Group Media Director

Critical Mass•Chicago, IL

About The Position

As the Media Director, you'll lead strategic media planning and execution to drive business performance, while building strong relationships with clients across all facets of the organization. You’ll set media objectives, manage client relationships, and oversee campaign execution across key platforms like DSPs, Google, META, and TTD. You’ll guide and mentor your team, using data insights to optimize performance, deliver innovative solutions, and ensure campaign accuracy and efficiency. The Role: We are seeking a Director to drive thought leadership and help shape strategic and holistic media strategies for a new, B2B client. The Director will act as the client lead, partnering with clients to address changes in media landscape and working with all key client stakeholders and agency partner teams to develop strategy and plans to execute media most effectively across media tactics including print, search, social, display, programmatic video, print and TV.

Requirements

8+ years’ experience in media planning and investment, focusing on performance, mid-to-upper funnel, Search, Social, and Programmatic across multiple campaigns.
At least 5 years of management experience.
Proven ability to integrate media, creative, and brand objectives, collaborating with cross-functional teams.
Experience managing client relationships, ensuring alignment and timely execution of media plans.
Hands-on campaign execution, using data and insights to optimize performance.
Agency experience, particularly with integrated media campaigns.
Proficiency in TTD or DV360, search platforms, and media planning tools.
Strategic partner mindset, offering insights and recommendations to optimize results.
Experience managing multi-million-dollar media budgets, ensuring efficient allocation and ROI.
Up to date with industry trends, fostering innovation through continuous learning.
Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills.
Proven media buying and negotiation expertise.
Clear understanding of the media planning, buying, and reporting process.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Proficiency in proprietary analytics and syndicated research tools.
Solid verbal and written communication skills, with polished presentations skills a must
Ability to work successfully with teams on multiple projects under tight deadlines
Ability to sell ideas clearly and deliver value
Knowledge of offline media planning
Experience in marketing for B2B clients or utilizing first-party data as part of media strategy

Responsibilities

Lead the media planning and investment efforts for all campaigns, focusing on performance-driven strategies.
Maintain a strong understanding of the client’s business, with an eye toward future opportunities
Responsible for ongoing thought leadership and opportunities that will drive client business results
Key lead for client relationship, responsible for team oversight and ensuring performance is meeting client’s goals
Responsible for coordinating and leading larger Business reviews (QBRs, Annual Planning, etc.), providing performance insights with actionable recommendations
Lead account strategy development, including annual budget planning, KPIs, partner selection, new tactics, and tracking industry developments and recommending new tactics when applicable.
Demonstrate initiative by exploring new media solutions, utilizing strategic thinking and creativity to develop innovative alternatives.
Oversee media execution, ensuring timely delivery against key milestones, including buy negotiations, live dates, and performance reporting.
Develop and implement media strategies across DSPs, Google, Search, META (paid social), and TTD, ensuring optimal use of platforms.
Manage and mentor the development of the team, fostering their skills and supporting career growth.
Lead the process of compiling and interpreting media research to inform media plan development and recommendations.
Contribute to the development of competitive analysis to deepen knowledge of the competitive landscape and inform media strategies.