Media Director

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.For more information, go to the RoleWe 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 ResponsibilitiesStrategic Planning & LeadershipDevelop comprehensive omnichannel media strategies aligned with business objectives and marketing goalsProactively identify new opportunities rooted in innovation for select clientsLead media planning process including establishing strategic framework, audience strategy and targeting, channel selection, and budget allocationOversee media supervisor & planners in development of RFP, plan negotiation, partner selection, and tactical plan developmentOversee integrated campaign management across digital, traditional, and emerging media channelsCollaborate with analytics, and biddable team to ensure cohesive campaign execution & reportingDrive cross-functional leadership by partnering closely with analytics, biddable, and finance teams to streamline operations, optimize campaign performance, and ensure financial accountabilityActively contribute to new business growth and agency pitches, developing compelling media strategies, pitch presentations, and client proposalsPresent media recommendations and performance insights to senior leadership and clientsHave strong client leadership skills and ability to create growth opportunitiesMedia Operations & OptimizationManage 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 KPIsNegotiate media rates and placements with vendors and media partnersEnsure campaigns are delivered on time, on budget, and meet performance benchmarksStay current with industry trends, new platforms, and emerging technologiesTeam ManagementLead and mentor a team of media planners, buyers, and analystsSet performance goals and provide regular feedback and professional development opportunitiesFoster a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous learningManage team workload and resource allocation across multiple accounts and projectsAnalytics & ReportingEstablish measurement frameworks and KPIs for all media activitiesIdentify test & learn opportunities and fold testing into media planningAnalyze campaign performance data and provide actionable insights and recommendationsCreate comprehensive reports for internal stakeholders and external clientsImplement attribution models and measurement solutions to track customer journeyUse data to inform future media strategies and budget recommendationsQualificationsExperience & EducationBachelor’s degree in marketing, Advertising, Communications, or related field8+ years of experience in media planning and buying, with at least 5 years in a leadership and/or managerial roleProven experience managing substantial media budgets ($10-$20M+ annually)Strong background in digital media channelsExperience with marketing mix modeling or multi-touch attribution, sales lift, and brand health studiesKnowledge 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 industriesTechnical SkillsProficiency 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 platformsAdvanced Excel/Google Sheets skills and familiarity with data visualization toolsUnderstanding of programmatic advertising and automated buying platformsCore CompetenciesStrategic thinking with ability to translate business objectives into media strategiesStrong analytical skills and data-driven decision makingExcellent communication and presentation skillsLeadership experience with ability to manage and develop team membersProject management skills with ability to handle multiple campaigns simultaneouslyNegotiation skills and vendor relationship management