JOINING PARTNERS

There’s only one way to grow, and that’s to plan for it. One big component of planning for growth is identifying and recruiting talented people. That, in a nutshell, is what this part of our site is about. All job positions are for our office in Missoula, Montana.

If the position you want has a star next to it, you're in luck! That's a job for which we are currently hiring.

If you don't see a star, we'd still like to see your resume and work in case our situation changes. We always review our previously submitted resumes/work files before advertising a position. It is not uncommon for us to hire for positions that never get posted in classifieds. We're a growing company and always looking for talent.

Please carefully read the job descriptions and follow the "How to Apply" instructions to ensure your application can be processed.

Account Service
Administration
Creative
Interactive
Media
Print Production
Public Relations

Account Service

We are a creatively driven agency that fosters an entrepreneurial environment. As such, we fully expect account service professionals to be self-motivated, to take initiative, to learn and grow their positions, and to help the agency and our clients by thinking creatively and strategically about all aspects of a client’s business.

Account Manager

We’re looking for an account executive who understands strategic development and can offer great client service. More than that, we’re looking for a candidate with at least five years experience at a small to midsize agency, one who’s worked with a variety of clients - both consumer and business-to-business - and has had extensive client contact for at least two to four years.

Responsibilities include ongoing client contact and leadership, budgeting and maintaining financial control of accounts, using small budgets effectively, understanding a full range of media and tactical options, presenting work to clients, and working closely with the creative department to produce creative work that is insightful, strategic and effective.

Experience and Skills:

Five or more years experience in account service at a small to midsize advertising agency, with direct client contact for at least two to four years.

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business, finance or related field.

Can proactively foster an atmosphere of partnership and trust with clients and coworkers.

Ability to think about client issues strategically and work with creative teams to deliver surprising, likable, relevant marketing materials.

Strong presentation and sales skills in small or large venues. Must present self professionally through written and verbal communications, as well as dress and conduct.

Proven ability to handle client budgets and oversee projects to ensure profitability goals are maintained.

Firm grasp of all media and tactical options, including TV, radio, out of home, newspaper, magazine ,online, direct mail, etc.

Proven ability to juggle the needs of multiple clients and project types, as well as facilitate deadlines within the structure of the agency.

Strong software skills, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Experience with industry-specific Clients & Profits software a plus.

Strong supervisory skills, with ability to mentor junior account coordinators.

Interested? Candidates must send a cover letter, resume, three to five professional references, and writing samples or other relevant work that supports your professional experience. Click here for "How to Apply" instructions.

Assistant Account Manager

If you’re detail oriented, well organized, learn quickly and like a fast-paced job, this may be the position for you. Responsibilities include client and media contact, scheduling jobs, creating media insertion orders, trafficking work through the agency, and working closely with the creative department to produce work on time and on budget. What’s more, we’re looking for growth from this position, someone who can quickly take on added client responsibilities.

Experience and Skills:

One to three years in account service, traffic, or print coordination at a small to midsize agency or other similar administrative/project management background in a highly organized professional office environment, such as a law, CPA or insurance firm.

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business or related field.

Ability to work closely with an account executive and to quickly and accurately answer questions in account executive’s absence.

Must present self professionally through written and verbal communications, as well as dress and conduct.

Ability to work quickly and accurately on a variety of clients and projects.

Ability to multitask and work under pressure with superior organizational and teamwork skills. Must be comfortable being a main point of contact for client job flow within the agency.

Specific knowledge of printing, publication management and media a plus.

Ability to monitor project budgets, billing reports and deadlines

Superior software skills, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint, in order to maintain internal and external reports.

Experience with industry-specific Clients & Profits software a plus.

Ability to learn quickly and work well with superiors and coworkers.

Interested? Candidates must send a cover letter, resume, and three to five professional references. Click here for "How to Apply" instructions.

Administration

This is the place for administrative professionals who have a sense of humor and like a fast-paced environment. You’ll need to have great computer skills and excellent phone manners, enjoy working with creative coworkers, and be willing to work miracles on the go, such as holding the Fed Ex guy at the drop box when we’re trying to make a deadline.

