Director, Paid Media Strategy

Walker Sands

. Lead media strategy and planning across channels, defining audiences, channel roles, investment levels, sequencing, and reach and frequency considerations .

Posted 10/5/2026full-timeUnited StatesLead💰 $100,000 - $113,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in media strategy and planning, with a strong focus on programmatic buying, audience sizing, and budget allocation. Proven ability to lead client conversations and develop media strategists while connecting media planning to broader business outcomes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Media StrategyProgrammatic BuyingAudience SizingBudget AllocationPeople Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Quantitative SkillsAnalytical SkillsSpreadsheet ModelingMedia Performance InterpretationIntegrated Multichannel Planning

Soft Skills

Strategic PartnershipCoachingCommunication

Tools & Technologies

DSPB2B Platforms

Industry Keywords

Demand GenerationAccount-Based ApproachesMedia SignalsClient RecommendationsMeasurement Frameworks

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead media strategy and planning across channels, defining audiences, channel roles, investment levels, sequencing, and reach and frequency considerations
Translate client briefs and research into actionable media briefs and plans
Size addressable audiences, evaluate opportunities, and articulate recommendations
Shape programmatic strategy with activation leads, including DSP and inventory selection, supply path quality, first- and third-party data, targeting, frequency, brand safety, measurement, and deal types
Set budget allocation and scenario recommendations, balancing scale, precision, efficiency, and expected business impact
Assess publisher-direct opportunities against programmatic alternatives
Build measurement frameworks connecting media signals to qualified demand, pipeline, and client business outcomes
Interpret results and guide strategic changes
Present plans and performance implications to senior clients and internal stakeholders
Serve as a trusted strategic partner on complex decisions and new business opportunities
Partner with activation, creative, integrated strategy, and account teams to execute programs
Review execution against strategic intent, quality standards, budget pacing, and client commitments
Coach and develop media strategists
Strengthen planning processes and standards
Bring emerging media opportunities and practical programmatic education to the broader team

Requirements

What you’ll need

7+ years of progressive experience in media strategy and planning
Substantial ownership of integrated, multichannel plans and client recommendations
B2B or long-cycle demand generation experience strongly preferred
Deep working knowledge of programmatic buying and best practices
Ability to direct and challenge execution without being the day-to-day buyer
Strong quantitative and analytical skills
Advanced spreadsheet modeling
Audience sizing, budget allocation, and interpretation of media and business performance
3+ years of progressive people management experience
Strong record leading senior client conversations and developing strategists or planners
Experience making decisions across multiple accounts and workstreams
Ability to connect paid media planning to creative, analytics, marketing operations, and sales outcomes
Familiarity with B2B platforms and account-based approaches is a plus
No specific platform certification is required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Bonus eligibility based on company performance
Clear career paths, mentorship programs, and learning events
Flexible PTO
8 paid holidays
Half-day summer Fridays
A week off between Christmas and New Year
Hybrid work
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
Mental health resources
Pet insurance
Employer-matched 401(k)
Financial planning services
Life insurance
Disability coverage
Employee Assistance Program with counseling and mental health resources
Paid leave for new parents and caregivers
Fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, and adoption support policies
Regular performance reviews, goal-setting, and ongoing coaching
Two-week sabbatical and $2,000 gift after five years
Employee resource groups
Volunteer opportunities
Award-winning agency culture