Job DescriptionThe 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.
QualificationsExperience & 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
Additional InformationOur Publicis Groupe motto "Viva La Différence" means we're better together, and we believe that our differences make us stronger. It means we honor and celebrate all identities, across all facets of intersectionality, and it underpins all that we do as an organization. We are focused on fostering belonging and creating equitable & inclusive experiences for all talent.
Publicis Groupe provides robust and inclusive benefit programs and policies to support the evolving and diverse needs of our talent and enable every person to grow and thrive. Our benefits package includes medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401K, as well as parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement, and flexible time off.
Compensation Range: USD $97,375.00 - USD $139,965.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 3/9/2026.
