Associate Director, Programmatic

Job Description The Associate Director oversees the strategic development, execution, and optimization of digital media investments across programmatic and direct IO channels. This role blends deep expertise in DSP-based buying (Display, Mobile, Video/OLV) with strong marketplace relationships and direct publisher investment acumen. The AD owns strategic planning, investment allocation, campaign execution oversight, performance optimization, and financial stewardship, while serving as a primary client contact and senior escalation point. This leader drives business outcomes by connecting audience strategy, technology, data, and marketplace leverage. Responsibilities Support Integrated Digital Investment Strategy Partner in strategic planning and investment allocation across programmatic and direct IO channels, ensuring alignment to client objectives and business outcomes. Drive Performance & Optimization Excellence Translate performance data into actionable optimization strategies, balancing efficiency, scale, and premium inventory to maximize campaign impact. Oversee End-to-End Campaign Execution Provide senior oversight across proposal development, activation, QA, optimization, and post‑campaign analysis to ensure seamless delivery against budget and timing. Leverage Marketplace & Technology Expertise Apply deep knowledge of DSPs, audience strategy, data integrations, and publisher relationships to secure competitive advantage and innovative media solutions. Ensure Financial & Operational Stewardship Maintain accountability for pacing, forecasting, reconciliations, and process excellence, safeguarding investment integrity and operational accuracy. Qualifications Experience & Leadership 5+ years of digital media experience across programmatic and direct IO channels 2+ years of people management experience leading analysts and/or managers Demonstrated success overseeing complex, high‑budget campaigns across Display, OLV/Video, and Mobile Proven ability to act as senior client contact and escalation lead Technical & Channel Expertise Deep hands‑on experience with leading DSPs (e.g., DV360, The Trade Desk) and strong understanding of audience strategy, data integrations, and targeting methodologies (1P, 3P, contextual) Experience developing programmatic proposals, executing RFP responses, and building integrated channel strategies Solid understanding of direct IO negotiation, pricing models, delivery validation, and media plan execution Strategic & Financial Acumen Demonstrated ability to translate campaign performance into strategic investment decisions Experience managing budgets, pacing, forecasting, and reconciliations Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with a data‑driven mindset Professional Skills Excellent presentation, written, and verbal communication skills Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills across Strategy, Analytics, and Activation teams Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office Suite Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment Benefits & Compensation Compensation Range: $97,375 - $139,965 annually. Our benefits package includes medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401K, parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement, and flexible time off. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. #J-18808-Ljbffr