Fingerpaint is hiring: Associate Media Director in Cedar Knolls

We’re a different type of media partner.   

Most of us came from large media organizations, many within holding companies.   

We were looking for a better way of working, where we could leverage both our expertise and our imaginations. Where media strategists and activation specialists harness the power of content, intentional placements, and outcomes-based buying to drive exceptional performance. Better than what weve ever experienced.   

Our best-in-class, never-paint-by-number approach to omnichannel and media planning and activation delivers efficiency and amplify successes for our diverse set of clients.  

Objectives of this Role 

The Associate Media Director is a collaborative leader responsible for overseeing day-to-day media strategy development, team management, and client service with pharmaceutical and healthcare clients. This role bridges strategic vision with tactical execution—helping to shape omnichannel media plans that are data-driven, customer-centric, and compliant with industry regulations. 

Working closely with Directors, VPs, and cross-functional partners, the Associate Media Director guides client strategy, mentors team members, and ensures flawless execution that drives measurable business results. This position requires strong pharma media experience, leadership skills, and a passion for innovation in a rapidly evolving healthcare marketing landscape. 

Duties and Responsibilities  

Strategy and Account Management 

• Lead the development of cross-channel media strategies (DTC, HCP) aligned with client business goals 
• Oversee media plan recommendations, including audience and competitive landscape insights, partner selection, budget allocations, and rationale, while ensuring strategic alignment with broader marketing initiatives 
• Manage multiple accounts simultaneously, ensuring seamless transitions and consistent delivery 
• Collaborate with analytics and insights teams to optimize media performance and translate results into actionable insights and recommendations 
• Contribute to new business pitches, presentations, and agency thought leadership efforts 

Team Management and Leadership 

• Supervise and mentor a team of media strategists and planners, ensuring high-quality deliverables and professional development 
• Support Directors/VPs in managing team workload, delegating effectively, and maintaining operational excellence 
• Lead onboarding, training, and coaching of junior staff on tools, processes, and best practices, and participate in goal setting, performance reviews, and long-term talent development. 

Client Service & Partnership 

• Build strong day-to-day relationships with client teams, serving as a trusted partner 
• Influence client decision-making with clear, compelling strategic recommendations, bringing forward data-driven recommendations outside of standard planning cycles  
• Represent cross-functional media teams in client meetings, ensuring alignment on deliverables and priorities 
• Model outstanding client service and inspire the same from the team 

Integration & Innovation 

• Partner with creative, account, and analytics teams to ensure media strategies are integrated into broader campaign ecosystems 
• Stay ahead of evolving trends in media, adtech, and healthcare marketing, bringing innovative thinking to client solutions 
• Ensure all strategies adhere to pharma industry regulations (HIPAA, NAI, FDA guidelines) 

Job Requirements 

• 6+ years of media planning and strategy experience, within healthcare/pharma 
• Knowledge of DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) and HCP (Healthcare Professional) marketing 
• Proven ability to manage people, projects, and multiple accounts simultaneously 
• Strong communication skills (presentation, public speaking, writing), including ability to present confidently and persuasively to clients at all levels  
• Ability to think critically and make sound business decisions, and navigate complex situations with diplomacy and problem-solving 
• Strong understanding of the media landscape and evolving channel capabilities 
• Expertise in research and planning tools (e.g., Comscore, Kantar, MediaRadar) 
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, PowerPoint, and specific industry tools and technology (eg, CM360, Mediaocean) 
• Cross-channel media knowledge (programmatic, social, search, TV, OOH, endemic, etc.) 
• Demonstrated experience in omnichannel strategy, measurement, and optimization 

Don’t meet every single requirement? That’s okay! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Fingerpaint, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles! Our team of qualified recruiters can match you with the right opportunity. Fingerpaint Group provides equal employment [and affirmative action] opportunities to all applicants and employees. We are proud to recruit 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.