Director, Audience & Activation Strategy

Job Description: Please Note: This is a hybrid position based in New York City. Candidates must be located within commuting distance of our NYC office and be able to work onsite as required.
About the Role

We're seeking a Director, Audience & Activation Strategy to lead the development of audience targeting strategies that drive measurable business outcomes across digital media channels. This role sits at the intersection of audience strategy, identity, data, and media activation, serving as a subject matter expert responsible for ensuring audience solutions are designed, activated, optimized, and measured effectively across today's complex media ecosystem.
You will help answer critical questions such as: Who should be targeted and why? Which data sources will deliver the highest-quality audiences? How should audiences be activated across channels for maximum performance? How can audience match rates, targeting accuracy, and campaign outcomes be improved? How can audience strategies be measured and optimized to drive stronger business results?
What You'll Do

Develop audience targeting strategies aligned to business and marketing objectives. Design, build, and optimize audience segments using first‑party, third‑party, and identity‑based data. Drive audience activation across platforms including Google, Meta, TikTok, programmatic DSPs, CTV, retail media, and emerging channels. Partner closely with media, analytics, data science, product, and activation teams to improve audience performance and effectiveness. Optimize audience match rates, activation strategies, and cross‑channel targeting approaches. Evaluate audience data providers, identity partners, and emerging targeting capabilities. Lead testing, measurement, and optimization efforts to demonstrate the impact of audience strategies. Serve as a trusted advisor on identity resolution, audience design, activation best practices, and measurement frameworks.
What We're Looking For

We're seeking a strategic leader who understands the complete audience lifecycle: Identity → Audience Creation → Activation → Measurement → Optimization.
Deep expertise in audience targeting, segmentation, and activation.
Strong understanding of identity resolution and audience data ecosystems.
Hands‑on experience with paid media platforms, DSPs, retail media, and programmatic activation.
Knowledge of first‑party data, third‑party audiences, CRM data, and identity‑based targeting.
Experience measuring audience performance and translating insights into actionable recommendations.
The ability to connect audience strategy with measurable business outcomes.
A collaborative, consultative approach to partnering with cross‑functional stakeholders.
Preferred Backgrounds

Candidates may come from:
Audience Strategy
Data & Identity Solutions
Programmatic Media
Retail Media Networks
AdTech or MarTech Organizations
Advanced Analytics & Activation Teams
Media Platforms or Audience Product Organizations
Benefits

Medical, vision, and dental insurance
Life insurance
Short-term and long-term disability insurance
401k
Flexible paid time off
At least 15 paid holidays per year
Paid sick and safe leave
Paid parental leave
Dentsu also complies with applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies. For further details regarding Dentsu benefits, please visit www.dentsubenefitsplus.com.
Location: New York Brand: Amplifi Time Type: Full time Contract Type: Permanent
Dentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do this without regard to race, color, national origin, sex , sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religious practices and observances, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Dentsu is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with us, please send an e‑mail toApplicantAccommodations@dentsu.comby clicking on the link to let usknow the nature of your accommodation request and your contact information. We are here to support you.
About dentsu

For over 120 years, innovation has been a core tenet of our offering – exploring new ways to reach, engage and nurture relationships with audiences. Together we drive a multiplier effect for clients at a global scale, through the development of Integrated Growth Solutions that are underpinned by our promise to clients: innovating to impact. Be a force for good. Sustainability is a vital part of our business and an important area of focus for our clients. We’re leading the way – helping to build a more sustainable planet. Dream loud. In this moment of transformation, we need our people to be fearless, embracing change and ambiguity, driven by the love for their work and excitement for the future. Team without limits. We create opportunities for connection and collaboration between our colleagues and clients, building a sense of belonging and having some fun along the way. Find out more about us Who we are Our Social Impact Our work
The annual salary range for this position is $136,850 - $170,000. Placement within the salary range is based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factors permitted by law.

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