Job Description 7: Production Manager/Print Buyer
Mar|12|2010
The primary responsibility of the Production Manager (PM), or Print Buyer, is to ensure scheduling, production and on-time delivery of all agency creative, including merchandise and other promotional items.
Internally, s/he collaborates with creative directors, art directors and graphic designers, as well as members of the account service team and traffic department. S/he also works closely with a variety of external suppliers.
The PM reports directly to the Creative Director (CD).
Responsibilities:
• Attends daily (or weekly) production meeting; leads meeting (if required)
• Checks initial input for accuracy and requests additional information (if needed)
• Meets with account service and creative teams to ensure consistency across all media forms
• Possesses a working knowledge of design and printing technologies
• Collaborates with creative team regarding project specifications (e.g. colors, dimensions, etc.)
• Alerts account service, CD and Traffic Manager if deadlines cannot be met
• Obtains detailed estimates from a variety of vendors; ideally, three per project
• Maintains up-to-date contact information for all vendors
• Maintains and develops strong vendor relationships
• Calculates all in-house, external printing charges
• Obtains best possible delivery dates for all agency projects
• Proofreads all materials before vendor distribution (i.e. copy/layouts/production art)
• Assists Office Manager in ordering internal supplies (e.g. paper, printer ink, etc.)
• Issues Purchase Orders for all printing-related expenses
• Attends vendor press checks (as necessary) and ensures high quality of materials
• Obtains sequential sign-off on all proofs moving in and out of the agency
• Delivers creative materials as instructed by account service team
• Submits a daily Time Sheet detailing work execution
• Reviews vendor invoices, including shipping receipts, and resolves billing discrepancies
Job Description 6: Media Assistant
Mar|11|2010
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 Media Assistant (MA) is to support the Media Supervisor (MS) and/or Media Buyer (MB) in his/her day-to-day activities.
The MA works to develop a knowledge base in preparation for planning, evaluating and buying advertising media across a variety of venues, including but not limited to television, cable, radio, outdoor, newspaper, magazine, and Internet.
The MA reports directly to the Media Supervisor (MS). This is an entry-level position.
Responsibilities:
• Attends daily (or weekly) production meeting
• Alerts MB and Traffic Manager if deadlines cannot be met
• Efficiently uses Word® and Excel® and is PC/Mac and Powerpoint®/Keynote® proficient
• Possesses strong math skills and the ability to multi-task
• Assists with the monitoring and maintenance of all media projects and buying assignments
• Able to work efficiently under tight deadlines
• Monitors trade publications for new media trends
• Assists with smaller proposal evaluations and client media plans
• Collects media research data and assists in writing competitive reports
• Understands various media and their applications against Client strategies, goals
• Understands the value and usefulness of traditional, digital and emerging media
• Assists in the development of media plans for existing and prospective clients
• Prepares estimates, insertion orders (as requested)
• Makes media space reservations (as requested)
• Develops the skills necessary to advance to the position of MB
Job Description 5: Jr. Art Director/Production Artist
Mar|8|2010
The primary responsibility of the Junior Art Director (Jr. AD), or Production Artist, is to aid in the production of advertising and marketing campaigns. S/he often 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 (e.g. web site, print ad, storyboard, etc.).
The Jr. AD reports directly to the AD or Creative Director (CD).
Responsibilities:
• Attends daily (or weekly) production meeting
• Designs creative materials according to instruction provided by AD or CD
• Meets with account service and interactive teams to ensure consistency across all media forms
• Collaborates with AD, CD on design elements and outside sources (e.g. paper, talent, etc.)
• Alerts AD, CD and Traffic Manager if deadlines cannot be met
• Provides project specifications to Production Manager (PM) (e.g. colors, fonts, dimensions, etc.)
• Possesses a working knowledge of design technologies and a desire for continuing education
• Develops the skills necessary to advance to the position of AD.
• Makes text corrections to creative materials (as requested)
• Retouches creative materials (as necessary)
• Submits a daily Time Sheet detailing work execution
Job Description 4: Art Director
Feb|23|2010
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 Art Director (AD) is to produce advertising and marketing campaigns. S/he often works as a team with a designated copywriter or receives written copy and translates it into a specific form of advertising (e.g. logo, web site, print ad, storyboard, etc.). The AD sometimes works in conjunction with another AD as part of a larger design team.
The AD reports directly to the Senior Art Director or Creative Director (CD).
Responsibilities:
• Attends daily (or weekly) production meeting
• Brainstorms with CD and other team members regarding campaign concepts
• Gains an understanding of client’s target audience and competitive landscape
• Designs creative materials according to instruction provided by CD or Account Executive (AE)
• Meets with account service and interactive teams to ensure consistency across all media forms
• Collaborates with CD on design elements and outside sources (e.g. paper, talent, vendors, etc.)
• Alerts CD and Traffic Manager if deadlines cannot be met
• Provides project specifications to Production Manager (PM) (e.g. colors, fonts, dimensions, etc.)
• Attends photos shoots, video recording sessions, press-proofing, et. al (as requested)
• Assists with new business presentations (if applicable)
• Informs CD of need for upgraded design-related hardware and software
• Possesses a working knowledge of design technologies and a desire for continuing education
• Reviews assigned project proofs before being routed to outside vendors
• Writes copy, headlines and scripts (as requested)
• Makes text corrections to creative materials (as requested)
• Retouches creative materials (as necessary)
• Submits a daily Time Sheet detailing work execution
• Develops the skills necessary to advance to the position of CD
Job Description 3: Traffic Manager
Feb|18|2010
The Traffic Manager improves agency communication and ensures job consistency by carefully monitoring workflow.
In addition, s/he is responsible for evolving the traffic system to meet agency needs and for aiding management in evaluating its ability to absorb business from creative, production and account service standpoints. The Traffic Manager is an empowered facilitator.
Responsibilities:
• Opens Job Numbers upon Account Executive (AE)(or Account Coordinator) request
• Opens and distributes (paper) job jackets
• Checks initial input for accuracy and requests additional information (if needed)
• Counsels the Creative Director (CD) in job assignment
• Establishes (and revises) Workback Schedules (i.e. project timelines)
• Expedites the inevitable “crisis jobs
• Monitors stalled jobs and moves them forward
• Monitors information flow through all departments
• Provides continuity in times of Employee vacation, termination, etc.
• Obtains spec, closing and delivery details when not otherwise provided
• Obtains sequential sign-offs on all work moving in and out of the agency
• Routes materials to the appropriate person for shipment to Vendor(s)
• Maintains an electronic archive of all jobs