Director, Paid Media Strategy

Walker Sands•Boston, MA

13h•$100,000 - $113,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Walker Sands is a rapidly growing integrated B2B marketing agency seeking a high-impact Director, Paid Media Strategy to contribute to its continued expansion. The agency specializes in partnering with B2B technology and services companies, ranging from emerging businesses to global Fortune 500 brands, to achieve significant business outcomes. At Walker Sands, the culture is driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a focus on people. This role is based in Boston or Chicago with a hybrid work model, though highly qualified remote candidates may be considered.

Requirements

7+ years of progressive experience in media strategy and planning, including substantial ownership of integrated, multichannel plans and client recommendations; B2B or long-cycle demand generation experience strongly preferred.
Deep working knowledge of programmatic buying and best practices. You can direct and challenge execution without being the day-to-day buyer.
Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including advanced spreadsheet modeling, audience sizing, budget allocation and interpretation of media and business performance.
3+ years of progressive people management experience, plus a strong record leading senior client conversations, developing strategists or planners, and making decisions across multiple accounts and workstreams.
Ability to connect paid media planning to creative, analytics, marketing operations and sales outcomes. Familiarity with B2B platforms and account-based approaches is a plus; no specific platform certification is required.

Nice To Haves

You crave candid feedback.
You embrace it as a powerful tool for growth.
You pursue excellence.
You’re always learning, always sharing, always pushing to get better.
You’re proactive.
You don’t wait for direction; you bring ideas, solutions, and momentum.
You’re collaborative.
You make the work better by working well with others.
You bring original thinking.
You generate fresh, thoughtful ideas that push the work forward.
You build trust quickly.
You show professionalism, responsiveness, and reliability in every client interaction.
You develop people.
You coach, mentor, and create conditions for your team to grow.

Responsibilities

Lead media strategy and planning across channels, defining audiences, channel roles, investment levels, sequencing and reach and frequency considerations based on client objectives and buying journeys.
Translate client briefs and research into actionable media briefs and plans; size addressable audiences, evaluate opportunities and articulate why each recommendation belongs in the mix.
Shape programmatic strategy with activation leads, including DSP and inventory selection, supply path quality, first- and third-party data, targeting, frequency, brand safety, measurement and the use of open exchange, PMP and programmatic guaranteed deals.
Set budget allocation and scenario recommendations, including tradeoffs among scale, precision, efficiency and expected business impact; assess publisher-direct opportunities against programmatic alternatives.
Build measurement frameworks with analytics and marketing operations partners that connect media signals to qualified demand, pipeline and other client business outcomes; interpret results and guide strategic changes.
Present plans, performance implications and clear points of view to senior clients and internal stakeholders; serve as a trusted strategic partner on complex decisions and new business opportunities.
Partner with activation, creative, integrated strategy and account teams to turn plans into executable programs; review execution against strategic intent, quality standards, budget pacing and client commitments without owning daily platform operation.
Coach and develop media strategists, strengthen planning processes and standards, and bring emerging media opportunities and practical programmatic education to the broader team.

Benefits

Bonus Potential: Eligible for a bonus based on company performance.
Growth Opportunities: Clear career paths, mentorship programs, and learning events.
Flexible PTO and Hybrid Work: Includes 8 paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and a week off between Christmas and New Year.
Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Mental health resources, pet insurance, and more.
Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 401(k) and access to financial planning services.
Additional Protection: Life insurance, disability coverage, and other benefits that provide added financial security.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support for you and your household.
Family Support: Paid leave for new parents and caregivers, plus policies for fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, adoption challenges, and more.
Performance & Coaching: Regular performance reviews, clear goal-setting, and ongoing coaching.
Milestone Sabbatical: Celebrate five years with a two-week sabbatical and a $2,000 gift.
Community & Belonging: Employee resource groups, volunteer opportunities, and programs designed to build connection across the agency.
Award-winning culture.