time-management, organization, written/verbal communication and presentation skills
- Flexibility and adaptability in the face of ambiguity and change