Manager, Player Connections, Paid

Position Summary 2K is seeking a highly skilled and execution‑oriented Manager, Paid – Player Connections to join the Player Connections Planning team, based out of our Novato office. This role directly addresses a critical capability gap on our team: holistic media planning across both RTB (Real‑Time Bidding) and Direct IO, combined with the ability to translate complex data sets—including GWI, MRI Nielsen, and Pathmatics—into clear, actionable recommendations for our Business Units (BUs). The Manager will operate autonomously as a senior lead within the team, owning the end‑to‑end development and optimization of US & Global paid media strategies, while serving as the primary connector back to BU stakeholders. A critical component of this role is the hands‑on execution and oversight of in‑house media channels, including major platforms such as Meta and Google, as well as the activation of 1st party data. This position requires a candidate who can build actionable media briefs for agency partners, manage cross‑functional agency integration, and drive data‑grounded recommendations that optimize high‑value spend across both agency‑led and in‑house channels. Primary Responsibilities Media Planning & Strategy Development Lead the development of strategic paid media plans for the globe, ensuring holistic media planning that encompasses both RTB (Real‑Time Bidding) and Direct IO (Insertion Order) media—operating autonomously as a senior lead and owning the BU recommendation cycle end‑to‑end. Collaborate with media agencies and in‑house execution teams to develop global paid media plans that align with overarching business goals. Author clear, actionable media briefs for agency partners and internal teams—serving as the strategic lead on cross‑functional agency management and integration, and providing the guardrails necessary for high‑impact execution. Ensure all media strategies are grounded in a deep understanding of the region level media industry nuances while considering global brand consistency. Determine optimal channel mixes and platform strategies based on campaign objectives and player insights. In‑House Execution & Channel Oversight Directly oversee and execute campaigns within in‑house media channels, with a specific focus on performance and brand uplift e.g. Meta and Google platforms. Manage the activation and integration of 1st party data into paid media workstreams to drive personalized player connections and improved targeting efficiency. Monitor real‑time platform health and performance, making tactical adjustments to bidding, creative rotation, and audience segmenting. Stay at the forefront of platform updates (Meta, Google, etc.) to ensure 2K is leveraging the latest alpha/beta features and best practices. Operational Oversight Manage the end‑to‑end lifecycle of media campaigns, from initial plan development through to "live" status. Oversee critical executional workstreams, including budget management, finance processes, trafficking, spec sheet coordination, and campaign reporting. Serve as the primary point of contact for day‑to‑day media operations, ensuring all tactics are executed with precision and on schedule. Maintain rigorous oversight of media investment, ensuring adherence to financial protocols and internal procurement standards. Data Analysis & Recommendations Lead analysis of commercial performance data, online/offline performance data, and customer insights to derive meaningful, BU‑ready recommendations—translating complex data sets from tools such as GWI, MRI Nielsen, and Pathmatics into actionable strategic direction that optimizes high‑value spend. Deliver clear, data‑grounded recommendations to Business Units to optimize paid media investment and improve campaign ROI—working autonomously as the lead point of accountability for both agency‑managed and in‑house channels, and ensuring insights flow back to BU stakeholders in a timely, actionable format. Utilize industry‑standard research and planning tools (e.g., GWI, MRI Nielsen, Pathmatics, WARC) to inform audience targeting and media selection. Lead campaign reporting workstreams, providing stakeholders with transparent and insight‑rich performance readouts. What Will Make You A Great Fit 5+ years of professional experience in media planning, with a demonstrable focus on strategic planning and building media briefs for agency partners across the full media mix. Direct experience with hands‑on‑keyboard execution and oversight of campaigns on platforms such as Meta and Google. Expert knowledge of holistic media planning principles, with specific proficiency in both RTB and Direct IO. Proven experience in the application and oversight of 1st party data within paid media environments. Proficiency with media planning and audience research tools—specifically GWI, MRI Nielsen, and Pathmatics—with the ability to translate outputs from these. Proven track record of taking US media campaigns live, including hands‑on experience with US‑specific budget management, finance processes, trafficking, spec sheet coordination, and campaign reporting. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with proven experience developing actionable media briefs and managing cross‑functional agency integration across multiple partners. Nice To Have Experience in the video games or entertainment industry. Knowledge of global media trends and international planning. Experience in a hybrid environment managing both in‑house execution and agency partners. The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $100,200 and $148,320 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full‑time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company’s discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness‑related expenses. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation. #J-18808-Ljbffr