Director of Traditional Media
Lucas James Talent Partners, Chicago, IL, United States
Job Title:
Director of Traditional Media
Location:
Chicago, IL (Hybrid) 3 days in office weekly/ 2 days work from home
Reports To:
Head of Integrated Media
Position Overview The Director of Traditional Media will lead the strategy, planning, negotiation, and execution of traditional media campaigns across linear television, radio, print, out-of-home (OOH), and other offline channels. This role is responsible for mentoring media buying teams, overseeing vendor relationships, negotiating rates and added value, and ensuring campaigns deliver against client goals, budgets, and timelines.
This position requires a strategic leader and strong negotiator with deep expertise in traditional media within an advertising agency environment.
Key Responsibilities
Lead traditional media strategy across TV, radio, print, and OOH channels
Collaborate with media planning, strategy, analytics, and account teams to build integrated media plans
Provide strategic recommendations based on audience insights, ratings data, and market trends
Ensure media plans align with client objectives, KPIs, and budgets
Media Buying & Negotiation
Oversee all traditional media buying and placement execution
Negotiate rates, added value, positioning, and cancellation terms with media vendors
Maintain strong relationships with TV stations, radio groups, and OOH vendors
Identify cost efficiencies and value-added opportunities for clients
Mentor and develop a team of media buyers
Oversee workflow, campaign timelines, and resource allocation
Train team members on negotiation strategies, media tools, and best practices
Contribute to team growth, performance management, and career development
Campaign Execution & Performance
Ensure media buys are executed accurately and on schedule
Monitor delivery, make-goods, and performance against plan
Partner with analytics teams to evaluate campaign performance and optimize future buys
Oversee post-buy analysis and client reporting
Manage media budgets, billing, and reconciliation processes
Ensure campaigns are executed within financial guidelines
Review vendor invoices and resolve discrepancies
Support leadership with forecasting and revenue projections
Serve as senior media buying lead in client meetings and presentations
Provide marketplace insights, negotiation updates, and strategic recommendations
Support new business pitches and agency growth initiatives
Qualifications
12+ years of traditional media buying experience (TV and radio; local and national)
3–5+ years of team leadership experience
Prior advertising agency experience required
Proven track record in negotiating with media vendors and reps
Experience with media research tools (e.g., Nielsen, ComScore, SQAD, Scarborough)
Experience with media buying platforms (MediaOcean; Prisma preferred)
Preferred Experience
Managing multi-market or national media campaigns
Experience in home services, personal injury, or e-commerce verticals
Working within integrated digital and traditional media teams
Leading client presentations and contributing to new business development
Why Join Us?
Hybrid work environment with a collaborative, high-performing team
Opportunity to lead and shape traditional media strategy at a senior level
Exposure to high-impact campaigns and diverse client industries
Career growth within a forward-thinking, integrated media organization
BENEFITS & PERKS
Comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, and dental insurance, with
Ongoing education & training
Company sponsored events & team building experiences
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Director of Traditional Media
Location:
Chicago, IL (Hybrid) 3 days in office weekly/ 2 days work from home
Reports To:
Head of Integrated Media
Position Overview The Director of Traditional Media will lead the strategy, planning, negotiation, and execution of traditional media campaigns across linear television, radio, print, out-of-home (OOH), and other offline channels. This role is responsible for mentoring media buying teams, overseeing vendor relationships, negotiating rates and added value, and ensuring campaigns deliver against client goals, budgets, and timelines.
This position requires a strategic leader and strong negotiator with deep expertise in traditional media within an advertising agency environment.
Key Responsibilities
Lead traditional media strategy across TV, radio, print, and OOH channels
Collaborate with media planning, strategy, analytics, and account teams to build integrated media plans
Provide strategic recommendations based on audience insights, ratings data, and market trends
Ensure media plans align with client objectives, KPIs, and budgets
Media Buying & Negotiation
Oversee all traditional media buying and placement execution
Negotiate rates, added value, positioning, and cancellation terms with media vendors
Maintain strong relationships with TV stations, radio groups, and OOH vendors
Identify cost efficiencies and value-added opportunities for clients
Mentor and develop a team of media buyers
Oversee workflow, campaign timelines, and resource allocation
Train team members on negotiation strategies, media tools, and best practices
Contribute to team growth, performance management, and career development
Campaign Execution & Performance
Ensure media buys are executed accurately and on schedule
Monitor delivery, make-goods, and performance against plan
Partner with analytics teams to evaluate campaign performance and optimize future buys
Oversee post-buy analysis and client reporting
Manage media budgets, billing, and reconciliation processes
Ensure campaigns are executed within financial guidelines
Review vendor invoices and resolve discrepancies
Support leadership with forecasting and revenue projections
Serve as senior media buying lead in client meetings and presentations
Provide marketplace insights, negotiation updates, and strategic recommendations
Support new business pitches and agency growth initiatives
Qualifications
12+ years of traditional media buying experience (TV and radio; local and national)
3–5+ years of team leadership experience
Prior advertising agency experience required
Proven track record in negotiating with media vendors and reps
Experience with media research tools (e.g., Nielsen, ComScore, SQAD, Scarborough)
Experience with media buying platforms (MediaOcean; Prisma preferred)
Preferred Experience
Managing multi-market or national media campaigns
Experience in home services, personal injury, or e-commerce verticals
Working within integrated digital and traditional media teams
Leading client presentations and contributing to new business development
Why Join Us?
Hybrid work environment with a collaborative, high-performing team
Opportunity to lead and shape traditional media strategy at a senior level
Exposure to high-impact campaigns and diverse client industries
Career growth within a forward-thinking, integrated media organization
BENEFITS & PERKS
Comprehensive benefits package that includes health, vision, and dental insurance, with
Ongoing education & training
Company sponsored events & team building experiences
#J-18808-Ljbffr