
Associate Planning Director at AbelsonTaylor
Chicago, IllinoisFull-timePlanningPosted 3 months ago
Apply with PipelineAbout the Role
<h3>Summary </h3>
<p>At AbelsonTaylor Group, <strong>work that makes you feel good</strong> isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. We believe that when you feel good about your work, and where you work, you bring your best self to it. That’s why we create an environment where creativity thrives, teamwork flourishes, and inclusivity is more than just a value—it’s a way of life.</p>
<p>Here, you’ll help propel brands that inspire health and brighter futures, all while finding the support, inspiration, and growth opportunities to reach your own potential. Together, we dream boldly, collaborate deeply, and make a meaningful difference—one idea at a time.</p>
<p><span class="TextRun SCXW227610452 BCX0" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW227610452 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"ac0262f4-8a9e-5820-b908-2d943c5f7113|1","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[201342446,"1",201342447,"5",201342448,"1",201342449,"1",469777841,"Calibri",469777842,"",469777843,"Calibri",469777844,"Calibri",201341986,"1",469769226,"Calibri",268442635,"22",469775450,"normaltextrun",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"normaltextrun",335572020,"1",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}">Now, we are on an unstoppable mission for</span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW227610452 BCX0" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW227610452 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun"> an </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW227610452 BCX0" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW227610452 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun">Associate Planning Director </span></span><span class="TextRun SCXW227610452 BCX0" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW227610452 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun">to join our team. The Associate Planning Director is an entry role into management and requires a mastery of Sr. Planner level duties and qualifications. The APD serves as </span><span class="NormalTextRun ContextualSpellingAndGrammarErrorV2Themed SCXW227610452 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun">Integrated</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW227610452 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="normaltextrun"> Strategist supporting brands as a core team member, coordinating strategic efforts across the Integrated Strategy dept: Planning, Engagement, Media, Marketing Intelligence, Social. The APD provides high level Planning skills and a broad understanding of the role the other disciplines play, adeptly bringing in subject matter experts to support projects as needed. </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW227610452 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="eop" data-ccp-charstyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"920dbcde-2834-5e15-a5fa-062170b236ba|1","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[201342446,"1",201342447,"5",201342448,"1",201342449,"1",469777841,"Calibri",469777842,"",469777843,"Calibri",469777844,"Calibri",201341986,"1",469769226,"Calibri",268442635,"22",469775450,"eop",201340122,"1",134233614,"true",469778129,"eop",335572020,"1",469778324,"Default Paragraph Font"]}"> </span></span><span class="EOP Selected SCXW227610452 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245417":true,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="none">Ready to make a difference and be part of something extraordinary? Join us on this journey toward a healthier, happier world! Apply now! </span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></p>
<h3>What You'll Do </h3>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph" data-ccp-parastyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"aaed607e-c2a3-5841-9fb4-41037bfa0faf|1","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469777841,"Times New Roman",469777842,"Times New Roman",469777843,"Times New Roman",469777844,"Times New Roman",469769226,"Times New Roman",201342446,"1",201342447,"5",201342448,"1",201342449,"1",201341986,"1",268442635,"24",469775450,"paragraph",201340122,"2",134233614,"true",469778129,"paragraph",335572020,"1",134233118,"true",134233117,"true",134245417,"true",469778324,"Normal"]}">Target Identification:</span></span></strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> Deep understanding of target attitudes, beliefs, and behavior; creative approaches to presenting target learnings.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245417":true,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Insight Mining:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Expertise and creativity in ways to uncover and utilize target insights.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Market Research:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Expertise in various qualitative and quantitative methodologies, ability to identify knowledge gaps, and develop an annual learning plan utilizing market research to fill gaps and drive the business.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Storytelling & Creative Inspiration:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Excellent verbal, writing, and presentation skills.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Pharma-Proficiency:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> High-level knowledge of multiple therapeutic areas, with in-depth knowledge of therapeutic areas for brands led.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">New Business Pitches:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Act as the Planning lead on new business pitches.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Planning Projects:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Lead planning-focused projects on supported brands, including market research, insight mining, audience narratives, customer journeys, and positioning development.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Integrated Strategist:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Seamlessly coordinate the integration of multiple disciplines, including Engagement, Media, Marketing Intelligence, and Social.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="9" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Workshops:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Lead insight, positioning, and messaging workshops.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="10" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Creative Briefs:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Author inspiring creative briefs, approaching brand challenges from fresh perspectives.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="11" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Creative Briefings:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Lead inspiring creative briefings.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="12" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Creative Evaluation:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Evaluate creative output through the lens of the target audience.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="10" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="13" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Thought Leadership:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Contribute to thought leadership departmental initiatives, introducing novel approaches.