Paid Social Principal

PMG•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Paid Social Principal serves as the technical and strategic authority for paid social across enterprise client portfolios and internal teams. The role develops full-funnel strategies aligned with broader marketing objectives and leads complex initiatives across established and emerging social platforms. It designs advanced testing roadmaps, including incrementality studies, lift tests, attribution methodologies, creative experimentation, and AI-enabled optimization. The Principal partners with Analytics, Marketing Science, Creative, Product, Integrated Media, and Client Strategy teams to deliver integrated media solutions. The role shapes paid social best practices through scalable frameworks, documentation, and training; helps evolve PMG's proprietary Alli platform; and assesses emerging platform features, AI products, privacy changes, and measurement solutions. It also builds executive-level platform relationships, advises enterprise clients on planning and measurement, mentors senior practitioners without direct people-management responsibilities, and leads complex client presentations and executive business reviews.

Requirements

At least 8 years of paid social strategy, digital media, or related experience, with a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
Expert-level knowledge of paid social ecosystems, including Meta, TikTok, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Snap, Reddit, and emerging platforms.
Demonstrated success managing sophisticated, multi-million-dollar paid social programs across awareness, consideration, and performance objectives.
Ability to turn broad, complex, or loosely defined business challenges into clear strategies, actionable plans, and measurable outcomes.
Deep understanding of attribution, measurement, incrementality testing, MMM partnerships, Conversions API, clean rooms, and privacy-first marketing.
Advanced expertise with automation, AI-powered campaign solutions, APIs, scripts, and workflow optimization.
Strong analytical skills using SQL, Excel, Google Analytics, Tableau, or similar tools to generate actionable business insights.
Experience partnering with Product, Engineering, Analytics, Integrated Media, and Client Strategy teams to solve complex business challenges.
Ability to influence stakeholders without direct authority and drive adoption of new strategies across teams.
Demonstrated history of mentoring senior practitioners and elevating organizational technical capabilities.
Strong executive communication skills and ability to translate technical concepts into business outcomes.
Curiosity, passion for innovation, and commitment to advancing the paid social discipline.
People-first mindset reflecting PMG's values: Do the Right Thing, Be Inclusive, Be Agile, Always Change for the Better, Embrace Challenges, and Have Fun.

Responsibilities

Serve as the technical and strategic authority for paid social across enterprise client portfolios and internal teams.
Develop full-funnel paid social strategies aligned with marketing objectives and measurable business growth.
Lead complex cross-platform initiatives across Meta, TikTok, Pinterest, LinkedIn, Snap, Reddit, and emerging platforms.
Design advanced testing roadmaps covering incrementality studies, lift tests, attribution methodologies, creative experimentation, and AI-enabled optimization.
Partner with Analytics, Marketing Science, Creative, Product, Integrated Media, and Client Strategy teams to deliver integrated media solutions.
Create scalable frameworks, documentation, and training to shape paid social best practices across the organization.
Drive adoption and evolution of Alli by providing product feedback, identifying automation opportunities, and championing new capabilities.
Evaluate emerging platform features, AI products, privacy changes, and measurement solutions for applicability across client portfolios.
Build executive-level relationships with platform partners and represent PMG in beta programs, strategic initiatives, and product feedback sessions.
Provide strategic consultation to enterprise clients on forecasting, media planning, measurement frameworks, and investment recommendations.
Mentor senior team members through technical coaching, thought leadership, and cross-functional collaboration, without direct people-management responsibilities.
Lead complex client presentations and executive business reviews, translating sophisticated strategies into clear, actionable communication.

Benefits

Eligibility for PMG's annual performance-based bonus program, subject to applicable program terms.
Professional development programs, mentorship opportunities, and support for career advancement.
Generous time off.
Paid parental leave.
Competitive retirement benefits, including employer contributions or matching where applicable.
Fertility and family-building benefits for eligible employees and their spouses or partners.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Optional pet insurance.
Company-funded lifestyle spending account for eligible health and well-being expenses.
Commuter benefits where available.
Eight paid volunteer hours each year.
Enterprise AI tools and ongoing training.