We’re seeking an Associate Director, Paid Media to lead and grow a portfolio of client relationships while managing a team of channel experts. You’ll bring hands-on activation experience in at least one paid channel, sharp strategic thinking, and the ability to present complex media solutions with clarity and confidence. This is a high-impact, client-facing leadership role designed for someone ready to shape omnichannel strategy across a range of industries and business models.

This NYC based role has a competitive salary range of $105,000 - $120,000, depending on experience, with annual compensation reviews based on performance. Potential bi-annual bonus pay is based on company and individual performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic direction across multiple paid media clients, including search, social, programmatic, video, and emerging platforms.
• Own client relationships: Act as the senior day-to-day lead, guiding client conversations, delivering presentations, and ensuring media strategy aligns with their business objectives.
• Activate & Optimize: Maintain deep hands-on-keyboard expertise in at least one performance channel (SEM, paid social, programmatic, or others) and oversee executional excellence across all channels.
• Manage a team: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of media managers and specialists, ensuring growth, performance, and collaboration across accounts.
• Drive innovation: Translate client goals into cutting-edge media solutions, leveraging 1st party data, automation, and AI where applicable.
• Reporting & Insights: Oversee analytics, testing strategies, and performance reporting. Present clear, compelling narratives to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross-functionally: Partner with creative, data science, influencer, and SEO teams to deliver holistic marketing programs.

What We’re Looking For

• 5–7+ years of digital media experience, ideally in an agency setting.
• In-depth expertise in at least one paid channel (Search, Social, Programmatic, Retail Media, etc.).
• Proven success managing and growing multiple client accounts simultaneously.
• Strong people management skills — experience leading and developing junior to mid-level team members.
• Exceptional presentation and communication skills; comfortable leading meetings with senior-level clients.
• A strategic mindset with strong attention to detail, timelines, and KPIs.
• Experience with tools like Google Ads, Meta Ads Manager, DV360, SA360, or other media platforms and dashboards.

Please be aware of fraudulent recruiters and scams. If you move forward in our recruitment process, you will only be contacted by the Direct Agents HR team. Questions? Email hrconcerns@directagents.com