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h3>Team Management and Mentorship</h3>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph" data-ccp-parastyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"aaed607e-c2a3-5841-9fb4-41037bfa0faf|1","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469777841,"Times New Roman",469777842,"Times New Roman",469777843,"Times New Roman",469777844,"Times New Roman",469769226,"Times New Roman",201342446,"1",201342447,"5",201342448,"1",201342449,"1",201341986,"1",268442635,"24",469775450,"paragraph",201340122,"2",134233614,"true",469778129,"paragraph",335572020,"1",134233118,"true",134233117,"true",134245417,"true",469778324,"Normal"]}">Leadership Skills:</span></span></strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> Lead by example, </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">maintaining</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> composure and professionalism in challenging situations, serving as a role model for junior team members.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245417":true,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Hire, Coach, and Develop Team Members:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Assign projects to balance workloads and challenge team members' skills, ensuring projects showcase the agency's capabilities.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245417":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Provide Regular Feedback:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Offer both formal and informal feedback to direct reports to help grow their creative sensibilities and progress in their craft.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245417":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Perform Team Evaluations:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Participate in performance reviews for any direct reports and provide coaching to create growth plans for team members as needed.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245417":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Team Motivation:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Foster team motivation and maintain a positive attitude that inspires others</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245417":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="14" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Infuse Psychological Safety into Teams:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Facilitate participation, inclusion, and diversity of perspectives on your team and throughout the agency</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245417":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h3>What Makes You A Great Fit</h3>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="13" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph" data-ccp-parastyle-defn="{"ObjectId":"aaed607e-c2a3-5841-9fb4-41037bfa0faf|1","ClassId":1073872969,"Properties":[469777841,"Times New Roman",469777842,"Times New Roman",469777843,"Times New Roman",469777844,"Times New Roman",469769226,"Times New Roman",201342446,"1",201342447,"5",201342448,"1",201342449,"1",201341986,"1",268442635,"24",469775450,"paragraph",201340122,"2",134233614,"true",469778129,"paragraph",335572020,"1",134233118,"true",134233117,"true",134245417,"true",469778324,"Normal"]}">Experience:</span></span></strong><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> 7-9 years </span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph">prior</span><span data-ccp-parastyle="paragraph"> agency experience.</span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"134245417":true,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="13" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Education:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Bachelor’s degree (preference for social sciences, marketing, communication, or sciences).</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="13" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Pharmaceutical Experience:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Pharmaceutical experience is a plus.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="13" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Curiosity:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Must be innately curious about human behavior.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="13" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><strong><span data-contrast="none">Interest in Health & Wellness:</span></strong><span data-contrast="none"> Must have an interest in health and wellness.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":0,"335559739":0}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h3>Benefits and Perks:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Medical, Dental and Vision coverage</li>
<li>401k with Company match of 50% on the first 6%</li>
<li>Adoption Assistance – Up to $2,500 of financial assistance</li>
<li>Company Paid Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability</li>
<li>Short-Term Disability providing 100% of salary coverage</li>
<li>Paid Parental Leave for birth and non-birth parents (4 weeks)</li>
<li>Summer Fridays</li>
<li>Flexible Time Off (FTO)</li>
<li>11 Holidays and End of Year Office Closure</li>
<li>Company provided Learning and Development opportunities</li>
<li>Free lunch Wednesdays</li>
<li>Wellness Program</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Compensation Range: </strong>$115,000.00 - $140,000.00. <span class="TextRun SCXW103126502 BCX0" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW103126502 BCX0">The starting salary offer will depend on the candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience. The company reserves the right to adjust this pay range at any time.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW103126502 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p>
<div> </div><div class="content-conclusion"><p><em><span class="TextRun SCXW219097842 BCX0" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW219097842 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Emphasis">At AbelsonTaylor Group (ATG), we love science, art, and data. Since our beginnings in 1981, ATG has been singularly focused on health, </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW219097842 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Emphasis">wellness,</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW219097842 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Emphasis"> and pharma products – not sneakers, beer, or cars (though we like those things, too). Besides being passionate about our purpose, we are dedicated to our people and their professional growth and fulfillment. We value a diverse and inclusive workforce and strive to bring together people with unique skills and varied backgrounds to work toward common goals. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without discrimination </span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW219097842 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Emphasis">regarding</span><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW219097842 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Emphasis"> age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.</span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span class="TextRun SCXW219097842 BCX0" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW219097842 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Emphasis">This position follows a hybrid schedule, requiring employees to be onsite Tuesday-Thursday each week in our Chicago office. We make reasonable accommodations for employees and applicants with disabilities who require schedule accommodations.</span></span></em></p>
<p><em><span class="TextRun SCXW219097842 BCX0" lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW219097842 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Emphasis">We are an E-Verify employer</span></span></em></p>
<p><a href="https://www.abelsontaylorgroup.com/pdfs/IER_RightToWorkPoster_Eng_Es.pdf">https://www.abelsontaylorgroup.com/pdfs/IER_RightToWorkPoster_Eng_Es.pdf </a><br><a href="https://www.abelsontaylorgroup.com/pdfs/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es.pdf">https://www.abelsontaylorgroup.com/pdfs/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es.pdf</a></p></div>