Associate Director, Programmatic

Dept•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$110,000 - $120,000•Remote

About The Position

WHY DEPT®? We are a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we create what is next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further because standing still just is not in our DNA. We are drawn to people who stay curious, move with intent, and never stop inventing. Our culture runs on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sht done. It is how we work, how we grow, and how we make things that matter. At DEPT®, you will find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact for our clients, for each other, and for the world we are helping to build. THE ROLE: The Associate Director, Programmatic is a strategic leadership role focused on account health and craft innovation. You steer the programmatic direction for one of our largest, most dynamic clients, moving beyond the tactical to act as a senior consultant on automated buying. You are responsible for identifying how programmatic can bridge the gap between brand awareness and performance, while navigating the complexities of an evolving, privacy-first digital landscape. As a leader within the craft, you ensure our strategies are not only meeting KPIs but pushing the boundaries of what automated media can achieve. While DEPT® is a remote-first company, this role requires candidates to be located in either the Mountain or Pacific time zones.

Requirements

5–7 years of programmatic experience , with a proven track record of strategic planning and account leadership within an agency setting.
Expertise in the Ecosystem: Deep knowledge of the programmatic landscape, including SSP dynamics, Header Bidding, Clean Rooms, and Attribution modeling.
Platform Mastery: Advanced proficiency in multiple DSPs (e.g., The Trade Desk, DV360, Amazon DSP, Walmart Connect) Google Ads and Ad Servers (CM360).
Leadership Presence: The ability to influence cross-functional teams and build implicit trust with senior client stakeholders.
Analytical Vision: You can interpret complex data sets to identify high-level trends and provide strategic recommendations that move "hearts and minds."
Proactive Problem Solving: A "get sht done" mentality when it comes to troubleshooting technical issues or navigating industry shifts.
Better Together Spirit: A passion for collaboration and a commitment to nurturing talent within the Programmatic craft.

Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight: Steer the programmatic strategy for a high-profile, high touch client, ensuring that automated media buying is integrated into their broader business and marketing goals.
Executional Rigor: Ensure exceptional accuracy, thoroughness, and organization across all deliverables, effectively balancing competing priorities with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
Data Innovation: Direct the implementation of 1st and 3rd party data strategies, helping clients navigate the cookie-less future through identity solutions and privacy-centric targeting.
Senior Client Advisory: Act as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, translating technical programmatic complexities into clear business value and growth opportunities.
Technology Evaluation: Lead the evaluation and onboarding of new programmatic tech partners, including DSPs, SSPs, and Dynamic Creative Optimization (DCO) platforms.
Total Media Synergy: Partner with Search and Social leads to drive a "Total Media" approach, ensuring programmatic inventory complements other digital touchpoints.
Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of Managers and Associates, overseeing their tactical output and providing a clear path for their professional development.