Media Director

Media Director
Direct Hire Opportunity Chicago preferred but open to remote candidates

Our client, a Chicago-based, award-winning digital marketing agency, is seeking an experienced Media Director to lead strategy and performance for a high-profile tourism account with multi-million-dollar media investments.

This is a unique opportunity for a strategic, omnichannel media leader who thrives in fast-moving environments and understands how to connect paid media strategy, analytics, financial stewardship, and client leadership. The ideal candidate can confidently present to executive stakeholders while remaining knowledgeable enough in today’s media platforms to guide optimization, troubleshoot challenges, and mentor their team.

The account operates at a high velocity, requiring someone who can quickly adapt to shifting priorities, make data-driven decisions, and keep a constant pulse on campaign performance.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as the senior media lead for a large tourism destination account, acting as a trusted advisor to internal teams and client stakeholders.

Lead agile decision-making and rapid optimization efforts in a fast-paced environment where priorities can change quickly.

Translate complex campaign performance, budget allocations, and forecasts into clear, actionable recommendations for executive-level stakeholders.

Develop and oversee integrated, full-funnel media strategies spanning:

Paid Search

Paid Social (Meta, TikTok, etc.)

Programmatic Display & Video

Traditional Media

Influencer Marketing

Sponsorships and Partnerships

Ensure media strategies are cohesive across the entire consumer journey, from awareness through conversion.

Partner with analytics, creative, and account teams to drive measurable business outcomes.

Financial & Performance Management

Manage and forecast multi-million-dollar media budgets.

Maintain a strong understanding of media financials, budget allocation, pacing, and performance forecasting.

Connect media investment decisions directly to business goals and ROI.

Present campaign performance, insights, and strategic recommendations directly to clients.

Team Leadership & Development

Lead and mentor a team responsible for planning, execution, optimization, and reporting.

Directly manage an Associate Media Director who oversees day-to-day media execution and platform management.

Provide leadership and oversight to:

Media Coordinator

Media Analyst

Channel Leads

Establish accountability, collaboration, and professional development across the team.

Player-Coach Leadership

While this role is primarily strategic, maintain familiarity with major advertising platforms and media technologies.

Understand the mechanics and functionality of platforms such as Meta, Google Ads, TikTok, and Programmatic Display to effectively guide teams, evaluate performance, and support optimization efforts when needed.

Stay connected to emerging media trends, consumer behaviors, and platform innovations.

Qualifications

6+ years of experience developing and managing integrated paid media strategies.

3+ years of experience leading and developing high-performing media teams.

Demonstrated success managing large-scale, multi-million-dollar media budgets.

Deep understanding of omnichannel and full-funnel media planning, including both awareness and performance media.

Strong experience across Paid Search, Paid Social, Programmatic Display, Video, Influencer Marketing, and Sponsorships.

Working knowledge of major advertising platforms, including Google Ads, Meta Business Manager, TikTok, and DSPs.

Experience leading high-velocity accounts where real-time optimization and rapid decision-making are critical.

Ability to connect media strategy, analytics, consumer insights, and financial performance into compelling client narratives.

Strong presentation skills with the confidence to lead executive-level conversations.

Experience within tourism, destination marketing, hospitality, retail, gaming/gambling, or other highly regulated industries is highly desirable.

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