Associate Director, Data Operations

Adelphi Group•Chicago, IL

16d•$70,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We pride ourselves on being a people-obsessed, outcomes-focused business that applies evidence and data-based solutions, married with the practice of empathy, to drive performance and growth. When working with our clients, we put ourselves in the shoes of the consumer to see the world through their eyes. We focus on finding greater empathy with the consumer to uncover insights and opportunities that deliver more valued and valuable connections. Our success is underwritten by our core principles: • Dynamic diversity. Bringing diversity of perspective, skillset, and background, as well as the mix of ages, genders, ethnicities, skillsets & backgrounds. • Radical collaboration. Connecting a diverse group of people through instinctive structures, skills and mindsets. • Rapid prototyping. Fostering a mindset of curiosity in which our people are always building, testing, evolving and retesting hypotheses. All of which is underpinned by a commitment to total transparency. TEAM DESCRIPTION The Data Operations team provides oversight of the data generated throughout the campaign delivery and performance optimization throughout its lifecycle. They will also work with other internal practice teams of Digital Analytics, Planning, and Digital Investment. You will provide oversight of all digital media buys to ensure that they are following process, purchased, and inputted according to organizational standards. This role requires a strong familiarity with all available analytics and technology tools, both syndicated and proprietary. Candidate must have a mindset towards fostering processes through automation. ROLE SUMMARY The Associate Director, Data Operations is accountable for the orchestration and flawless execution of business intelligence, data governance, and operational excellence across all media channels. Serving as both a leader and subject matter expert, this role bridges Digital Media, Marketing Science, and Offshore Data Operations teams, providing technical oversight and ensuring high-quality standards in data management, process automation, and analytics. The ideal candidate proactively advances data strategy and fosters collaboration with internal teams, clients, and external vendors, with an unwavering focus on continuous improvement in data quality and efficiency.

Requirements

5–7 years’ experience in Data Operations and/or Business Intelligence
3–5 years’ experience in digital media data (ad server, digital, search, social, video, offline, etc.)
3–5 years’ experience in agile development environments
3–5 years’ experience in client-facing work and managing offshore or cross-functional teams
4+ years’ experience in data governance and quality processes within data warehousing, ETL, and BI environments
5+ years’ experience in business analysis or related disciplines
In-depth expertise across digital and traditional media channels and handling diverse datasets (paid, owned, etc.)
Demonstrated ability to diagnose, escalate, and solve complex data quality and operational issues
Outstanding organizational and project management skills
Comfortable multitasking and adapting to fast-evolving needs
Superior attention to detail, with excellent verbal and written communication skills
Proven ability to build relationships across internal teams, vendors, and clients
Comfort and accuracy working with budgets and large sets of numerical data
Experience with writing business and technical requirements documents; comfort with business rules design and BI tool administration

Nice To Haves

Media industry experience highly preferred
SQL (preferred)
Python (nice to have)
MediaTools, Lumina, Hudson (bonus)

Responsibilities

Direct the development, implementation, and maintenance of data strategies, quality standards, business rules, and governance processes for diverse client accounts and media channels.
Oversee the creation and management of project plans, assign and prioritize tasks, and ensure standardized processes. Facilitate regular status meetings, proactively resolve roadblocks, and drive initiative progression in a fast-paced, agile environment.
Act as liaison among internal teams (Strategy, Digital Investment, Planning, Analytics, Finance), offshore resources, external vendors, and clients. Foster positive working relationships and effectively communicate roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
Supervise investigation and resolution of data integrity issues, define/implement business rules for data cleansing and QA, and ensure best practices in all data and technology projects.
Advise on or lead the deployment of business intelligence tools, data warehousing, ETL processes, and automation initiatives. Champion adoption of new technology and process solutions, ensuring data is the backbone for all media and analytics disciplines.
Supervise and mentor Managers, Senior Analysts, and Analysts; cultivate a supportive, growth-oriented environment. Guide teams in Data Operations, quality assurance, and client management tasks.