Business / Office Manager

You must love numbers and details, have superior organization skills and work well in a team environment. If you enjoy daily challenges, adapt well to change that comes with growth and like to be around creative professionals then this is the job for you. This position works closely with the agency owners and executive staff, manages our finance, supervises the bookkeeper and administrative assistant and responds to general HR issues. You must enjoy a fast-paced, deadline driven environment as well as be able to multitask and perform miracles. Hours are 8am – 5pm. 40 +/- hours per week average.

Summary of Experience and Skills:

Degree in Business Administration or Finance.

A minimum of five years of experience preferably in a fee-based professional service business such as a CPA, engineering, architecture or law firm.

Must present self professionally through dress and conduct, as well as possess superior written and verbal communications skills.

Bookkeeping skills, with the experience in A/P and A/R reconciliation. Experience with accounting software such as Quickbooks Pro or other major accounting software.

Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel). Experience with PowerPoint a plus.

Supervisory skills. Familiar with HR concepts and benefits management.

Very organized and able to maintain filing systems.

Energetic and personable. Must be willing to assist all staff members with duties as needed.

Full job description attached (Word)

Interested? Candidates must send a cover letter, resume, and three to five professional references. Click here for "How to Apply" instructions.

Receptionist/Administrative Assistant

Muiline phone and secretarial duties. Will assist the office manager and bookkeeper. Must enjoy a fast-paced environment and be adept at multitasking.

Experience and Skills:

Three to five years in a professional office environment, such as an accounting, law, insurance or engineering firm.

Experience with a multiline phone system.

Must type 60 words per minute.

Must present self professionally through dress and conduct, as well as possess superior written and verbal communications skills.

Basic bookkeeping skills, with the ability to accurately follow direction from the office manager and bookkeeper. Experience with accounting software such as Quickbooks.

Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel). Experience with PowerPoint a plus.

Very organized and able to maintain filing systems.

Energetic and personable. Must be willing to assist all staff members with secretarial duties as needed.

May run general office errands.

Interested? Candidates must send a cover letter, resume, and three to five professional references. Click here for "How to Apply" instructions.

Creative

In 1913, to entice young explorers to join his improbable expedition to the South Pole, Shackleton wrote a now famous ad:

Men wanted for Hazardous Journey. Small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honour and recognition in case of success.

You’ve probably seen it before. It is brazenly honest and simple. Here then is our attempt to crib it for our own needs.

Creative men and women wanted for career adventure. Small wages, tight timelines, long months of no spread magazine ads, million-dollar production budgets doubtful. Primary rewards: working in a beautiful place with creative people on interesting accounts.

Okay, Shackleton’s ad is better, but you get the point. Working at a small agency in Missoula isn’t like working in Seattle or Minneapolis. At least, not yet. If you’re still reading this, here’s who we’re looking for as we grow:

Art Director

Five to eight of years experience, preferably in a small to midsize agency. Strong background in design and print, with broadcast as a plus. Good, diverse portfolio. Proven ability to think conceptually and create strategically solid work for a variety of clients - both consumer and business-to-business - in a variety of media. Must work well in creative teams, under pressure and juggling multiple jobs concurrently. Excellent software skills in Mac-platform Photoshop, Quark and Illustrator a must. Skills in Flash, PowerPoint and other online programming a plus. Two - or four - year degree in design, art direction or related field required.

Interested? Candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, three to five professional references, and 10-15 nonreturnable work samples. Electronic portfolios preferred. Click here for "How to Apply" instructions.

Copywriter(s)

Senior / Associate Creative Director level experience (5+ years) or mid-level experience (3-5 years), preferably in a small to midsize agency. Strong background in print, collateral, broadcast and interactive. Good, diverse portfolio and broadcast reel. Proven ability to think conceptually and write copy for a variety of target audiences, including consumer and business-to-business. Must work well in creative teams, under pressure and juggling multiple jobs concurrently. Senior level copywriters must have excellent client contact and presentation skills. Solid understanding of Word, Excel and PowerPoint. BA or BS degree in English, journalism, marketing or related field required.

Interested? Candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, three to five professional references, and 10-15 nonreturnable work samples. Electronic portfolios preferred. Click here for "How to Apply" instructions.

