Zeno Group
Vice President, Paid Media
Location: Chicago, IL
Zeno Group is a fiercely independent, global integrated communications agency born from PR. We bring together the boldest and brightest talent to help clients unleash the power of strategic communications. Guided by our "Fearless Pursuit of the Unexpected," we push boundaries to achieve real business value and societal impact for clients. Zeno is a DJE Holdings Company.
About The Role Zeno Chicago is looking for a digital paid media expert to drive existing client business and help build Chicago’s rapidly growing paid media practice within the digital team. The VP, Paid Media will lead strategy and oversee execution of paid media programs across paid social, paid search, direct and programmatic display, and media partnerships. The role requires an entrepreneurial candidate with a vision for the future of paid media in both digital and broader communications contexts, strong presentation and client counsel skills, a hands‑on approach to mentoring, and a data‑driven mindset.
Responsibilities
Drive the strategic direction, preparation, and presentation of comprehensive omnichannel media plan recommendations, including Digital (Paid Social, SEM, Programmatic Display, Video), OOH, Print, Radio, TV, and Emerging Media.
Ensure accountability of media performance by establishing rigorous evaluation standards, proactively recommending strategic optimizations, and overseeing execution and pacing to align with client objectives.
Oversee and ensure the accuracy of critical tactical components of media plans, including flowcharts, budget summaries, and ad tracking mechanisms.
Develop and articulate high‑level strategic points of view on media partner offerings and emerging technologies relevant to client business goals.
Lead thought leadership initiatives and deliver insightful presentations evaluating innovative media opportunities, industry trends, and strategic areas of interest to senior‑level clients.
Direct strategic initiatives for paid publisher partnerships, including overseeing the RFP process, aligning proposals to client objectives, assessing content and audience relevancy, and delivering executive‑level recommendations.
Provide senior‑level strategic oversight for client relationships, maintaining deep understanding of client business objectives, industry dynamics, products and services, key customer segments, and competitive landscape.
Oversee financial management and stewardship of media budgets, ensuring compliance, accuracy, effective billing practices, and prompt resolution of financial discrepancies.
Qualifications
At least 8+ years of experience in the paid media industry.
Deep knowledge of digital and paid media and counseling clients.
Strong experience with all paid social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn.
Experience managing direct and programmatic display and SEM (Google/Bing).
Proficiency in SEO and content marketing platforms such as BrightEdge, Moz Pro, and SEMRush is a plus.
Strong problem‑solving and natural leadership, with previous experience managing others.
Highly experienced with client counsel and tough client Q&A conversations.
Experience in numerous client presentations, with strong speaking skills.
Strong project management skills with experience growing and leading a team.
Strong understanding of performance metrics, media optimization and ability to spot trends.
Pay Range Pay range: $120,000 to $155,000 USD
Employee pay within the range will be based on relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue‑based metrics, contractual agreements and business needs. The range is one component of DJEH’s total compensation package, which may also include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy and region‑specific benefits.
Benefits We offer comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability, a 401(k) plan, pretax flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, life insurance and a certified financial coach. The Be Kind to Your Mind program provides a paid subscription to Headspace and access to mental health services. Our ZenoFit program gives a monthly allowance to fund activities that bring joy and promote well‑being. All benefits are available to non‑temporary employees in the U.S.
Equal Employment Opportunity Zeno Group, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made on the basis of job‑related criteria without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification. We invite all applicants to voluntarily self‑identify race, ethnicity and gender; this information is confidential and will not be used in any adverse decision.
Seniority Level Executive
Employment Type Full‑time
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Zeno Group is a fiercely independent, global integrated communications agency born from PR. We bring together the boldest and brightest talent to help clients unleash the power of strategic communications. Guided by our "Fearless Pursuit of the Unexpected," we push boundaries to achieve real business value and societal impact for clients. Zeno is a DJE Holdings Company.
About The Role Zeno Chicago is looking for a digital paid media expert to drive existing client business and help build Chicago’s rapidly growing paid media practice within the digital team. The VP, Paid Media will lead strategy and oversee execution of paid media programs across paid social, paid search, direct and programmatic display, and media partnerships. The role requires an entrepreneurial candidate with a vision for the future of paid media in both digital and broader communications contexts, strong presentation and client counsel skills, a hands‑on approach to mentoring, and a data‑driven mindset.
Responsibilities
Drive the strategic direction, preparation, and presentation of comprehensive omnichannel media plan recommendations, including Digital (Paid Social, SEM, Programmatic Display, Video), OOH, Print, Radio, TV, and Emerging Media.
Ensure accountability of media performance by establishing rigorous evaluation standards, proactively recommending strategic optimizations, and overseeing execution and pacing to align with client objectives.
Oversee and ensure the accuracy of critical tactical components of media plans, including flowcharts, budget summaries, and ad tracking mechanisms.
Develop and articulate high‑level strategic points of view on media partner offerings and emerging technologies relevant to client business goals.
Lead thought leadership initiatives and deliver insightful presentations evaluating innovative media opportunities, industry trends, and strategic areas of interest to senior‑level clients.
Direct strategic initiatives for paid publisher partnerships, including overseeing the RFP process, aligning proposals to client objectives, assessing content and audience relevancy, and delivering executive‑level recommendations.
Provide senior‑level strategic oversight for client relationships, maintaining deep understanding of client business objectives, industry dynamics, products and services, key customer segments, and competitive landscape.
Oversee financial management and stewardship of media budgets, ensuring compliance, accuracy, effective billing practices, and prompt resolution of financial discrepancies.
Qualifications
At least 8+ years of experience in the paid media industry.
Deep knowledge of digital and paid media and counseling clients.
Strong experience with all paid social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, TikTok, Twitter/X, and LinkedIn.
Experience managing direct and programmatic display and SEM (Google/Bing).
Proficiency in SEO and content marketing platforms such as BrightEdge, Moz Pro, and SEMRush is a plus.
Strong problem‑solving and natural leadership, with previous experience managing others.
Highly experienced with client counsel and tough client Q&A conversations.
Experience in numerous client presentations, with strong speaking skills.
Strong project management skills with experience growing and leading a team.
Strong understanding of performance metrics, media optimization and ability to spot trends.
Pay Range Pay range: $120,000 to $155,000 USD
Employee pay within the range will be based on relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue‑based metrics, contractual agreements and business needs. The range is one component of DJEH’s total compensation package, which may also include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy and region‑specific benefits.
Benefits We offer comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability, a 401(k) plan, pretax flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, life insurance and a certified financial coach. The Be Kind to Your Mind program provides a paid subscription to Headspace and access to mental health services. Our ZenoFit program gives a monthly allowance to fund activities that bring joy and promote well‑being. All benefits are available to non‑temporary employees in the U.S.
Equal Employment Opportunity Zeno Group, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are made on the basis of job‑related criteria without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification. We invite all applicants to voluntarily self‑identify race, ethnicity and gender; this information is confidential and will not be used in any adverse decision.
Seniority Level Executive
Employment Type Full‑time
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