THE ROLE:The
Freelance Associate Director, Programmatic is a strategic leadership role focused on account health and craft innovation. You steer the programmatic direction for a portfolio of accounts, moving beyond the tactical to act as a senior consultant on automated buying. You are responsible for identifying how programmatic can bridge the gap between brand awareness and performance, while navigating the complexities of an evolving, privacy-first digital landscape. As a leader within the craft, you ensure our strategies are not only meeting KPIs but pushing the boundaries of what automated media can achieve.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:- Strategic Oversight: Steer the programmatic strategy for high-profile clients, ensuring that automated media buying is integrated into their broader business and marketing goals.
- Data Innovation: Direct the implementation of 1st and 3rd party data strategies, helping clients navigate the cookie-less future through identity solutions and privacy-centric targeting.
- Senior Client Advisory: Act as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, translating technical programmatic complexities into clear business value and growth opportunities.
- Technology Evaluation: Lead the evaluation and onboarding of new programmatic tech partners, including DSPs, SSPs, and Dynamic Creative Optimization (DCO) platforms.
- Total Media Synergy: Partner with Search, Social, and SEO leads to drive a "Total Media" approach, ensuring programmatic inventory complements other digital touchpoints.
- Account Growth: Identify and pitch proactive growth opportunities within your portfolio, contributing to the agency's organic revenue through strategic expansion.
- Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of Managers and Associates, overseeing their tactical output and providing a clear path for their professional development.
WHAT YOU BRING:- 5-7 years of programmatic experience, with a proven track record of strategic planning and account leadership within an agency setting.
- Expertise in the Ecosystem: Deep knowledge of the programmatic landscape, including SSP dynamics, Header Bidding, Clean Rooms, and Attribution modeling.
- Platform Mastery: Advanced proficiency in multiple DSPs (e.g., The Trade Desk, DV360, Amazon DSP, Walmart Connect) and Ad Servers (CM360).
- Leadership Presence: The ability to influence cross-functional teams and build implicit trust with senior client stakeholders.
- Analytical Vision: You can interpret complex data sets to identify high-level trends and provide strategic recommendations that move "hearts and minds."
- Proactive Problem Solving: A "get sh*t done" mentality when it comes to troubleshooting technical issues or navigating industry shifts.
- Better Together Spirit: A passion for collaboration and a commitment to nurturing talent within the Programmatic craft.
#LI-remote The anticipated salary range for this position is listed below. Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, expertise,
physical location, and organizational impact. This is based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling. Keep in mind, we're flexible.
US Remote Range
$90-$100 USD
