Programmatic Media Strategist

C2's client, an independent New York-based media planning and marketing solutions firm dedicated to developing customized strategies that optimize media investments, seeks a Programmatic Media Strategist to own end-to-end digital campaign management across a growing and highly collaborative media team. They generate innovative advertising opportunities across an ever-evolving media landscape, think programmatic, OTT/CTV, streaming audio, display, and more, backed by their own in-house trade desk (OMtd) and proprietary analytics platform. Their clients include major government agencies, public health organizations, and higher education institutions. Precision, compliance, and performance are not optional here. You'll work directly with the Senior Programmatic Media Director and collaborate daily with traders, AdOps, vendors, and account teams. The media director built their career from this exact seat, they know what good looks like at this level and will invest in helping you develop. This role offers hands-on channel depth and daily exposure to broader strategy and traditional media teams for someone who wants to understand how the whole machine works. Start Date: ASAP Duration: Contract or Contract-to-Hire, work heavier Q1 & Q4 Location: Hybrid schedule in NYC or Albany NY preferred, remote for the right contract candidate Compensation: Contract hourly: $35-$50/hr.; Salary for Contract-to-hire: $70-$90K Benefits: C2 talent working 30+ hours/week for 30 consecutive business days are eligible for medical, dental, and optional vision insurance, life insurance and PTO accrual; 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match available for enrollment after 90 days. Technology: Talent must provide their own hardware and software while contracting Job Description The Programmatic Media Strategist handles end-to-end digital campaign management, developing plans, executing media, and reporting on performance to meet campaign goals and fulfill client needs. This person takes ownership of ensuring campaigns run effectively and cohesively, and works closely with the director to improve processes and develop new strategies as the team grows. This organization's client base includes government agencies and public health organizations with high standards for compliance, accuracy, and results. The right person for this role brings exceptional attention to detail, real accountability for deliverables and timelines, and the analytical depth to translate data into clear, actionable recommendations, not just clean spreadsheets. This is an environment that is both challenging and supportive. You'll gain meaningful depth in programmatic and digital channels while building perspective across a full-service, omni-channel agency that runs traditional media alongside digital. If you're analytically strong, detail-oriented, and excited to grow in a dynamic NYC-based media environment, this is your seat. Responsibilities: Support programmatic and direct campaign planning and execution, including RFP development, IO management, partner outreach, rate and placement negotiation, and tactical media plan development aligned to client briefs and KPIs - channels include Display, Online Video, Streaming Audio, and OTT/CTV Translate approved media plans into clear trafficking instructions and partner with AdOps for accurate setup and QA Monitor campaign pacing and budget delivery; manage billing and reconciliation Analyze performance data and develop internal and client-facing reporting, delivering clear insights and actionable recommendations Collaborate with traders and external partners to optimize performance based on campaign data Ensure creative specs, tags, and tracking pixels are accurate and delivered on time Maintain strong vendor relationships and stay current on new formats, targeting capabilities, industry trends, and emerging technologies Work with the media director to improve processes and develop new strategies as the team scales Partner with account teams to keep client goals and campaign execution aligned Requirements: 2–6 years of experience in digital media planning/buying or programmatic strategy Demonstrated ownership of deliverables, timelines, and budgets in a fast-paced agency environment Exceptional attention to detail and organizational discipline - ability to manage multiple campaigns without losing accuracy or urgency Strong verbal and written communication skills; comfortable presenting findings internally and supporting client calls Advanced Excel proficiency - pivot tables, lookups required; Power BI experience a plus Solid understanding of programmatic fundamentals: DSP structure, optimization levers, inventory types (open exchange, PMP, PG), and supply path transparency Familiarity with ad serving and verification tools - Campaign Manager 360, DoubleVerify, and/or IAS Genuine curiosity about technology, consumer behavior, and the evolving digital media landscape Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or related field preferred Not your type of gig, but know someone who would be interested? Refer a qualified candidate, and if they get the job, you get a signing bonus! (Make sure they mention your name as their referral source so you get your well-deserved credit!) All candidates must be located and authorized to work in the United States. C2 does not sponsor work visas. No C2C #J-18808-Ljbffr