For far too long, the advertising industry has hired and promoted talent from the same avenues, resulting in a lack of diversity at all levels, especially leadership. It’s time we revitalize our practices for those looking to break into the industry with relevant and transferable skills in a meaningful way.
At its core, the Fellowship aims to open doors for individuals from outside our industry, particularly BIPOC talent, bringing a wealth of unique experiences and fresh insights. Our goal is to foster a culture of inclusivity and innovation by embracing the diverse perspectives that BIPOC professionals bring to the table. We believe that by championing diversity of thought and sourcing for talent outside of our industry, we not only enrich our agency but also strengthen our industry as a whole.
Embark on a transformative journey with our Fellowship program—an immersive and dynamic opportunity designed to empower underrepresented talent. At its core, our Fellowship is not just a job opportunity; it's a catalyst for change. Picture yourself at the heart of innovation, where hands-on experience meets mentorship, and your unique perspective is not only valued but celebrated. This isn't just about filling a role; it's about forging connections, breaking barriers, and shaping the future. Join us as we revolutionize the creative industry and redefine what it means to thrive in a diverse and inclusive environment. Once a 12- month salaried intensive program is completed (with benefits), fellows may qualify for a full-time position within our Brand Leadership (Account Management), Strategy, and our Impact teams at a job commensurate with their performance and availability of business need in that department.
The mentality that we’re looking for:
You are the Swiss Army Knife for any situation—adaptable, malleable, and undaunted by any challenge that stares you down because you stare right back.
All in one, you embody the vigilance of a Brand Leader, the values of an Impact Leader, and the perceptiveness of a Strategist. You thrive amid ambiguity and prefer to fly the plane as you build it. You are a self-starter who can find inspiration and motivation in moments most overlook. You play well with others, but you are also a master of solitaire. You are a BarkleyOKRP Fellow.
BarkleyOKRP Fellows do not react, they anticipate to evade, or go on the offense. This job does not come with an instruction manual, and that is just how you prefer it. You are entrepreneurial in nature and in attitude. You have perfected the delicate balance between managing up and delegating to others when appropriate while feeling empowered to influence and drive results.
Qualifications
Degree and/or equivalent work experience
6+ years professional work experience outside of the advertising industry
Early career agency experience may not exceed two years
Preferred work experience includes Human Resources or people-centric experiences, marketing, and internal and/or external communications, project management, client service
Preferred competencies include client relationship management, presentation skills, research and data analytics reporting, cross-cultural communication, strong interpersonal and empathy skills, experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and business acumen
Candidates must be willing to locate to the the Kansas City Metro area
We strongly encourage BIPOC candidates to apply; however, we are committed to considering all applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds.
Barkley’s Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
We believe being radically diverse and inclusive is the key to becoming one of the world’s great creative idea companies. By embracing everything that makes our partners who they are and what makes them unique to the world around them, we create the conditions and capacity to help creative, original thinking thrive.
Barkley is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging as part of our corporate strategic goals, supported by a formal DEI+B program, Employee Resource Groups, Director of Diversity leadership and agency commitment to The Brand Lab.
