Director of Local Media Planning

Step into a pivotal leadership role with a growing media agency that shapes high-impact local campaigns for nationally recognized brands. This is an opportunity to own the local planning function, drive strategy across traditional channels, and lead a high-performing team delivering measurable results in the Nashville market and beyond. About the Role: As Director of Local Planning (Media), you will lead the development and execution of local media strategies across multiple markets, with a focus on traditional media deliverables. You will oversee the full planning lifecycle, from insights and audience segmentation through to channel mix, budget allocation, and performance optimization. Your work will directly influence client outcomes, agency growth, and the capabilities of the local planning team. Key Responsibilities: Lead the development of comprehensive local media planning strategies across traditional channels, aligned to client business objectives. Translate local market insights into channel plans, flighting, and tactical recommendations that maximize reach and effectiveness. Oversee cross-channel campaign planning, ensuring integration between traditional and other media channels for cohesive local campaigns. Own budget allocation and optimization for local media plans, balancing efficiency, effectiveness, and client priorities. Direct vendor and partner negotiations for local media buys, securing competitive rates, value-adds, and premium inventory. Guide audience targeting and segmentation strategies, ensuring plans are rooted in robust data and local market behavior. Review and interpret campaign performance data, providing clear reporting, insights, and optimization recommendations to clients and internal stakeholders. Lead, mentor, and develop the local planning team, setting clear expectations, providing coaching, and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. Partner closely with client leads to present strategies, respond to briefs, and support new business and upsell opportunities related to local media planning. Key Requirements: Significant experience in media planning with a strong emphasis on local market strategy and traditional media channels. Proven track record of developing and leading cross-channel local campaigns that deliver measurable business results. Demonstrated expertise in local market analysis, including competitive landscapes, audience behavior, and media consumption patterns. Strong capability in budget management, including planning, forecasting, and reallocating spend based on performance. Experience negotiating with local media vendors and partners, including TV, radio, print, out-of-home, and other traditional platforms. Advanced skills in audience targeting and segmentation, leveraging data and insights to inform planning decisions. Proficiency in data analytics and performance reporting tools, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights. Proven leadership experience managing and developing media planning teams in a fast-paced agency or media environment. Strong client relationship management skills, including presenting strategies, managing expectations, and handling complex stakeholder needs. Experience working with multi-market or multi-location brands requiring nuanced local strategies. Familiarity with integrating traditional media plans with digital, social, and emerging channels. Exposure to marketing mix modelling, attribution, or advanced measurement frameworks. Background in new business pitching, proposal development, and agency growth initiatives. Knowledge of the Nashville and broader regional media landscape and local market nuances. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Business, or a related field. Advanced degree (e.g., MBA or related master's) preferred but not essential. Professional certifications in media planning, analytics, or related disciplines (e.g., IAB, ANA, ARF) are advantageous. Evidence of ongoing professional development in media strategy, data analytics, or leadership. If you are a strategic media leader ready to own the local planning function and drive impactful campaigns for top-tier clients, we invite you to apply and help shape the next chapter of this agency's growth. #J-18808-Ljbffr Syntax Talent Solutions