Associate Director, Programmatic Media Strategy

Overview The programmatic associate director is responsible for leading the strategy, execution, optimization, and innovation of programmatic media campaigns across display, online video, CTV, audio, native, and emerging digital channels. This role is a key day‑to‑day leader across client accounts, translating business objectives into thoughtful media strategies that leverage audience insights, data, technology, and platform best practices. The associate director ensures all work meets client goals, agency standards, and operational requirements. The individual will manage and mentor a team of programmatic specialists, driving quality, consistency, and professional development. They partner with internal strategy, investment, analytics, ad operations, creative, and account teams, as well as external platform and publisher partners to deliver best‑in‑class programmatic solutions. The ideal candidate has deep hands‑on experience with major DSPs such as The Trade Desk, DV360, Yahoo, and Amazon, and is comfortable navigating complex client needs, measurement frameworks, privacy considerations, and evolving industry trends. In addition to campaign leadership, the Associate Director will identify opportunities for innovation, testing, and process improvement, evaluating new platform capabilities, audience and identity solutions, measurement partners, inventory opportunities, and automation tools that improve media effectiveness and efficiency. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, analytical thinking, and the ability to simplify complex programmatic concepts for clients and stakeholders are essential. Responsibilities Manage a programmatic team responsible for the client's media buys in the DSP. Direct the execution of programmatic deliverables to meet/exceed expectations. Solid knowledge of the programmatic landscape – system setups on both DSP and verification partners. Develop, grow, and maintain relationships through exceptional client service. Contribute to creation of action plans for achieving and measuring digital media success. Advocate for the value of programmatic by educating clients, partners and internal teams on the latest tech/data advancements. Provide direction for improving campaign performance through optimization and/or implementing new features and strategies. Create and deliver presentations to clients and internal teams showcasing campaign strategy and outcomes. Develop points of view on new technologies, trends, and opportunities in the digital media landscape. Demonstrate deep technical understanding and problem‑solving capabilities. Lead regular insight meetings with clients detailing performance, optimizations, and new opportunities. Work with media partners to ensure accurate platform implementation. Lead and assist in coaching, managing, and educating a team of Analysts, Sr. Analysts, and Managers. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably in marketing, advertising, business, engineering, statistics, economics, sociology, or equivalent. 5+ years of directly related experience in the programmatic media space. 2+ years of experience managing a team. Working knowledge in technologies such as The Trade Desk, DoubleClick Bid Manager, TTD, AOP, AAP, Facebook, and Twitter APIs. Strong leadership skills and professionalism, comfortable presenting ideas to senior client management. Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret campaign performance data and provide insights and optimization recommendations. Understanding of traditional and interactive media planning elements. Resourceful, curious, and motivated individual with ability to work independently and as part of a team. Strong analytics, organizational, and communication skills. Strong client‑facing experience with ability to identify risks and manage them effectively. Strong project management skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with intermediate‑to‑advanced Excel skills. Benefits We offer comprehensive benefits to eligible U.S. based employees, including: Paid Family Care Monetary assistance for adoption, surrogacy, and fertility Pet adoption assistance Employee Assistance Programs and health/wellness reimbursements Tuition assistance Paid time off (flexible time, vacation, sick days, volunteer days, holidays, identity days, and more) Matching gifts programs Flexible working arrangements Work Your World program (work from anywhere with up to 6 weeks in office) Business resource groups supporting multiple affinities and alliances The benefits offerings listed are available to eligible U.S. based employees, reviewed annually, and governed by applicable terms and plan documents. Razorfish is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, military service, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Compensation Range: $97,375 - $155,961. The pay range is the compensation the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant and the requirements of the position. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401(k), and paid time off. The application deadline for this job posting will be 07/15/2026. If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. #J-18808-Ljbffr Razorfish