Associate Media Director

We’re looking for a sharp, client-savvy media professional who can own a room, build a strategy, execute a buy, and lead a team — all in the same week. As our Associate Media Director, you’re not just a coordinator with a fancy title. This is a senior role with real responsibility; you’ll be the primary client relationship owner, the strategic lead on media plans, and a hands‑on manager of people and process. You’ll report directly to the President and have a meaningful seat at the table. What this role is really about: You’re the face of TEC Direct Media to our clients. You build trust, grow relationships, spot organic opportunities, and make sure clients feel like they have a true strategic partner — not just a vendor. You think before you buy. You’ll lead planning objectives, own budget allocation decisions, develop cross‑channel targeting strategies, and push the team toward innovative, ROI‑driven thinking. You know how to get a plan out the door — on time, on budget, and on strategy. You’ll oversee day‑to‑day buying across traditional and digital channels, manage workflow, and own the reconciliation process from start to finish. You lead by example. You mentor the team, contribute to new business, help vet vendors, champion best practices, and play an active role in improving how we operate. This is not a “stay in your lane” role. Requirements 5 years of media planning/buying experience 2+ years of experience directly managing a team Experience working in a hybrid setting Bachelor’s Degree You’re a good fit if you also: know your way around both digital and offline media with an interest and understanding of emerging trends and channels have a strong familiarity (and recency) with UI/UX of major ad platforms (Trade Desk, Google Ads, Meta, TikTok, etc.) have a proven track record of managing fast‑moving accounts (e.g., music, tourism, entertainment) where priorities shift quickly and real‑time optimization is expected have worked with both B2B and B2C clients are more than comfortable owning client conversations at a senior level can read a media post report and a room with equal confidence embrace AI as part of your professional toolkit and use it to work smarter want to grow with a focused, performance‑driven independent agency Work Location & Schedule This role is based in Chicago and follows a structured hybrid schedule with required in‑office collaboration days. While hybrid, there are times when business needs may require additional in‑office presence. Compensation The salary range for this position is $80,000 – 110,000 USD. This is a good‑faith estimate of the base salary for this position, and any potential offers will ultimately be determined based on experience, education, skill set, and performance in the interview process. TEC Direct Media offers a benefits package designed to support employees’ well‑being and long‑term success: Bonus compensation opportunities Medical, Life, Short‑term Disability, and AD&D Insurance Profit sharing Paid time off, including vacation, sick time, company holidays, and summer hours Cell phone and internet reimbursement Coffee, tea, and snacks in the office Benefits eligibility and details are subject to plan terms and company policies. If you want a role where your work actually moves the needle – let’s talk. #J-18808-Ljbffr TEC Direct Media, Inc