Associate Media Director - Programmatic Buying

We Are Rosie•New York, NY

16h•$65 - $75•Remote

About The Position

Our agency client is seeking a Programmatic Buying AMD to lead self-service buying operations and drive performance excellence for a higher education client. This leadership role oversees a team of 3-5 Platform Buyers managing multi-channel programmatic execution across video, audio, display, and social. You'll be responsible for strategic direction, team development, and ensuring campaigns achieve enrollment recruitment goals. This position requires both programmatic expertise and proven leadership skills within an integrated media environment. Contract Details: 35-40 hours/week 3-6 month engagement, temp-to-perm contract possibility Mid-to-late February start Looking for candidates based in Boston or NYC but the role will be remote. EST is ideal $65-75/hr

Requirements

6+ years of professional experience in digital media buying with focus on programmatic and social platforms
2+ years managing teams responsible for hands-on-keyboard campaign execution
Advanced expertise across programmatic DSPs (DV360, Amazon DSP) and social platforms (Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, LinkedIn)
Deep understanding of digital advertising ecosystem including supply paths, data strategies, and measurement approaches
Experience in higher education marketing, student recruitment, or education services strongly preferred
Proven track record achieving performance goals and driving measurable business results
Strong analytical capabilities with ability to translate data into strategic insights
Excellent presentation and communication skills for C-level stakeholder interactions
Demonstrated leadership abilities including coaching, conflict resolution, and team development

Nice To Haves

Strategic vision combined with operational excellence in programmatic buying
Understanding of higher education recruitment challenges, enrollment funnel, and category dynamics
Expertise reaching Gen Z audiences through programmatic and social channels
Ability to manage up, down, and across organizational structures effectively
Solutions-oriented leadership style that empowers team while ensuring accountability
Track record of process innovation and operational improvement
Passion for media innovation and staying ahead of industry trends
Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, business, or related field

Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Development: Lead and mentor a team of 3-5 Platform Buyers responsible for hands-on-keyboard campaign execution across DSPs and social platforms
Provide clear strategic direction while empowering team members to execute with autonomy
Conduct regular performance reviews, skill development sessions, and career growth conversations
Foster a culture of testing, learning, and optimization within the buying team
Balance team management responsibilities with collaborative, hands-on involvement in strategic campaign decisions
Ensure team accountability for on-time, on-budget, high-quality campaign execution
Strategic Campaign Management: Oversee multi-channel programmatic buying operations across video (CTV/OLV), audio (streaming/podcast), display (programmatic), and social platforms
Develop advanced optimization strategies that push performance boundaries and align with enrollment recruitment goals
Provide strategic direction on campaign design, audience targeting, creative approaches, and platform utilization
Partner with planning, analytics, and client teams to ensure campaigns align with institutional objectives and KPIs
Make data-driven decisions on budget allocation, platform mix, and tactical pivots to maximize enrollment outcomes
Ensure adherence to best practices, timelines, and quality standards across all buying operations
Client & Stakeholder Partnership: Serve as primary buying contact for higher education client, building trust through expertise and results
Present campaign performance, optimization strategies, and recommendations to client stakeholders with confidence
Translate complex programmatic concepts into clear insights that demonstrate value and impact on enrollment
Manage client expectations while advocating for innovative approaches and necessary optimizations
Provide valuable feedback and strategic POVs that inform broader media strategy and planning
Platform & Vendor Management: Develop and maintain strong relationships with platform technology partners (Google, Amazon, Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, etc.)
Stay current on platform updates, new features, and beta opportunities relevant to education marketing
Identify and evaluate new technologies, data sources, or tactics that could drive enrollment results
Negotiate preferred access to inventory, beta features, or added value opportunities
Ensure team leverages full platform capabilities and stays ahead of industry changes
Performance & Analytics: Set performance expectations and ensure campaigns achieve delivery and KPI goals (inquiries, applications, enrollments)
Guide advanced analytics approaches including attribution modeling, incrementality testing, and audience analysis
Review and approve weekly, monthly, and quarterly performance reports before client delivery
Identify trends, risks, and opportunities in campaign data; translate findings into strategic recommendations
Contribute to process improvements that enhance efficiency, quality, or performance outcomes