Associate Director, Strategy & Activation

Kepler Group•New York, NY

2h•$117,000 - $130,000

About The Position

The Associate Director, Strategy & Activation position will serve as a senior leader across key client relationships, driving integrated media strategy, cross-channel planning, and performance marketing excellence. In this role, you’ll be responsible for deeply understanding clients’ business objectives and translating them into holistic media strategies that drive measurable business impact. You’ll act as a trusted strategic advisor to clients while partnering closely with internal teams to lead best-in-class execution across channels. You’ll succeed as an Associate Director, Strategy & Activation if you are a strong strategic thinker with deep hands-on activation experience, exceptional client leadership skills, and a strong understanding of today’s evolving digital media landscape across Search, Social, Programmatic, and other performance channels.

Requirements

5-8+ years of experience in digital media strategy, cross-channel planning, activation, and performance marketing
Strong hands-on activation experience across Paid Search, Paid Social, Programmatic/Display, and digital media buying platforms
Demonstrated experience developing integrated media strategies across multiple performance marketing channels
Strong understanding of performance KPIs, attribution methodologies, audience targeting, measurement frameworks, and optimization strategies
Deep familiarity with platforms such as Google Ads, SA360, Meta Ads Manager, TikTok Ads, DV360, The Trade Desk, or similar media technologies preferred
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret large datasets and translate findings into strategic recommendations and business impact
Ability to think strategically while also maintaining a strong operational and executional understanding of digital media campaigns
Proven ability to build credibility with clients and confidently lead strategic conversations with senior stakeholders
Strong leadership and mentorship capabilities with experience guiding and developing junior team members
Excellent presentation, written, and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial, collaborative, and team-oriented culture

Responsibilities

Serve as a senior strategic lead across digital performance channels including Paid Search, Paid Social, Programmatic/Display, Online Video, and emerging digital platforms
Lead integrated cross-channel media strategy and planning initiatives aligned to client business goals, KPIs, audience strategies, and competitive insights
Act as a point of contact for assigned clients; build trusted client relationships, proactively guide strategic discussions, and confidently navigate complex business challenges
Provide strategic oversight across campaign planning, activation, optimization, budget allocation, and measurement to drive strong business outcomes
Translate campaign performance data and market insights into actionable recommendations, strategic narratives, and executive-level presentations for clients and internal stakeholders
Identify opportunities for innovation, testing, audience expansion, and channel growth across client programs
Manage a team of 5-10 Managers, Senior Analysts, and Analysts by providing strategic guidance, coaching, and development support
Drive operational excellence and contribute to process improvements, workflow efficiencies, and broader team initiatives
Support senior leadership in growing client relationships through strategic thinking, proactive recommendations, and identification of incremental opportunities