Associate, Futures

Associate, Futures

Are you passionate about researching and experimenting with new technologies, platforms and behaviors you see across the internet? Considering how those impact our work or be activated for clients in ways expected and counterintuitive? Are you a strong writer, able to both synthesize learnings on complex topics and articulate your own POV, observations and potential implications? Are you game to informally brainstorm tech topics/platforms/issues with colleagues, then jump into research mode to deepen your understanding, to work up possible use cases/applications, to shape and creatively present your and the team’s ideas? If so, keep reading. Weber Shandwick is currently seeking an Analyst to join its Futures team.

• This motivated collaborator will work closely with our core team and broader agency working groups to support the firm’s innovation agenda. We’re seeking a sharp, motivated individual, a strong maker/experimenter/researcher/writer who is excited about the possibilities for our work.
• The analyst will research, concept, design, and test emerging technologies and platforms – all in service of helping our clients—some of the world’s leading brands—drive their businesses forward. 
• This colleague will help develop concise intel briefs (think plain/human/concise language vs. lengthy/academic/jargon-a-thons), conveying what’s important and helping to draw out potential implications.
• They will help to create content for and activate existing Media Genius assets (newsletter, website, student programs, client resources) and help conceive of, build and socialize new ones.
• The analyst will support development and production of client training sessions and interactive workshops, as well as other client offers.
• They will also support our work with diverse partners and collaborators within and beyond the firm.

Practically speaking, applicants should be comfortable working individually and in group scenarios, flexing to manage short- and longer-term deadlines. Ours is a collaborative, energetic, get-things-done-and-have-fun-along-the-way team – and we’re part of the reason Weber Shandwick was recognized as one of Fast Company’s 2023 Best Places for Innovators.

Additional Skills & Responsibilities

• Partner closely with the senior Futures team to spot signals, test and prototype new emerging technologies, and exercise creative freedom to build new worlds and assets across emerging platforms
• Bring curiosity and a discovery mindset, along with design sensibilities, to every assignment
• Research and write briefs on new platforms, implications and potential applications from technology learnings
• Help to support and manage the Futures / Media Genius website, including creation of new and existing pages, integrations, widgets
• Create content for related client workshops, meetings, learn and apply user experience approaches to new technologies and platforms
• Understanding that your POV and voice are essential to the collective team’s success

Requirements

• 0-3 years of media, communications, digital and/or research experience
• Strong understanding (and curiosity) of digital / social strategy and channels, emerging platforms, progressive marketing
• Familiarity with different online technology communities, social media outlets, and media destinations covering emerging technology
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with team members across levels
• Ability to synthesize information from various sources into concise, articulate briefings
• Interest in continued learning
• Ability to shift priorities, realign resources as pressing client and/or agency needs arise
• Strong organization and time management skills, to balance combination of long-term projects and short-term

NYC Salary range: $60,000-$60,000

Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position; market considerations; budgetary considerations; tenure and standing with the company (applicable to current employees); as well as the employee’s/applicant’s background, pertinent experience, and qualifications.

The Weber Shandwick Collective recognizes that your health and wellbeing are a priority. This is why we offer a full suite of benefits including: 

• Medical 
• Dental 
• Vision 
• 401k (with employer match)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Juice Money – $60 monthly reimbursement to be used towards purchases that nourish your health, mind, body, and soul
• MyDays – Flexible holiday schedules
• Short-Term Disability
• Paid Employee Family Leave
• Family Building Benefit 

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Weber Shandwick recruits qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, ethnic or national origin, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or citizenship status.

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