Associate Paid Media Director

Job Type Full-timeDescription ABOUT US: DS+CO is a full-service agency that challenges our clients to get clear. Because data, content and creativity are only as good as the problem they solve. We help make sure it's the right one. We help brands move fast enough to stay ahead, yet smart enough to stay grounded. Agile and enduring: That's our kind of progress.ABOUT THE ROLE:The Associate Media Director leads integrated media strategy across a portfolio of clients, ensuring digital, traditional, and emerging channels work together to drive measurable business outcomes. As a senior member of the Media team and a people leader, you serve as a primary escalation point while guiding strategy, strengthening execution, and supporting team growth.In this role, you translate client goals into insight driven media plans, oversee budget stewardship and performance optimization, and partner closely with Account, Strategy, Creative, and Analytics to deliver cohesive, high performing programs. You elevate standards across planning and measurement while mentoring media team members to think strategically, execute with precision, and continuously improve.Success in this role looks like clear, focused media strategies, strong cross functional collaboration, consistent performance gains, and a team that is confident, accountable, and growing.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Client Strategy and LeadershipLead the development of integrated, multi channel media strategies aligned with client objectives and business outcomesServe as a senior media lead and escalation point for assigned accounts Present strategies, performance insights, and recommendations that support informed client decision makingEnsure media plans are grounded in audience insights, clear measurement frameworks, and defined KPIsCampaign Oversight and Performance ManagementDirect planning, buying, budget allocation, and optimization across digital, traditional, and programmatic channelsPartner with Analytics to design testing approaches and translate results into actionable recommendationsMaintain oversight of pacing, performance trends, and budget stewardship to ensure accountability and impactUphold high standards for documentation, quality assurance, and execution across campaignsCross Functional Collaboration and InnovationCollaborate with Account, Creative, Strategy, and Analytics teams to align media plans with broader brand and campaign initiativesMaintain strong vendor and platform relationships while identifying emerging opportunities, tools, and technologiesMonitor industry trends and evolving channel dynamics to inform strategic recommendationsContribute to the refinement of media processes, workflows, and internal standardsTeam Leadership and DevelopmentMentor and develop media planners, buyers, coordinators, and specialistsProvide clear direction, feedback, and coaching to strengthen strategic thinking and executionSupport workload planning, skill development, and professional growth across the media teamModel DS+CO's values of Curiosity, Community, and Courage in leadership and decision makingRequirements 6 to 8 plus years of media planning and buying experience across digital and or traditional channelsDemonstrated experience leading complex, multi channel media programs and managing significant budgetsProven experience mentoring or managing media team membersStrong understanding of media strategy, audience development, measurement, and optimizationExperience guiding performance analysis and translating insights into actionable recommendationsExperience with key media platforms such as Google Ads, GMP, Meta, DSPs, Strata, Nielsen, and ComscoreStrong analytical, organizational, and problem solving skills in a fast paced environmentExcellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to clearly articulate strategy and resultsFamiliarity with attribution models, tracking technologies, and analytics platformsBachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, communications, business, or related field preferredComfort leveraging AI tools and emerging technologies to improve efficiency and workflow effectiveness Nice-to-have Experience supporting agency new business efforts or pitch participationAdvanced experience in programmatic media or sophisticated measurement methodologiesExperience piloting or implementing new media technologies or automation toolsFamiliarity with AI enabled planning, reporting, or optimization solutions WHY DS+CO?We understand that our differences bring richness to our work and change to our communities, and we empower our people to share their passions, talents and ideas. We're committed to fairness and inclusion - staying true to our core values of curiosity, community, and courage and creating spaces where everyone is heard and respected.PERKS AND BENEFITS:Flexible hybrid work environmentComprehensive benefits to meet your needsProgressive PTO that allows you to take the time you need when you need itProfessional development opportunities to keep you growingDiversity, equity, and inclusion learning and support for everyoneOpportunities to create an impact in the communities we serveFAIRNESS & INCLUSIONAt DS+CO, we believe our collective differences bring depth to our work and encourage change in our communities. Through our core values of courage, community and curiosity, we're committed to fairness and inclusion-creating spaces where everyone belongs. Because change comes from those who push for progress.Learn more about us at our website !Salary Description $70,000 - $96,000

Created: 2026-04-02