Media Activation (Partner Media) Director, Partner Media

Underscore Marketing

10h • Remote

About The Position

The Director, Partner Media oversees strategy, planning, and execution of media investments across direct-buy and partner-based channels, including endemic publishers, medical journals, point-of-care networks, EHR platforms, podcasts, custom content programs, sponsorships, and premium direct placements. The role drives media initiatives, develops high-value publisher and vendor partnerships, and maximizes the impact and return on client media investments. The Director ensures activity aligns with client objectives and brand strategy while advancing a “One Team” culture across functions and geographies.

Underscore Marketing is a woman-owned, independent agency specializing in life sciences. The agency has helped clients develop promotional strategies since 2002. Its team includes media, strategy, and omnichannel analytics experts, and the company describes its environment as collaborative, innovative, and results-focused.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience in media planning and buying, with a strong focus on direct/partner-based and endemic channels.
• Excellent negotiation and partner relationship management skills, with a record of securing value-driven agreements.
• Strong analytical ability to interpret performance data and make data-driven decisions.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly to clients and leadership.
• Familiarity with media planning and buying tools, ad servers, and analytics platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, and Copilot.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience working with global, cross-office teams.

Nice To Haves

• Healthcare or pharmaceutical media experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement channel and investment strategies across partner media that align with client marketing objectives and brand vision.
• Establish and maintain relationships with publishers, media partners, and vendors; negotiate rates, sponsorships, and custom programs to secure favorable terms and added value.
• Manage client media budgets and allocate investments across channels and partners to maximize reach, engagement, and return on investment.
• Oversee activation and execution of campaigns across partner channels, ensuring timely delivery, quality standards, and accurate implementation.
• Analyze campaign performance against goals and provide insights and recommendations to optimize in-flight activity and inform future strategy.
• Mentor and develop a planning and activation team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Strategy/Planning, Performance Media, Ad Operations, Client Services, and Project Management to support cohesive, integrated campaign delivery.
• Monitor the media landscape, audience insights, and competitive activity to identify partner opportunities and keep clients informed of developments.
• Prepare and present regular reports to senior leadership and clients on media performance, investment utilization, and strategic recommendations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director