Media Director

Critical Mass•Chicago, IL

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Media Director, you'll lead strategic media planning and execution to drive business performance. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, 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.

Requirements

6+ years’ experience in media planning and investment, focusing on performance, mid-to-upper funnel, Search, Social, and Programmatic across multiple campaigns.
At least 3 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, 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.

Nice To Haves

Digital and unwired experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead the media planning and investment efforts for local campaigns, focusing on performance-driven strategies and regional buying.
Collaborate with planning leads, marketing science teams, and creative counterparts to establish clear media objectives and drive strategic alignment.
Demonstrate initiative by exploring new media solutions, utilizing strategic thinking and creativity to develop innovative alternatives.
Manage client relationships and day-to-day queries, providing strategic direction and guidance to media teams.
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 Associates and Supervisor teams, fostering their skills and supporting career growth.
Lead the process of compiling and interpreting media research to inform media plan development and recommendations.
Maintain strong working relationships with internal media planners, creative teams, and clients, acting as a key strategic media partner.
Stay ahead of industry trends, exploring new opportunities and meeting with media/vendor representatives to inform strategic decisions.
Oversee partner relationships and media buy delivery, ensuring high levels of accuracy and alignment with client objectives.
Manage budgets efficiently, ensuring compliance with the SOX process and effective investment oversight.
Present media plans and performance insights internally and to clients, providing actionable recommendations.
Contribute to the development of competitive analysis to deepen knowledge of the competitive landscape and inform media strategies.