Media Director (New York)

About Mile Marker:

We are a modern omnichannel agency uniquely connecting data, creative and media to accelerate results for growth marketers. Mile Marker is an agency where content fuels performance, media drives outcomes, and data underpins an engine that eliminates the gaps that slow down enterprise growth marketers. This unified growth engine feeds a learning system within Relay, our open-powered marketing stack, ensuring every impression, message and experience is built for a business outcome. Mile Marker’s client roster includes FreshPet, DoorDash, Spectrum, Webster Bank, TrueGreen, HelloFresh and Harry’s, among others.

We are a team of strategists, media experts, creatives, innovators and analysts. Over 100 Milers (our humans) strong with hybrid-offices in New York City and San Francisco.

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About the Role

We are seeking a strategic and data driven Director, Media to lead our media planning, buying, and optimization efforts across all channels. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in media strategy, cross-channel online & offline advertising, and client and team leadership, with a proven track record of driving measurable results and maximizing return on advertising spend.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Leadership

• Develop comprehensive omnichannel media strategies aligned with business objectives and marketing goals
• Proactively identify new opportunities rooted in innovation for select clients
• Lead media planning process including establishing strategic framework, audience strategy and targeting, channel selection, and budget allocation
• Oversee media supervisor & planners in development of RFP, plan negotiation, partner selection, and tactical plan development
• Oversee integrated campaign management across digital, traditional, and emerging media channels
• Collaborate with analytics, and biddable team to ensure cohesive campaign execution & reporting
• Drive cross-functional leadership by partnering closely with analytics, biddable, and finance teams to streamline operations, optimize campaign performance, and ensure financial accountability
• Actively contribute to new business growth and agency pitches, developing compelling media strategies, pitch presentations, and client proposals
• Present media recommendations and performance insights to senior leadership and clients
• Have strong client leadership skills and ability to create growth opportunities

Media Operations & Optimization

• Manage media buying across platforms including, but not limited to, Google Ads, social media platforms (Meta / TikTok), and Video (OLV / CTV / Linear TV)
• Monitor campaign performance and implement optimization strategies to improve KPIs
• Negotiate media rates and placements with vendors and media partners
• Ensure campaigns are delivered on time, on budget, and meet performance benchmarks
• Stay current with industry trends, new platforms, and emerging technologies
• Team Management
• Lead and mentor a team of media planners, buyers, and analysts
• Set performance goals and provide regular feedback and professional development opportunities
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous learning
• Manage team workload and resource allocation across multiple accounts and projects

Analytics & Reporting

• Establish measurement frameworks and KPIs for all media activities
• Identify test & learn opportunities and fold testing into media planning
• Analyze campaign performance data and provide actionable insights and recommendations
• Create comprehensive reports for internal stakeholders and external clients
• Implement attribution models and measurement solutions to track customer journey
• Use data to inform future media strategies and budget recommendations

Qualifications

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Advertising, Communications, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in media planning and buying, with at least 5 years in a leadership and/or managerial role
• Proven experience managing substantial media budgets ($10-$20M+ annually)
• Strong background in digital media channels
• Experience with marketing mix modeling or multi-touch attribution, sales lift, and brand health studies
• Knowledge of emerging channels such as Connected TV, audio streaming, or social commerce and retail media platforms including Walmart Connect, Instacart, Roundel (Target), Criteo Retail Media, Amazon, and other Retail Media Networks (RMNs)
• Understanding of the retail media ecosystem, and the evolving role of retail media within omni-channel marketing.
• Proven ability to analyze data, optimize campaigns for performance, and communicate insights to internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience in CPG or consumer healthcare verticals is a plus
• Industry certifications (Google Ads, Meta Blueprint, etc.)
• Agency or client-side experience across multiple industries

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in media planning and buying platforms (Google Ads, Meta Business Manager, The Trade Desk, etc.)
• Experience with analytics tools (Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, etc.)
• Knowledge of attribution and measurement platforms
• Advanced Excel/Google Sheets skills and familiarity with data visualization tools
• Understanding of programmatic advertising and automated buying platforms

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking with ability to translate business objectives into media strategies
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision making
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Leadership experience with ability to manage and develop team members
• Project management skills with ability to handle multiple campaigns simultaneously
• Negotiation skills and vendor relationship management