Senior Broadcast Media Buyer (On-Call)

ICF•Reston, VA

19h•Remote

About The Position

Ready to make a difference? We are seeking an experienced Senior Broadcast Buyer to lead the planning, negotiation, and execution of broadcast media buys across local broadcast television, local cable, and terrestrial radio. This role is critical to delivering strong, efficient results for clients that operate primarily in local and regional markets. The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on buying experience, strong station relationships, and a proven ability to negotiate rates, secure makegoods, and unlock added value across markets. While national broadcast experience is a plus, local market expertise is essential.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, advertising, or a related field (or applicants can substitute one year of related experience for one year of education).
8+ years of hands-on broadcast buying experience, with a strong emphasis on local broadcast TV, local cable, and terrestrial radio.
8+ years of demonstrated expertise negotiating pricing, makegoods, and value-added opportunities.

Nice To Haves

Deep understanding of local market economics, inventory supply/demand, and station dynamics.
Familiarity with political advertising impacts and blackout periods.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess schedules, CPPs, and delivery performance.
Experience managing multiple clients, markets, and budgets simultaneously.
Experience buying or supporting national broadcast schedules.
Experience across utilities, regulated industries, or regional service-based advertisers.
Prior experience mentoring or managing junior team members.

Responsibilities

Lead buying and stewardship for local broadcast TV, local cable, and terrestrial radio across multiple designated market areas (DMAs).
Negotiate rates, added value, and makegoods directly with station and rep sales teams to maximize client investment.
Establish and maintain strong, trusted relationships with station sales representatives and rep firms at the local and regional level.
Analyze proposals and schedules to ensure efficient reach, frequency, and delivery against client goals.
Oversee buy execution, including order placement, trafficking coordination, and ongoing stewardship.
Monitor pacing and performance, proactively addressing underdelivery through optimizations or negotiated makegoods.
Ensure accurate management of budgets, estimates, invoices, and reconciliation.
Collaborate closely with internal media strategy, analytics, and account teams to align buys with broader campaign objectives.
Stay current on local market dynamics, inventory trends, political windows, and pricing fluctuations.
Provide post-buy analyses to ensure delivery is in line with purchased audience delivery (TRPs, GRPs).