Graphic Designer

Three to six years experience, preferably in a small to midsize agency, design firm, in-house communications group, large newspaper or printer. Conceptual thinker but business-minded. Strong background in design, as well as advanced skills in file preparation for a variety of print jobs, including complex documents such as catalogs and packaging. Must have excellent project management skills and be able to juggle multiple jobs in a variety of project stages. Ability to work with art directors by enhancing their work or taking over the project through design completion once the concept has been approved, Must also be able to start a design concept under the supervision of creative directors and follow through to completion. Must be able to build technically correct and precise files for the specified media, whether newsprint or high-end offset press. Advanced skills in InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. Knowledge of offset printing, prepress, press checks and bindery processes. Flash, PowerPoint and other online programming a plus.

Interested? Candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, three to five professional references, 10-15 nonreturnable design samples, and three to five document preparation sample files demonstrating skills in the software listed above, particularly InDesign. Click here for "How to Apply" instructions.

Computer Prepress Artist

Three to five years in print file preparation within an agency, design firm or printer. A thorough understanding of offset press production and technology, as well as bindery and finishing techniques, is a must. This is a fast-paced position that takes files from our creative teams and prepares them for the press. We’re sticklers for our files being 100% error-free and technically correct for press, and have very tight file preparation procedures. Must understand the needs of creative teams and be able to implement and enhance their ideas within the parameters of press technology. Advanced skills in InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. Experience in scanning, color correction, proofing is preferred. Responsibilities also include server/system maintenance and troubleshooting. HTML/CSS, Flash, PowerPoint and other online programming a plus.

Interested? Candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, three to five professional references, five to seven nonreturnable design samples, and three to five document preparation sample files demonstrating skills in the software listed above, particularly InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator. Click here for "How to Apply" instructions.

Proofer/Editor, part-time position

We’re looking for a proofreader/copy editor with at least two years experience, preferably with a marketing firm, newspaper or publishing company. Must be detail-oriented and have a proven grasp of typography and other layout issues, grammar, punctuation, spelling and sentence structure. A working knowledge of established style guides (AP, APA, CMS) is essential, as well as experience maintaining custom graphic and copy standards manuals.

A successful candidate must work well under pressure and juggling multiple jobs concurrently. BA or BS degree in English, journalism or related field required.
Interested? Candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, two to three professional references and three brief writing samples. Click here for "How to Apply" instructions.

Interactive

Interactive Services Director

The IS Director leads the interactive department in developing and producing all interactive marketing communications for clients, as well as for the agency. This person is responsible for evaluating the agency’s interactive capabilities, devising strategies to improve these capabilities, and implementing these strategies.

S/he supervises all internal and external developers and programmers. S/he works closely with all agency departments, including creative, account service, and media, to ensure agency interactive services meet or exceed our high standards. This also includes working closely with account managers to providing strategic direction for all interactive projects.

This position requires extensive interactive media experience, including strategy development, database and web management, as well as web marketing and promotion. A solid background in technology and programming issues is essential, along with a strong understanding of workflow processes, the ability to work with staff from various disciplines, and working under tight deadlines and/or stressful situations. S/he must also have strong customer service skills when dealing with clients and portray a professional image through written and verbal communications, as well as dress and conduct.

A working knowledge of HTML, CSS, XHTML, JavaScript, XML, ASP, PHP, Flash, ActionScript, SEO, SEM, Photoshop, Illustrator, news readers and e-mail programs. S/he must also have office software skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Interested? Candidates must e-mail a cover letter, resume, three to five professional references, and 10-12 links to work s/he was directly involved in managing and/or producing. Click here for "How to Apply" instructions.

Web Designer/Developer

Three to five years experience, preferably in a small to midsize ad or web development company. Candidates must be creative thinkers who are excellent designers, technically proficient and able to work in a team setting to extend and develop brands online. Typical projects include Flash movies, podcasts, e-blasts, banner ads and Web sites ranging from simple html to Flash to fully dynamic, database-driven sites. In addition to experience designing and developing sites, candidates must be adept at directing outside resources for database programming.

Experience and Skills:

Strong, diverse electronic design portfolio

Skilled in Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash, HTML, XHTML, CSS and ActionScript

Knowledge of PHP, ASP and XML

Able to design and program for SEO

Mac and PC proficient

Experience at setting budgets, workflow schedules and working directly with clients

Interested? Candidates must e-mail a cover letter, resume, three to five professional references, and six to 10 links to work s/he was directly involved in designing and producing. Click here for "How to Apply" instructions.

