Associate Director, Media - Programmatic

Programmatic Associate Director

We've been leading the marketing industry with our digital expertise since the start of the internet. But in 2020, we did a full reboot. What's different? It all starts with people. Weird, wonderful, complex people - with diverse backgrounds in strategy, creative and technology. But no matter how different we are, we all have one thing in common. We believe our differences are our strength. So we push for inclusion, challenge convention and bring in new perspectives, to inspire new ideas. Because when we connect by understanding what makes people different, we can create unforgettable experiences that enrich lives.
The programmatic associate director is responsible for leading the strategy, execution, optimization, and innovation of programmatic media campaigns across display, online video, CTV, audio, native, and emerging digital channels. This role serves as a key day-to-day leader across client accounts, translating business objectives into thoughtful media strategies that leverage audience insights, data, technology, and platform best practices. The associate director will be responsible for ensuring all work meets client goals, agency standards, and operational requirements. This individual will manage and mentor a team of programmatic specialists, helping to drive quality, consistency, and professional development across the group. They will partner closely with internal strategy, investment, analytics, ad operations, creative, and account teams, as well as external platform and publisher partners, to deliver best-in-class programmatic solutions.
The ideal candidate has deep hands-on experience with major DSPs such as The Trade Desk, DV360, Yahoo, and Amazon, and is comfortable navigating complex client needs, measurement frameworks, privacy considerations, and evolving industry trends. In addition to campaign leadership, the Associate Director will play an important role in identifying opportunities for innovation, testing, and process improvement. This includes evaluating new platform capabilities, audience and identity solutions, measurement partners, inventory opportunities, and automation tools that can improve media effectiveness and efficiency. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, analytical thinking, and the ability to simplify complex programmatic concepts for clients and internal stakeholders are essential for success in this role.
Responsibilities:
Manage a programmatic team responsible for the client's media buys in the DSP
Direct the execution of programmatic deliverables to meet/exceed expectations
Solid knowledge of the programmatic landscape

system setups on both DSP, verification partners
Develop, grow, and maintain relationships through exceptional client service
Contribute to creation of action plans for achieving and measuring digital media success
Advocate for the value of programmatic by educating clients, partners and internal teams on the latest tech/data advancements and capabilities in this quickly evolving space
Provide direction as needed for improving campaign performance through optimization and/or implementing new features and strategies
Create and deliver presentations to both clients and internal teams showcasing campaign strategy and outcomes
Develop points of view on new technologies, trends, and opportunities in the digital media landscape
Lead regular insight meetings with clients detailing performance, campaign optimizations, and new opportunities
Work with media partners to ensure accurate platform implementation
Lead and assist in coaching, managing, and educating a team of Analysts, Sr. Analysts, and Managers
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or higher preferred, preferably in marketing, advertising, business, engineering, statistics, economics, sociology, or equivalent
5+ years of directly related experience in the programmatic media space
2+ years of experience managing a team
Working knowledge in technologies such as The Trade Desk, DoubleClick Bid Manager, TTD, AOP, AAP and Facebook and Twitter APIs
Strong leadership skills and professionalism and be comfortable presenting ideas to senior client management
Possess strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret campaign performance data and provide insights and optimization recommendations
Understanding of traditional and interactive media planning elements
Resourceful, curious, and motivated individual with an ability to work independently as well as in a team setting
Strong analytics, organizational, and communication skills
Strong client facing experience with the ability to identify risks and effectively manage through issues
Strong project management skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with intermediate to advanced understanding of Excel
Compensation Range: USD $97,375.00 - USD $155,961.00/Annually.