Senior Specialist, Direct Investments

Barkley•Kansas City, MO

39d•$60,000 - $84,000

About The Position

MissionOne Media is a brand within BarkleyOKRP that combines full-funnel media planning and buying services, CRM, data, analytics, retail media, SEO, and digital experiences. The Senior Direct Investments Specialist plays a key role in executing direct media investments, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring smooth campaign implementation. Building on a strong foundation in media buying, this role takes on greater responsibility for campaign logistics, troubleshooting challenges, and optimizing media performance. This position actively contributes to the tactical execution of media placements across offline and digital channels, including audio, video, print, and OOH, within approved media plans. The Senior Specialist ensures accuracy in media activations, supports contract negotiations, and provides input on strategic recommendations. Additionally, they offer foundational insights into best practices and strategy while applying a strong understanding of media measurement to help develop effective tactical approaches and budgets that drive impactful results. Qualities Here’s what it takes to be successful in the role: ● Curiosity and Skepticism: You are always asking, “WHY?” You have an internal drive to learn more and expand your knowledge. You consider situations from multiple perspectives. ● Strategic, Creative Problem-Solving: You are analytical and enjoy working with data to derive insights. You use insights and knowledge to develop robust strategies and visions for success. You love coming up with creative solutions to new and old problems alike. ● Initiative: You are a gritty self-starter driven to find answers, solve tough problems, and overcome challenges. You proactively bring solutions to challenges. ● Communication & Storytelling: You can easily communicate complex information or nuanced situations. You know what details are necessary and what details to leave behind. You can marry data and storytelling to articulate a compelling vision. ● Adaptability: You can comfortably adjust in evolving or ambiguous situations. You use creativity to tackle new and existing challenges. You’re ready and excited for changes in the media landscape. ● Self-Development: You’re reflective and self-aware. You seek opportunities to learn and develop yourself and others.

Requirements

Minimum 1 year of Media Buying experience
Knowledge and prior use of buying software (Strata preferred)
Experience working in a DSP (The Trade Desk preferred)
Knowledge and utilization of 1st and/or 3rd party data
Strong organizational and mathematical skills
Ability to multi-task and deliver work on-time for set deadlines
Ability to establish good working relationships with media sales reps and can effectively negotiate rates/makegoods, etc.
Ability to work effectively with a variety of internal teams and business groups, including Creative, Account Management, Finance and Project Management
Ability to communicate effectively within a team environment, with outside media sales reps as well as with current clients
Must be prepared for a fast-paced environment and be comfortable making decisions
Ability to communicate effectively within a team environment, outside media reps, as well as with current clients
Must be prepared for a fast-paced environment and be comfortable making decisions