Sr. Program Specialist, Media Operations & Industry Relations - Full-time / Part-time

The Center of Media Excellence manages all global paid media functions across Marriott Global Marketing and brand teams supporting over $260 MM in media spending. The Senior Program Specialist reports to the Director, Media Operations and Industry Relations working internally with the global market executives, external agencies and media vendors. The responsibilities include to the support and oversight of the media and marketing investments, budgets and payments. Other responsibilities include but are not limited to management and reconciliation of all agencies invoicing in compliance with contractual terms, oversight of audit procedures, administration of all sales vendor and agency information, scopes and contracts. 

Responsible for administration of agencies statement of work initiatives. Acts as an expert for the media and marketing investments and budgets being administered and makes judgements regarding compliance with the programs’ terms and parameters. Answers questions and provides standard information pertaining to programs being administered, details on spending, industry information and other frequently asked questions with internal and external stakeholders. Explains procedures and processes surrounding the programs and provides technical guidance as necessary globally across all 30 brands and with internal marketing teams. Provides technical interpretation of the programs, plans and documents as requested.   Acts as primary accounting contact with internal and external stakeholders and across the COE.  Assists with the administration of all industry relations and media vendor programs, plans and other projects assigned by the Director.

• 4 year degree from an accredited university in Business Administration, Hotel and Restaurant Management, or related major; 7 years’ experience as a program specialist or related financial professional area
• 3+ years of progressive experience in accounting and finance
• Marketing, media or agency experience a plus

• Knowledge of the administrative processes related to the position typically gained through several years of related experience
• Knowledge of advanced functions of one or more business software packages primarily word processing, spreadsheet and database
• Knowledge of the technical regulatory requirements that pertain to the program(s) being administered
• Knowledge of the Marketing and Media disciplines
• Experience working across multiple stakeholders and levels of management
• Ability to negotiate and communicate with outside financial stakeholders and external industry and agency contacts to insure work standards and processes are being met
• Willingness to take on new opportunities as needed
• Ability to manage project time lines and follow – up actions
• Ability to coordinate and communicate initiatives and processes across multiple stakeholders

• Supports all brand and global marketing teams operations analyzing accounts, ensuring budget/forecast preparation and maintains and manages accounting processes for the enterprise media investment.
• Supports Director, Vice President and all COE team members in the analysis of agency fees, manpower reports and other information as needed.
• Represents team in resolving situations with vendors  and billing contacts
• Acts as primary accounting contact and between team, vendors, agencies and finance.
• Answers questions and provides standard information pertaining to media programs being administered, routine details, and other frequently asked questions.
• Explains the administrative procedures surrounding the program(s) and researches and responds to all questions regarding the program(s) including infrequently asked questions or nonrecurring issues. 
• Provides technical interpretation of the media program/plan documents.
• Manages program and process timelines as well as execution of activities.
• Handles all vendor questions and correspondence.
• Independently performs research and analysis needed to address any questions or issues and presents information to a group.
• Composes correspondence or documents pertaining to the program(s) being administered including unique information pertaining to a specific situation or exception. 
• Processes data related to the administration of the media programs through an automated system. Reconciles accounts, researches discrepancies in the amounts charged to the accounts, and prepares reports related to the programs being administered.
• Researches questions and problems regarding department policies, procedures, information or services, including those of a complex nature.
• Develops and maintains a tracking or reporting system pertaining to the programs being administered utilizing spreadsheet, database or other software applications.

• Incumbent is responsible for setting priorities and establishing procedures for completing responsibilities.  There may be significant variation in daily workload which requires constant, independent prioritization.

• Advocates and demonstrates continuous improvement by adjusting to new ways as conditions
• and priorities change which may include learning new skills
• Takes initiative by being a part of the solution and assisting in the resolution of issues/problems resulting from change
• Able to work with different levels of management and management styles as needed in position

• Keeps work group informed, speaks and writes clearly and concisely
• Actively listens to others recommendations while seeking clarification and offering alternatives as appropriate
• Communicates in a timely, proactive manner, receives directions and feedback well

• Actions support key business values of customer service, associate satisfaction and financial success
• Demonstrates pleasant, helpful and accurate service to internal and external customers
• Respects fellow associates
• Efficiently purchases and utilizes resources to produce quality products

• Sets priorities and establishes a realistic action plan while anticipating potential issues
• impacting the plan
• Develops and follows procedures for ensuring quality, is detail‐oriented, maximizes resources,
• meets deadlines, and follows through on assignments

• Identifies problems and seeks resolution through sound judgment and solid decision making skills, where appropriate
• Directs problems to higher level or applicable department for resolution

• Works well in a team environment
• Acts as a liaison with other resources/departments as appropriate
• Gives recognition, collaborates and builds trust among others, treats people fairly, equally and respectfully, promotes celebration when appropriate

• Demonstrates requisite technical expertise as defined by the position.

• Demonstrates commitment and reliability in getting the job done efficiently, timely,
• professionally and accurately
• Balances multiple projects simultaneously and maintains the personal, technical and
• professional skills needed to perform job duties
• Consistently strives to improve these skills and represents staff and division positively