Managing Director, Paid Media

Darkroom•New York, NY

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Darkroom is seeking a Managing Director of Paid Media to lead its paid media practice, which serves as the operational and strategic backbone of the company's client growth engine. The role involves driving performance, innovation, and growth across an integrated ecosystem of channels including Meta, TikTok, Google, Snap, Pinterest, and AppLovin, with a focus on scaling eCommerce and omnichannel brands through measurable, profitable media strategies. The ideal candidate is a media operator with experience scaling 8-figure Meta budgets, building DTC growth machines, and leading elite media teams. They must understand the interplay of media strategy, creative, and measurement in driving customer acquisition, retention, and P&L performance across sales channels like Amazon, DTC, and Retail. This is the most senior paid media role, responsible for setting the department's vision, standards, and strategy, and directly influencing client revenue growth across all channels. The role requires close partnership with the SVP, Strategy and executive team to refine and scale Darkroom’s media practice. Key responsibilities include auditing service offerings, ensuring alignment across the portfolio, implementing scalable operational processes, team leadership, performance management, and cross-departmental collaboration. The position is based in New York, NY, and requires U.S. work authorization.

Requirements

10+ years in paid media and growth marketing, with 7+ years in DTC/eCommerce.
Proven Meta expert — managed $10M+ monthly spend and scaled eCommerce brands across Beauty, CPG, Apparel, and Skincare.
Deep understanding of media measurement, MMM/MTA, and the latest Meta and platform updates (ask: “Explain Andromeda” — if you can’t, this role isn’t the right fit).
Prior experience leading media teams within top-tier agencies (Power Digital, MuteSix, Tinuiti, Metric Digital, WPromote) or scaling internal brand media functions.
Mastery of the DTC P&L, contribution margin, and how traffic, CPM, CVR, and AOV interact to drive growth.
Strategic yet deeply operational — capable of designing a growth playbook and managing execution down to the platform level.
Strong understanding of creative strategy and testing within Meta — and how creative and media integrate for compounding performance.
High EQ, low ego leader who thrives in fast-paced, client-facing, data-driven environments.
Based in New York City with deep relationships and network within the digital performance ecosystem.
U.S. work authorization.

Responsibilities

Own media strategy across Meta, Google, TikTok, AppLovin, and emerging platforms — with deep expertise in Meta performance, creative strategy, and measurement.
Build and scale client P&Ls for DTC and omni-channel brands; model pro forma revenue, margin, and contribution scenarios.
Develop innovative full-funnel growth strategies grounded in data, creative diversity, and performance insights.
Partner with data and analytics teams to implement MMM, MTA, and in-platform attribution models; communicate insights clearly to clients and executives.
Oversee client onboarding and ongoing strategy audits; ensure media plans ladder to profitable growth and scalable CAC/LTV dynamics.
Lead monthly executive reviews with client leadership to assess performance, forecast growth, and ensure alignment across marketing and finance teams.
Serve as the primary escalation point for client and internal challenges; operate as the accountable owner of performance and client satisfaction.
Lead and scale a best-in-class Paid Media Department — including Media Directors, Strategists, and Paid Social/Search Managers.
Establish operational frameworks, workflows, and training systems to standardize excellence across all client accounts.
Directly manage 10+ team members (and growing), ensuring strong KPI accountability, time allocation, and client success metrics.
Partner with Recruiting to hire elite media talent with a DTC and Meta-first mindset.
Conduct quarterly reviews and establish growth plans that align with both individual and departmental goals.
Build a culture of curiosity, testing, and accountability — one that attracts the most capable paid media minds in the industry.
Oversee department-wide budgets, staffing, and financial performance, ensuring efficient resource allocation and sustainable margins.
Partner with Finance to own ad spend reporting, forecasting, and revenue contribution models.
Collaborate with the CEO to refine service models, improve margin, and reduce churn through operational excellence and client success.
Lead the creation of a unified reporting and mission control dashboard that visualizes performance, health, and growth across all client accounts.