Job Description 12: Web Developer
WEB DEVELOPER
Clearly defined roles among team members are imperative for efficient workflow. While employee responsibilities often cross over several areas, there are a few underlying roles that should remain static.
The primary responsibility of the Web Developer (WD) is to aid in the production of interactive advertising and marketing campaigns. S/he also supports the existing infrastructure of the agency and aids in the development of new technologies.
The WD generally works as a team with a designated Art Director (AD) and copywriter or receives written copy and places it within a specific form of advertising. S/he reports directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and/or Creative Director (CD).
Responsibilities:
• Attends daily production meeting
• Designs creative materials according to instruction provided by AD and/or CD
• Helps determine how materials can best be digitally optimized, presented for the web
• Assists with and understands relational databases
• Meets with account service (AS) to ensure campaign consistency across all interactive media
• Performs extensive testing of web applications
• Collaborates with AD, CD on design elements and outside sources
• Demonstrates proficiency in various programming languages (e.g. HTML, Javascript, Flash)
• Understands architecture of client server and Internet systems
• Tests creative for functionality across various browsers, resolutions
• Alerts CTO, AS and Traffic Manager if deadlines cannot be met
• Possesses a working knowledge of programming technologies
• Identifies possible application deficiencies; recommends solutions
• Proactively seeks opportunities for continuing education
• Makes text corrections to interactive materials (as requested)
• Possesses strong visual, verbal communications skills
• Submits a daily Time Sheet detailing work execution
PSYCH 101
On Friday, May 21, I’ll attend the ReCourses seminar, “Resourcing the Creative Process,” in Nashville, TN. I hope to gain valuable insight for more efficiently managing workflow and staff.
In preparation for the seminar, the ReCourses team has asked that I take a brief, 20-min. survey – the DiSC PPSS Behavioral Profile. On several occasions, over the course of my “traffic” career, I’ve completed the Keirsey Temperament Sorter (KTS-II). Having never heard of DiSC, I was intrigued.
While Kiersey results have always been helpful, I find the manner in which my DiSC results were presented to be far more insightful (see example, below).
As Traffic Managers, I wonder how many of you share similar tendencies. Do any (or all) of the following statements describe you?
“Values accuracy, quality and correctness”
“Tactful and diplomatic in interactions with others”
“Analyzes situations or problems, weighing the pros and cons”
[Prefers] “a reserved, business-like atmosphere where people are task-oriented”
“Tends to avoid situations requiring personal disclosures”
So much emphasis is placed on understanding the personalities of those we work with on a daily basis – an art director vs. an account executive, a bookkeeper vs. a media buyer – that the most influential personality is often forgotten… ours.
Understanding how we reason and react to various situations is key to successfully managing those responsible for the work. Here are a few DiSC recommendations for improving my effectiveness in the workplace:
“Becoming more open to other people’s systems for doing things”
“Avoiding rigidity in thinking and being ‘dead right’”
“Sharing knowledge and information with others in a non-condescending manner”
“Practicing self-disclosure and appropriate expression of feelings”
How much more effective would we, as Traffic Managers, be with a better understanding of how we appear to the employees we manage?
In the immortal words of therapists everywhere, “That concludes our session for today.”
I need a drink.
The primary responsibility of the agency Fulfillment Specialist (FS) is to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of client and agency promotional items.
Internally, s/he collaborates with the Creative Director (CD), Production Manager (PM)/Print Buyer (PB) and Office Manager (OM), as well as the traffic department.
The FS reports directly to the PM/PB.
Responsibilities:
• Attends daily (or weekly) production meeting (as requested)
• Checks initial input for accuracy and requests additional information (if needed)
• Alerts PM/PB and Traffic Manager (TM) if deadlines cannot be met
• Helps to obtain best possible delivery dates for promotional items
• Assists OM, TM in obtaining supplies (e.g. ink, packaging materials, postage)
• Interacts closely with PM/PB regarding specially packaged orders and allocated inventory
• Is proactive and self-directed in all order fulfillment functions
• Alerts PM/PB of any problems related to promotional item quality
• Demonstrates sound judgment in resolving fulfillment issues (e.g. returns)
• Adheres to company dress code policy
• Submits a daily Time Sheet detailing work execution
Job Description 10: Jr. Copywriter
The primary responsibility of the Jr. Copywriter (JCW) is to aid in the development and production of effective advertising campaigns. S/he works closely with the Copywriter (CW) and a designated Art Director (AD) to develop concepts into a specific form of advertising (e.g. web site, print ad, storyboard, billboard, direct mail, etc.).
The Jr. Copywriter reports directly to the CW.
Responsibilities:
• Attends daily (or weekly) production meeting
• Brainstorms with CW, AD, other team members regarding campaign concepts
• Writes copy according to instruction provided by CW or Account Executive
• Assists with writing of press releases
• Presents ideas to internal colleagues
• Gains an understanding of client’s target audience, competitive landscape
• Attends audio recording sessions (as requested)
• Alerts CW, Traffic Manager if deadlines cannot be met
• Works with CW to maintain client and agency text style templates
• Reviews all copy with CW before being routed to AD for layout
• Alerts CW, Traffic Manager if deadlines cannot be met
• Makes text corrections to creative materials (e.g. scripts, storyboards)(as requested)
• Reviews assigned project proofs before being routed to outside vendors
• Submits a daily Time Sheet detailing work execution
• Develops the skills necessary to advance to the position of Copywriter
Job Description 9: Copywriter
Clearly defined roles among team members are imperative for efficient workflow. While employee responsibilities often cross over several areas, there are a few underlying roles that should remain static.
The primary responsibility of the senior-level Copywriter (CW) is to develop and produce effective advertising campaigns. S/he works closely with a designated Art Director (AD) to develop concepts into a specific form of advertising (e.g. web site, print ad, storyboard, billboard, direct mail, etc.). The CW sometimes works in conjunction with another writer as part of a larger design team.
The CW reports directly to the Creative Director (CD).
Responsibilities:
• Attends daily (or weekly) production meeting
• Brainstorms with CD, AD, other team members regarding campaign concepts
• Assists with writing of new business proposals, client marketing plans, press releases
• Oversees timeliness of agency web site content
• Assists with writing of agency self-promotional materials
• Presents ideas to internal colleagues, clients (if applicable)
• Gains an understanding of client’s target audience, competitive landscape
• Regularly contributes content to agency blog, other social media outlets
• Assists with selection of voice, television talent
• Attends audio recording sessions (as requested)
• Works with CD to outline, maintain client and agency text style templates
• Obtains sequential sign-off on copy before being routed to AD for layout
• Writes copy according to instruction provided by AD or Account Executive
• Alerts AD, Traffic Manager if deadlines cannot be met
• Makes text corrections to creative materials (e.g. scripts, storyboards)(as requested)
• Reviews all project proofs before being routed to outside vendors
• Submits a daily Time Sheet detailing work execution