Retail Media Freelancer (Amazon Expert)

About the Role Team January Digital is looking to fill a Director, Retail Media for our agency team. This role is a strategic, client‑services‑focused leadership position responsible for shaping the future of January Digital’s Retail Media practice while driving growth, innovation, and executive‑level client partnerships. The ideal candidate is strategic, data‑driven, and has a proven track record in managing successful retail programs and developing people. You will drive communication around retail industry trends and be a thought leader within your team and for your own clients. This role involves building and managing a team of media experts as well as setting the strategy and execution guidelines for the retail practice across the agency. Responsibilities Serve as the senior strategic lead across priority retail media accounts, owning executive‑level client relationships and complex stakeholder conversations. Lead the development of retail media strategy, including annual roadmaps, investment frameworks, and long‑term growth planning. Own the narrative for retail media across client engagements, ensuring clear, compelling storytelling in decks, QBRs, and high‑impact deliverables. Translate performance insights into forward‑looking strategic recommendations that guide investment decisions and unlock incremental growth. Partner closely with the Retail Media performance lead to align strategy with execution, ensuring seamless collaboration between planning and delivery. Play a central role in evolving and scaling January Digital’s Retail Media practice, refining positioning, frameworks, and go‑to‑market messaging. Establish best‑in‑class standards for strategic deliverables, client communication, and retail media thought leadership across the agency. Support new business and organic growth efforts by shaping retail media strategy in RFP responses, pitches, and upsell opportunities. Collaborate with Analytics, Performance Media, and Client Services leadership to integrate retail media into broader full‑funnel planning and measurement strategies. Identify emerging Retail Media Networks and platform innovations, advising leadership on capability expansion and long‑term product investment. Strengthen executive‑level relationships with key retail media partners including Amazon and other RMNs. Mentor and elevate strategic thinking across the Retail Media team, while day‑to‑day execution and pacing remain led by dedicated performance managers. Drive account growth through proactive identification of expansion opportunities within existing client partnerships. Collaborate with senior leadership to support broader agency growth initiatives and long‑term practice development. Travel Requirements: This role requires up to 10% travel and must be able and willing to travel between NY & Dallas offices and to client and other company meetings within the U.S., as needed. Qualifications 9+ years experience within digital media agency function and/or digital media vendor/ad technology platform with a focus on eRetail, Retail Media Networks, or CPG. 4+ years of experience in a leadership or senior client‑facing role. Deep strategic leadership expertise in Amazon is required, including experience with upper‑ and lower‑funnel solutions such as Amazon DSP. Working knowledge of Target’s Roundel required; experience with additional RMNs (e.g., Walmart Connect, Instacart, Criteo, etc.) is a plus. Proven track record of leading executive‑level client relationships and shaping strategic investment plans. Demonstrated strength in building decks, strategic narratives, and high‑impact client deliverables. Strong understanding of full‑funnel media strategy and cross‑channel integration. Experience contributing to product development, practice growth, or go‑to‑market positioning within an agency environment. Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate data into business insights. Strong understanding of paid media channels including search (organic and paid), social, display, programmatic, and video. Proven ability to build, scale, and lead a retail media practice, including internal enablement and revenue growth. Demonstrated success moving from hands‑on execution to executive‑level strategic leadership. Strong consultative client presence with experience influencing senior stakeholders and guiding long‑term retail media investment strategy. Analytically minded with the ability to troubleshoot complex performance issues and drive continuous improvement. Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. Positive, collaborative leader with a track record of team development and growth. Bachelor’s degree. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is required for this position. Benefits & Perks Competitive and equitable pay, 401k matching, and bi‑annual bonus eligibility. Flexible PTO and Half‑Day Fridays. Philanthropic efforts and paid time off to volunteer. Fully covered medical, dental, and vision insurance. Annual wellness stipend. Hybrid work environment with NYC & Dallas offices. Suite of parental benefits, including generous paid leave, 529 scholarship fund, Milk Stove, and fully stocked mother’s room. Compensation The base salary range for this role in Dallas is $125,000 to $155,000, depending on experience. Our salary ranges are based on paying competitively for our size and industry and are one part of the total compensation package that also includes a bi‑annual performance bonus, free health insurance, annual wellness stipend, company 401k contribution, and more. EEO Statement January Digital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr January Digital