Freelance Associate Director, Programmatic

WHY DEPT®?

We are a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we create what is next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further because standing still just is not in our DNA. We are drawn to people who stay curious, move with intent, and never stop inventing. Our culture runs on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done. It is how we work, how we grow, and how we make things that matter. At DEPT®, you will find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact for our clients, for each other, and for the world we are helping to build.

THE ROLE:

The Freelance Associate Director, Programmatic is a strategic leadership role focused on account health and craft innovation. You steer the programmatic direction for a portfolio of accounts, moving beyond the tactical to act as a senior consultant on automated buying. You are responsible for identifying how programmatic can bridge the gap between brand awareness and performance, while navigating the complexities of an evolving, privacy-first digital landscape. As a leader within the craft, you ensure our strategies are not only meeting KPIs but pushing the boundaries of what automated media can achieve.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

Strategic Oversight: Steer the programmatic strategy for high-profile clients, ensuring that automated media buying is integrated into their broader business and marketing goals. Data Innovation: Direct the implementation of 1st and 3rd party data strategies, helping clients navigate the cookie-less future through identity solutions and privacy-centric targeting. Senior Client Advisory: Act as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, translating technical programmatic complexities into clear business value and growth opportunities. Technology Evaluation: Lead the evaluation and onboarding of new programmatic tech partners, including DSPs, SSPs, and Dynamic Creative Optimization (DCO) platforms. Total Media Synergy: Partner with Search, Social, and SEO leads to drive a "Total Media" approach, ensuring programmatic inventory complements other digital touchpoints. Account Growth: Identify and pitch proactive growth opportunities within your portfolio, contributing to the agency's organic revenue through strategic expansion. Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of Managers and Associates, overseeing their tactical output and providing a clear path for their professional development.

WHAT YOU BRING:

5–7 years of programmatic experience, with a proven track record of strategic planning and account leadership within an agency setting. Expertise in the Ecosystem: Deep knowledge of the programmatic landscape, including SSP dynamics, Header Bidding, Clean Rooms, and Attribution modeling. Platform Mastery: Advanced proficiency in multiple DSPs (e.g., The Trade Desk, DV360, Amazon DSP, Walmart Connect) and Ad Servers (CM360). Leadership Presence: The ability to influence cross-functional teams and build implicit trust with senior client stakeholders. Analytical Vision: You can interpret complex data sets to identify high-level trends and provide strategic recommendations that move "hearts and minds." Proactive Problem Solving: A "get sh*t done" mentality when it comes to troubleshooting technical issues or navigating industry shifts. Better Together Spirit: A passion for collaboration and a commitment to nurturing talent within the Programmatic craft.

WE SUPPORT YOU BEING YOU:

DEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is its best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process and workplace, regardless of anyone’s identity, background, beliefs, lifestyle, or disabilities. So tell us about any accommodations you need. It’s totally confidential and only used to make sure you feel fully supported at every step. DEPT® participates in E-Verify, meaning your Form I-9 information will be sent to the federal government to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S. We are a B Corp-certified company passionate about purpose-driven work. Our hope is that you can feel good about the contributions DEPT® is making to the world and we always have an open door for your ideas in making the world a better place. DEPT® is a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, our 4,000+ specialists deliver growth invention across Brand & Media, Experience, Commerce, CRM, and Technology & Data. We’re 50|50 tech and marketing, partner-led, and first to move. Clients include Google, Lufthansa, Coach, eBay, and OpenAI. Learn more about DEPT®

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine. We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us. Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here. #LI-remote The anticipated salary range for this position is listed below. Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, expertise, physical location, and organizational impact. This is based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling. Keep in mind, we’re flexible. US Remote Range

$90—$100 USD