The Associate Media Director is the primary leader responsible for planning and executing media buys. The AMD oversees all day-to-day aspects of the media plan and remains acutely aware of all elements, including moving parts, goals, flights, channels, budgets, presentations, reports, and any other necessary outputs for effective campaign management. They ensure that planning, strategy, pacing, and performance are managed with excellence across assigned accounts. A positive attitude and a willingness to “roll up your sleeves” are essential for success in this role. Experience across multiple media channels and a curiosity for emerging media platforms are critical.
Key responsibilities include analyzing campaigns, offering clients innovative ideas, developing both offline and online media strategies, participating in agency training, and managing all aspects of campaigns. The AMD will support media plan documents, including but not limited to media plans, point-of-views (POVs), competitive analysis, flowcharts, and other related media documentation for assigned clients.
Additionally, the AMD should cultivate strong relationships with internal teams, clients, and vendors to provide effective media strategies and innovative ideas. They will work closely with top executives and assist junior-level staff on special projects, while also maintaining continuous communication with the Media Director regarding project status, issues, or related concerns.
The AMD seeks out opportunities for professional development and actively engages in agency and professional training initiatives while staying informed about the media marketplace. The Associate Media Director reports directly to the Group Media Director.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Lead in the development and implementation of national, regional, and/or local traditional and digital media strategies that could include some or all of the following:
- Linear TV, both traditional and direct response formats
- Radio
- Outdoor and experiential
- Digital Media – across the entire ecosystem, including Social, Search, Programmatic, Native, Influencer, Audio, etc.
- Attribution – inclusive of MMM and MTA
- Oversee and direct the day-to-day operations of the media team
- Provide guidance and oversight around campaign setup, including KPIs and success metrics, and optimal use of vendors and advertising technology
- Work with the planning team to understand goals, address client needs, and communicate results and insights back to clients
- Providing subject matter expertise to vendors, internal teams, and clients
- Review media buys and post-buy analysis to ensure that each is in conformity with media plans and guidelines
- Ability to help with the following:
- Work with finance team on budget management, reconciliation and discrepancies
- Analyze campaigns and recommend strategic and tactical changes to maximize campaign performance
- Create a periodic written analysis of media performance
- Be the main point of contact for client counterparts
- Help create and present strategies to clients, anticipate questions and also be able to answer on the fly
Required Skills/Abilities:
- 7-10 years of experience and expert knowledge of multi-channel media planning
- Experience with various media planning tools: Kantar/Vivvix, Pathmatics, Scarborough, MediaTools, DCM, ComScore, etc.
- Experience using research tools such as Simmons MRI, Resonate, GWI
- Ability to analyze large amounts of data and develop into a digestible story for clients
- Understanding of attribution and variances between channels. Ability to inform models and measurement plans based on client objectives
- Experience managing media teams and client relationships
- Ability to self-manage, juggle multiple priorities, and pay strong attention to details
- Able to effectively manage costs while exceeding performance and goals
- Excellent communication skills, well organized, and capable of working in a fast-paced environment
- Proven ability to work with and influence cross-functional teams
- Strong knowledge of MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Multicultural planning experience a plus but not mandatory
Compensation and benefits:
- Salary according to experience and skills
- Benefits include competitive salary, medical/dental coverage, 401k, and PTO