Associate Director, Media Strategy

Canvas Worldwide • New York, NY

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Canvas Worldwide dares to be the challenger the ad industry needs. Do you "Challenge the Comfortable?" Then you'll fit right in here at Canvas. Recognized as one of Ad Age's "Best Places to Work" for three consecutive years, Canvas Worldwide is an independent media agency committed to providing creative solutions for brands that challenge the status quo. Our clients include Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, MGM, Zillow and McDonald’s (to name a few…). Our agency cultivates an environment where all are welcome to push outside their comfort zones to solve problems in new ways. We encourage the team to be its best by creating the most positive workplace experience for all. For instance, we outpace the industry on diversity and inclusion AND offer continuous training and workshops for career development. So, if you dare to challenge the comfortable… then keep reading. We’re looking for an Associate Director of Brand Strategy to help lead culturally grounded, insight-driven strategy for a major QSR brand, with a focus on Hispanic audiences. This role goes beyond managing plans, you’ll shape how strategy comes to life across media, creative, and culture. You’ll be a key extension, driving work forward with clarity, rigor, and cultural fluency.

Requirements

• Multicultural advertising experience required, with strong expertise in U.S. Hispanic audiences
• 5–8 years of experience across media strategy, planning, or brand strategy
• 5+ years of experience mentoring and developing team members
• Strong understanding of the Hispanic vendor and partner landscape
• Comfortable challenging the status quo, asking the right questions to ensure strategy translates into meaningful impact
• Proven ability to lead projects from start to finish in a fast-paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Confident presenter with the ability to influence across teams and clients
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple workstreams with flexibility and clear communication
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• Excellent time management and follow-through
• High attention to detail and quality of work
• Comfortable navigating media math and planning scenarios to guide, challenge and elevate team output
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong internal, external, and client relationships

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with client and agency leads to define and shape the overarching brand strategies
• Translate business objectives into clear, insight-driven strategic frameworks that inform media, creative, and cross-channel execution
• Continuously refine and improve strategic approaches and workflows to drive more effective, culture-led planning
• Apply a strong understanding of media fundamentals (reach, frequency, phasing, investment levels) to develop and guide planning scenarios to make sure they deliver against KPIs and business objectives
• Serve as a trusted expert in the multicultural—Hispanic landscape, proactively delivering relevant insights, trends, and opportunities to clients and internal teams
• Foster and lead collaboration across multiple internal and external teams (clients, strategy, creative, cross-channel investment teams, etc.)
• Act as the connector across disciplines, ensuring all work aligns to a cohesive and culturally relevant narrative
• Evaluate scenarios and trade-offs, bringing a strategic lens to investment decisions and channel roles
• Identify and proactively resolve gaps across teams to maintain consistency, quality, and alignment
• Foster a team environment that supports growth, accountability, and continuous learning
• Promote an open and collaborative culture where diverse perspectives and ideas are encouraged
• Ensure the team is aligned and informed on broader client needs, priorities, and strategic direction
• Willingness to step into the details with direct reports to guide, problem-solve, and support execution
• Navigate high-pressure situations with composure while maintaining team morale and productivity

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Generous benefits including health coverage
• Unlimited PTO
• Matching 401(k)
• Highly competitive benefits like generous medical, dental, vision, pet insurance, commuter benefits, disability and life insurance coverage
• 401(k) matching
• Up to 14 holidays per year
• A “Do Good Day”
• Unlimited PTO
• Employee social and wellness events
• A DEI Council
• Auto purchase rebate program
• Monthly wellness allowance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees