Connected Activation Media Buyer at Thrive Marketing Science

Position Overview At Thrive Marketing Science, we are a strategy‑led boutique marketing agency by design—blending behavioral insight, creative storytelling, and precision deployment to generate meaningful business results. Our team is known for clear thinking, smart execution, and a deep commitment to excellence. We operate with emotional intelligence, refined communication, and respect for the complexity of the environments in which our clients work. We prioritize substance, clarity, and measurable performance—always with the goal of building lasting value. The Media Buyer is a performance‑driven specialist within Thrive’s Connected Activation division, responsible for planning, negotiating, and optimizing media investments across digital, broadcast, and out‑of‑home channels. This role is ideal for a detail‑oriented, ROI‑focused professional who thrives on balancing analytical rigor with creative execution to maximize the impact of every dollar spent. Reporting to the CEO, the Media Buyer collaborates closely with Behavioral Intelligence (data & insights) and Experiential Storytelling (creative) to ensure campaigns are strategically sound, well‑executed, and continuously optimized for measurable business outcomes. Position Details Employment Type: Full‑time Compensation: Based on experience Location: Primarily remote, with preference for candidates based in Southern California Additional Info: Occasional in‑person client sessions, strategy workshops, or presentations may be required with advance notice Key Responsibilities Media Planning & Buying Develop cross‑channel media plans aligned with client objectives and budgets Negotiate rates and placements across digital, broadcast, print, and out‑of‑home channels Manage insertion orders, contracts, and vendor relationships with accuracy and professionalism Campaign Execution & Optimization Launch and manage campaigns across paid search, paid social, display, video, and traditional media Monitor performance daily, adjusting bids, budgets, and placements to maximize ROI Partner with Behavioral Intelligence to align optimizations with audience insights and data findings Performance Reporting & Analysis Build clear, data‑driven reports on campaign performance and efficiency Provide recommendations for budget reallocation and scaling successful tactics Present campaign outcomes to clients with clarity and strategic foresight Manage relationships with media vendors, platforms, and publishers Stay current on emerging media opportunities, tools, and technologies Ensure compliance with brand safety, regulatory standards, and platform guidelines Work closely with creative teams to ensure ad units align with campaign strategies Collaborate with client stakeholders to align campaigns with broader marketing goals Serve as a trusted advisor on media investment strategy and performance Qualifications 3–5 years of professional experience in media buying or digital advertising (agency or casino/gaming industry experience a plus) Proficiency with media buying platforms (Google Ads, Meta Ads, Programmatic DSPs, etc.) Strong negotiation skills and vendor management experience Analytical mindset with ability to interpret data and make optimization decisions Familiarity with campaign tracking, attribution models, and reporting tools Excellent communication and presentation skills with clients and internal teams Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field preferred (not required) ROI and cost‑efficiency of media spend across campaigns Accuracy and timeliness of campaign execution and reporting Positive feedback from clients and internal teams on media performance and transparency Contribution to strategic campaign improvements and measurable business growth Effective collaboration across Thrive’s service divisions (Behavioral Intelligence, Experiential Storytelling, Connected Activation) Thrive Services and Departments At Thrive Marketing Science, we deliver impact through three integrated service divisions. Each department is designed to blend science, storytelling, and precision activation to give our clients a measurable competitive edge. Behavioral Intelligence (Research, Strategy & Analytics) Market Research & Cultural Fluency Brand & Media Strategy Loyalty Program Development Audience Journey Mapping & Futurecasting AI Strategy & Tech Stack Curation Experiential Storytelling (Creative & Content Production) Brand Identity & Story Creation Graphic Design, Copywriting, Scriptwriting AI‑Powered Personalization Web Development & UX Design Virtual & Live Events (AR/VR, Livestreams) Full Content Production (Video, Motion Graphics, Audio) Connected Activation (Media, Deployment & Campaigns) Media Planning & Buying (Traditional + Digital) Content Creation & Amplification Influencer Campaigns AI‑Powered Programmatic Placement Direct Response & Conversion Optimization Reputation Management & Earned/Owned Digital Integration Culture & Values At Thrive, we believe in high standards, clear thinking, and bold ideas—always grounded in real impact. We exist to create meaningful, measurable change in our clients’ businesses—and in the lives of the people behind them. We take pride in being a strategic partner that delivers results with integrity, intention, and respect. We also believe work should uplift, not deplete. That means building a culture where success is shared, growth is personal, and the day‑to‑day experience feels energizing and purposeful. When we win, we win together— in a way that expands opportunity and amplifies positive impact. As we grow, we aspire to support businesses that make a meaningful difference—and to build a team rich in perspective, grit, and tenacity. We value people with non‑linear paths, real‑world experience, and the determination to solve problems, learn fast, and lead with heart. We operate with a trust‑and‑verify mindset—expecting transparency, consistency, and results from ourselves and our team, while welcoming the same from our clients. We believe accountability builds confidence, and that mutual trust is earned through clarity, action, and follow‑through. We believe in speaking with intention and respect—about our clients, our teammates, our leaders, and our company. Reputation is everything, and we protect it by showing up with clarity, follow‑through, and integrity. We value honest, constructive conversations that strengthen trust and help each other grow. When we speak positively, offer feedback directly, and represent our shared mission with pride, we all move forward—together and stronger. Our culture is built on: Excellence in execution and outcomes Transparency in communication and decision‑making Integrity in how we show up, internally and externally Ownership and accountability at every level Superior‑level follow‑through that earns deep trust A growth mindset that embraces challenge and feedback A commitment to work that is authentic, transformative, and human‑centered—for our clients and our team Work Environment Thrive operates as a distributed team; this is a remote role with flexibility in working hours. Travel is expected for high‑impact meetings, client visits, and industry events. The pace is fast, expectations are high, and communication is clear and direct—we value excellence, autonomy, accountability, and meaningful, measurable results. #J-18808-Ljbffr Smuccpa