Media

Media Planner

We’re looking for a Jack or Jane of all trades. Partners is a small advertising agency with a very diverse client list. As such, media here isn’t synonymous with “national TV buy.” Quite the opposite, we plan and buy media in local and statewide TV, radio, outdoor and newspaper; in trade and consumer magazines; and online. Because we are not currently a media-heavy agency, our media planner also works with list buying and negotiating for direct marketing and often picks up account executive or account coordinator duties.

Responsibilities include strategically meeting client goals with media plans, using small budgets effectively, understanding new media (online and guerilla) and how to buy it, negotiating the best value possible for clients, and presenting media plans clearly and confidently to clients.

Experience and Skills:

Four or more years experience in media buying/planning for a small to midsize advertising agency.

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, finance or related field.

Able to think about media strategically.

Creative approach to problem solving.

Proven ability to negotiate added value even for small budgets.

Firm grasp of all media, including TV, radio, out of home, newspaper, magazine and online.

Proficient use of both media-specific and general software.

Strong communication and presentation skills.

Interested? Candidates must send a cover letter, resume, and three to five professional references. Click here for "How to Apply" instructions.

Print Production

As a creatively driven agency, we have high expectations for professionals working in print production. From estimating to buying to scheduling jobs, this department has to be accurate under pressure at all times. We have a reputation for maintaining excellent relationships with our suppliers, which speaks for itself. If you thrive on getting a job done right, this may be the department for you.

Print Production Manager

We’re looking for a confident, seasoned pro for this position. Someone who is a team player, can juggle many different types and sizes of jobs at once, and can keep cool under pressure. This is a key agency position that provides budget and scheduling direction to almost all staff members.

Experience and Skills:

Five to ten years experience in print estimating, negotiation, buying, scheduling and management, preferably in an agency or design firm.

Degree in design, business management or print technology.

Project experience must include high-end, sheet-fed jobs to large-run web publications.

Able to travel and supervise long-run press checks.

Must present self professionally through written and verbal communications, as well as in dress and conduct.

Superior organization skills, with the ability to juggle many projects under pressure. Maintain accurate file systems at all times.

Proven job scheduling and workflow management.

Accurate print estimating, buying and budget management with ability to follow through on all financial details through the completion of the job.

Knowledge of direct mail processes.

Current knowledge of prepress, color proofing and software such as Quark, Illustrator and Photoshop.

Established relationships with suppliers in the Northwest, West and Midwest a plus. Continue to maintain the relationships we currently have in place with our suppliers.

Advanced skills with Microsoft Office. Knowledge of industry-specific Clients & Profits software a plus.

Strong supervisory skills, with ability to mentor junior team members and provide ongoing management assistance to senior staff.

Team player who can balance creative and account service demands.

Interested? Candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, three to five professional references, and five to seven nonreturnable print samples. Click here for "How to Apply" instructions.

Public Relations

Director of Public Relations

The director of public relations is charged with overall responsibility for the public relations department. As a member of the agency’s senior staff, the director sets strategy for client accounts, plays a key role in new business development, writes proposals, mentors junior staff members, works closely with the creative and advertising staffs to ensure cohesion on shared accounts, and directs the flow of department business.

He or she brings to the position extensive experience in media, media relations, crisis management, strategic development, writing and staff management. The director also possesses an in-depth knowledge of newsrooms, print and broadcast production, and other marketing venues and has a proven track record in public relations management. Interested parties must have five to seven years experience setting department goals, managing department budgets, supervising account executives and account coordinators and leading strategic direction on multiple accounts.

Experiences and Skills:

Five to seven years agency experience including management experience

Experienced with managing client budgets, billing and estimates

Must excel at building relationships with clients and growing their business

Strong strategist, with a proven track record for client success.

Polished presenter and public speaker.

Must be an excellent writer experienced at crafting press releases, editorial content, marketing materials and corporate communications.

Skilled at attracting and retaining new business.

Experienced at training and mentoring junior staff.

Extensive media experience and media contacts.

Prefers working in a fast-paced environment.

Experienced in crisis situations.

Has created and implemented crisis communications plans.

Experience managing the planning and implementation of press familiarization trips

Able to pitch in with new business and work to grow the department.

Able to provide strategic and tactical direction on multiple accounts, and for a variety of different industries.

Comfortable working with small budgets and extracting the most bang for the buck.

Proficient with Bacon’s Media Source.

