Senior Director Of Media And Customer Acquisition

At DSW, we believe in the power of shoes. We understand shoes bring out something great from within, and since 1991 we've been helping everyone feel the rush of finding that perfect pair. So when you work for DSW, you become a part of all that. A family whose core values are comprised of passion, accountability, collaboration, and humility. You become one of us, You become a Shoe Lover!

This is a diverse role that demands highly developed marketing strategy, execution and measurement skills & experience and requires an analytical mindset with a relentless drive for performance. They will be expected to translate insights into a strategic point of view that can uncover new media opportunities and provide thought leadership on new media venues, trends, risks, opportunities and resources. They will also support the SVP of Marketing and CMO in communicating to and convincing the executive leadership team of the business value of these emerging opportunities. Lastly, this person has the ability to mitigate shortfall in sales in one channel or program by quickly finding alternative methods to achieve established goals. They are responsible for growing revenue by acquiring new customers and improving the brand awareness, via the most effective and efficient media channels, including (but not exclusively) search, display (including mobile), affiliates, social, non-paid branded media and event-based media. This role will also be a key driver and joint owner of the Unknown Customer Acquisition Strategy in terms of the constant evolution, execution and optimization of it to achieve DSW business goals in the most effective and efficient manner. Lastly, this leadership role will be responsible for the successful leverage of their own team, as well as partnering with the broader marketing team (including Customer Management) and external partners including agencies, data and software providers and media partners.

- Research, analyze, and monitor the impact of financial, technological, and demographic factors on the Digital media space in order to capitalize on communication opportunities for DSW and minimize the effects of competitive activity. - Guide the Digital media department in the development and execution of innovative media strategies and programs. Spearhead the evaluation of the success or failure of advertising/marketing initiatives, and plans for course correction and/or continual success as appropriate. Propose and measure comprehensive KPIs to evaluate our efforts, then analyze program results, translate the data into insights to create performance review “stories” that can be communicated across the business. Through internal DSW resources and external partners ensure that daily, weekly and monthly media, program and strategy performance reports, and additional ad hoc analyses is completed - Maintain ultimate accountability for the quality, strategy, and integrity of all media plans and strategies executed in partnerships with agencies, data and software providers and media partners. - Monitor trends in the marketing and advertising industry and collaborates with the SVP of Marketing and CMO to ensure the DSW marketing function is prepared for potential changes within the sector and positioned for success as an industry leader. - Develop, implement, and monitor success of media/vendor relationships, including contracting, budget management, conflict resolution, value-added services and thought leadership - Ensures strategies, tactics and projects meet pre-defined business objectives, are delivered on time and within budget. Effectively manage both internal resources and vendors to this end. - Oversee that the approved creative is what is ultimately used in the media placements including integration, accuracy, relevance and timeliness of - Develop and manage all applicable annual operating, media and project budgets. - Provide management and leadership to the staff team. Provide challenging tasks, assignments and work to continuously increase the skill level of the team. Works with the team to share Marketing strategies and goals and reviews the performance of each team member against plans and expectations. Creates an atmosphere conducive to excellence and enjoyment of work. - Manage the recruitment, retention and professional development of the media team. This includes: identifying and leveraging talent, providing industry and professional mentorship/development, and empowering decision making when appropriate. - Manage and guide the media staff in the continuous evaluation of and improvement upon media opportunities for our clients. - Monitor and evaluate the overall department structure to ensure DSW is positioned to deliver on existing business and marketing objectives and that is flexible enough to adjust to changing industry needs/trends.

**Desired Skills and Experience** - Marketing: A solid understanding of advertising/communications and how to best leverage these in a Digital environment. Knowledge of the digital marketing and advertising landscape, the unique aspects of the medium, and their impact on the development and execution of media strategies. Demonstrated ability to lead team in a highly collaborative environment to develop and execute media plans. Some knowledge of retail merchandising a bonus - Strategy : is constantly looking for a new strategic lens from which to view the experience related to a brand or product and how people relate to it – this ‘different view’ serves as fodder for teams and should drive inspiration while invigorating the strategic process. Reasoning effectively and coming to logical conclusions as one type of analysis for problem solving - Sees Big Picture: Recognizing & addressing issues that are outside a single perspective/role; issues are viewed without any pre-set biases or limitations; Understanding (almost intuitively) of how a business entity makes money i.e., beyond the equation of Revenue - Cost = Profit/Margin - Data Driven : is passionate about using data and insights to develop strategies, understanding performance and develop communications of successes and improvements of the media and customer acquisition strategy - Flexibility: dealing effectively with change and acclimating (adjusting) to a dynamic environment - Collaboration: Working effectively as part of a team through the practices of subordination, support, and cooperation, due to the role being critically interdependent with web & marketing analytics teams, dotcom operations, merchandising, customer experience and interactive experience. Able to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside or outside of the organization who can provide information, assistance and support - Results Orientation: Assuming responsibility for successful performance and self-imposing excellence standards rather than waiting for others to impose or enforce them - Effective Communication: Communicate, unify and bring clarity to strategic direction and short term decisions, up, down and laterally, across organization. Also manage the overall relationship with our various marketing partners to ensure a common understanding of expectations. - Decisive: Making difficult decisions in a timely manner - Personal Credibility: Demonstrated concern that one be perceived as responsible, reliable and trustworthy - Entrepreneurial: Promoting creative, novel thinking and applying it to existing and emerging situations - Cultural: passion, collaboration, accountability, humility **Requirements** - Must be a Shoe Lover! - Must live the DSW values of Accountability, Collaboration, Humility and Passion - 7 - 10 years experience in the development and implementation of digital media/marketing planning, buying and communication strategies, with at least 5 of which are in a senior level capacity. Agency and industry experience preferred - 3 – 5 years experience in the retailing sector, within the marketing function - Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) Advertising, Marketing, Communications, or related field. - MBA with concentration in Marketing preferred. - Proven experience accomplishing initiatives and reaching annual goals. - Strong analytic skills. Ability to leverage data, channels, methods and tactics to impact short term goals. - Executive level strategy, communication, and presentation skills are required. - Strong relationship building/management, interpersonal skills combined with maturity and good judgment - Proven experience managing recognizable brands under public scrutiny