Associate Director, Media Buying

We’re looking for an Associate Director, Media Buying to join our team! The Associate Director, Media Buying, manages Managers and Senior Managers while shaping departmental strategy and best practices. This role ensures campaign excellence, profitability, and innovation in media buying, while also playing a key role in mentoring future leaders and aligning departmental goals with organizational priorities. Who Are We? DSPolitical pioneers the best integration of data and technology to persuade audiences and deliver wins for Democratic and progressive candidates, causes, and issues with the most efficient and effective digital advertising campaigns in politics and issue advocacy. As a digital media agency, DSPolitical doesn’t just offer solutions -- we create them. Our award-winning team works hand-in-hand to develop and deploy leading-edge solutions, uniquely crafted to reach the audiences our clients need to be successful in both the public affairs and political arenas. DSPolitical works hard to provide our clients with innovative solutions based on the diverse perspectives of our team. To that end, we’re committed to recruiting team members from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. DSPolitical is an equal-opportunity employer. We encourage applicants of all races, colors, gender identities, religions, ages, sexual orientations, national and ethnic origins, disabilities, marital status, veteran status, and all backgrounds. DSPolitical job offers are contingent on the results of a background check. We’re always looking for exceptional people to join our team. If this sounds like you, please apply! Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities Oversee Managers and Senior Managers responsible for media buying teams. Create a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration. Set departmental goals and ensure alignment with company objectives. Provide oversight on campaign profitability, client satisfaction, and process innovation. Lead development and implementation of best practices across media buying operations. Collaborate with cross-departmental leaders to improve integration of services. Serve as an escalation point for high-level client or campaign issues. Support vendor negotiations and technology adoption alongside senior leadership. Own buying platform updates and capability dissemination for media buying and other relevant departments Mentor and develop staff for advancement to Director-level roles. Complete expense reports accurately and on time. Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications & Skill Requirement Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience. 7+ years of experience in digital advertising or public affairs preferred. Hands‑on management of either search/social or programmatic platforms is required, both are preferred. Demonstrated success managing Managers and Senior Managers. Expertise in campaign profitability, strategy, and technology integration. Advanced Excel, analytics, and reporting capabilities. Advanced degree or specialization in business, management, or digital media preferred. DSPolitical is proud to offer: The base salary is $85,000 - $105,000 annually depending upon factors including, but not limited to, experience, skill level, education and location. Open leave (paid time off) Paid Leave for new parents Health insurance (including dental and vision) Flex Spending Plan Employee Assistance Program 401K with company matching Student Loan Repayment Program Professional development opportunities Rewards and recognition programs Mobile phone & internet reimbursement and much more! Office Hours This position is based in Washington, DC; however, we are open to remote work in other states. We work on a hybrid basis with many team members working entirely from home. Work hours are consistently 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday, with the expectation that evening and weekend work will be required as necessary. Please visit the Notice to Applicants and Employees to learn about our information practices in the job application and employment context. #J-18808-Ljbffr DSPolitical