Experience with industry-specific Clients & Profits software a plus.

Interested? Candidates must send a cover letter, resume, three to five professional references, varied writing samples (i.e., news releases, PSA scripts, articles and/or brochures), news clips and other relevant work that supports your professional experience. Click here for “How to Apply” instructions.

Public Relations Account Manager

We’re looking for a public relations account executive with great strategic insight, strong writing skills, a keen understanding of newsrooms and media relations, and a solid track record pitching and placing stories. Candidates must have three to five years agency experience, with at least two years as an AE. If you love public relations, fully understand all facets of print and broadcast media, are self-motivated and confident, and possess great initiative, this may be the position for you. Candidates must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines; experienced managing projects and campaigns from inception to completion; and adept at juggling multiple tasks simultaneously. If you’re an out-of-the-box thinker who knows a good story or hook when you see it and can turn it into published articles and news stories, understand the makings of a good campaign, and can demonstrate a proven track record of landing press on behalf of clients , this is the position for you. Tourism experience preferred.

Responsibilities include managing parts of larger accounts and acting as lead on smaller accounts; ongoing client contact; budgeting and maintaining financial control of accounts; developing account strategy with senior staff; and implementing necessary tactics with little or no supervision. AE should be experienced pitching reporters, journalists, producers and freelancers; adept at organizing and staffing press events; and a skilled writer. Some travel required.

Experience and Skills:

Three or more years experience in public relations at a small to midsize agency, with at least two to four years experience in account management.

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, business, English or related field.

Can proactively foster an atmosphere of partnership and trust with clients and coworkers.

Experienced at organizing and staffing press trips, media tours and press conferences.

Able to think about client issues strategically.

Self-starter capable of working independently while still valuing the benefits of teamwork.

Strong presentation and sales skills in small or large venues.

Proven ability to handle client budgets and oversee projects to ensure profitability goals are maintained.

Proven ability to juggle the needs of multiple clients and projects, as well as facilitate deadlines within the structure of the agency.

Strong software skills, including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Proficient with Bacon’s Media Source.

Experience with industry-specific Clients & Profits software a plus.

Interested? Candidates must send a cover letter, resume, three to five professional references, varied writing samples (i.e., news releases, PSA scripts, articles and/or brochures), news clips and other relevant work that supports your professional experience. Click here for “How to Apply” instructions.

Public Relations Assistant Account Manager

The primary role of the public relations coordinator is to assist the public relations account executive and public relations director with the daily flow, detail and job status of various publicity efforts, as well as manage the organization of media lists, job binders and client materials. Candidates must have one to three years experience in a media setting, possess strong writing skills, be detail oriented, welcome managing many of the administrative responsibilities of the department, and demonstrate a keen understanding of media and media relations. The coordinator must be comfortable dealing with senior staff, clients and media. He or she must be a polished writer capable of drafting and editing press releases, fact sheets, and other publicity materials as needed. Other skills necessary to this position include being extremely organized, willing to take direction, showing a keen attention to detail, and displaying a high level of confidence when dealing with media and clients. Tourism and press trip planning preferred.

Experience, Skills and Job Duties

One to three years experience in media setting, including agency or newsroom.

Strong administrative skills including an in-depth knowledge of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Some experience with Bacon’s Media Source.

Tracking and filing media clips.

Preparing and distributing client clip binders.

Preparing the weekly traffic list for department.

Assisting in press kit mailings.

Under the direction of the public relations account executive or director, completing monthly reports for clients.

Reviewing and preparing billing with the AE on assigned accounts.

Writing press releases and assisting with media pitches.

Assisting AE on larger accounts.

Pitching local media.

Limited national and regional media contact.

Organizing logistics for press trips, media tours and press conferences.

Managing and updating media databases.

Assisting AE in the scheduling of public relations production jobs so as to meet budget and deadline requirements.

Working with AE in the creation of job diaries for creative teams.

Serving as the main contact point for job flow between production, account service and proofing, keeping all departments informed of status, details, etc.

BS in Communications, English, Public Relations, Journalism, Business or the Humanities. Previous experience beneficial.

Interested? Candidates must send a cover letter, resume, three to five professional references, varied writing samples (i.e., news releases, PSA scripts, articles and/or brochures), news clips and other relevant work that supports your professional experience. Click here for “How to Apply” instructions.

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