Associate Media Director

Plan, purchase, and negotiate media placements across various channels, including TV, radio, print, out-of-home, and other media. Collaborate with Account Executives, Strategy, Digital Media, and Creative teams to develop effective media plans. Build and maintain strong relationships with advertising vendors to secure the best pricing and added value for campaigns. Steward purchased media to ensure all placements are delivered accurately and as ordered. Key Responsibilities Develop and prepare media plans with input from the Account Service and Strategy teams. Collaborate with the Digital Media team on digital planning for integrated media campaigns. Pull media research and related information for new business opportunities and current client requests. Update media plans as revisions occur. Participate in the recruitment, interviewing, selection, and onboarding of Media team members to help build a high-performing team. Support the professional development and ongoing training of Media team members by providing guidance, mentorship, knowledge sharing, and growth opportunities. Evaluate, recommend, and assist with the implementation of media planning, buying, research, and reporting tools to improve team efficiency and effectiveness. Communicate media recommendations, updates, and issues with clients and the Account Service team. Attend client meetings and new business presentations as requested. Negotiate media costs and added value opportunities; issue insertion orders (IOs) for purchased media and provide buy summaries to clients and Account Executives as needed. Maintain strong relationships and regular communication with media vendors. Provide all necessary specifications, deadlines, and traffic contacts to the Account team to ensure materials are delivered accurately and on time. Steward media placements by posting TV schedules, reviewing invoices for accuracy in rates, dates, and placements, and ensuring all media runs as ordered. Track added value placements and provide summaries to clients. Obtain weekly spot times as requested and provide points of view (POVs) on media opportunities. Approve media invoices and monthly agency media billing for clients. Perform all other duties as assigned. Education and Experience Requirements 10+ years of experience in media buying and planning across a variety of media channels; preferably at least 2 years of experience in the Phoenix market. Knowledge of digital media is a plus. Computer proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, and SharePoint, with advanced knowledge and experience in Excel preferred. Experience with Strata/Freewheel buying software, SQAD, SRDS, Kantar, and qualitative ratings tools such as The Media Audit, Scarborough, and GFK MRI. Skills and Qualifications Proactive problem-solving ability Highly organized with the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills Here are just a few reasons you’ll love LAVIDGE When you join our team, you can expect solid work-life balance and fulfilling career potential in one of Phoenix's most recognized and well-respected agencies. We’re proud to be an inclusive company that celebrates diversity, and we appreciate the value it adds to our agency. Competitive pay with opportunities for growth. Remote-first work environment with flexible schedule. Low medical insurance premiums, with additional coverage available at an incremental cost, including family medical, dental, and vision. Employer-paid life insurance, with the option to purchase additional life insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability plans. Employee wellness program designed to support your physical, financial, and overall health journey. Employee mental health resources including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to assist with issues that may negatively affect performance and productivity. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with automatic enrollment. 401(k) Plan with 100% vested annual Safe Harbor contribution. Generous and flexible Paid Time Off (PTO), offering 15 days immediately upon your start date to help you establish and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Additional PTO days increasing with tenure. Opportunity to celebrate and commemorate eight paid federal holidays. In addition to your regular PTO and paid company holidays, enjoy a paid Winter Break each year, from Christmas Day through New Year’s Day. Beautiful office for collaboration with colleagues and clients with free underground parking. Semi-annual office supply gift cards to keep your remote work environment running efficiently. Generous Professional Development Policy including paid memberships to professional organizations to expand your knowledge base and increase your expertise. Professional Development Coaching: Whether you're looking to sharpen your leadership skills, uncover your strengths, or gain a fresh perspective on your career journey, this benefit is designed to empower you. The LAVY Awards recognize and reward excellence. Fun Committee and team-building events to foster collaboration within the agency. LAVIDGE has been named Arizona’s Top Advertising Agency and one of the state’s Best Places to Work. We’re committed to our community. Employees are encouraged to use up to 16 hours per year of paid company time to volunteer with charitable organizations through LAVIDGE IMPACT. #J-18808-Ljbffr LAVIDGE