Media buyer Jobs in San Diego, CA

The Shipyard is a leading, independent marketing and communication agency headquartered in Columbus, OH, and San Diego, CA, that brings together talented individuals across the creative, communications, media, and digital landscape. Uniquely designed to Engineer Brand Love through a unifying approach of paid, owned, and earned channels, we work together to grow brands that audiences can't help but love.

Our family of brands, Fahlgren Mortine, TURNER and TinyWins, spans integrated communications, travel and lifestyle, and digital innovation, giving us the range and depth to deliver for clients locally, regionally and nationally.

Momentum is nothing without the people driving it. See who we are at https://theshipyard.com/culture before you hit apply!

SUMMARY

We are looking for a smart, experienced, and motivated Media Coordinator to join our San Diego, CA team.

Every great media plan starts somewhere, and the Media Coordinator is where that foundation gets built. This role exists to learn the craft of media planning from the ground up — developing the habits, knowledge, and instincts that will define a strong media career. As a Media Coordinator, you are here to absorb, contribute, and grow. You support the planning team in delivering work that connects audiences to brands in meaningful ways, and you bring the curiosity and attention to detail that makes everything run better.

This is a hybrid work from home/office position (in-office attendance is required on Tuesdays & Thursdays), and the candidate must live near San Diego, CA.

At The Shipyard, we know that it's your unique talents, backgrounds, and perspectives that make you who you are, just like our team, who come from various career paths and experiences. We believe we can't be truly diverse without bringing your most authentic self to the agency.

Studies show that people from marginalized communities may not always apply for positions if they don't meet every single requirement in a job posting. At The Shipyard, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the requirements. We believe that your passion for what we stand for — our values and purpose — is just as important as meeting every checkbox.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Media Knowledge

• Develop a foundational understanding of media channels including digital (paid social, paid search, programmatic, streaming audio and video) and traditional (linear TV, OOH, print, radio), and how each channel serves a role in reaching an audience
• Begin building proficiency with core planning tools including MRI/Simmons for audience research, MediaRadar for competitive analysis, and SimilarWeb for website and digital intelligence
• Support the team with research, data pulls, plan assembly, and competitive analyses with accuracy and attention to detail
• Learn how media budgets are structured and how plans are built to deliver against client goals
• Gain proficiency in our media financial processes, ensuring that billing is done accurately and timely
• Stay curious about the media landscape — emerging platforms, industry news, and shifts in consumer behavior

Strategic Thinking & Planning

• Learn to understand client business goals and how media plans are designed to deliver on them
• Begin to recognize how audience insights inform channel selection and budget allocation decisions
• Support the development of media plans by pulling data and research that informs strategic recommendations
• Think critically about data and proactively provide analyses, troubleshooting, and recommendations
• Ask questions that demonstrate curiosity about strategy, not just process — why this channel, why this audience, why this budget split

Communication

• Communicate clearly and professionally in written and verbal formats with internal team members
• Respond to requests and feedback in a timely and organized manner
• Begin developing the ability to summarize data and research findings in a way that is easy for others to understand
• Participate actively in team meetings — come prepared, take good notes, and follow up on action items

Partnership

• Build strong working relationships with your immediate team members, demonstrating reliability and a positive attitude
• Learn how the media planning team collaborates with other disciplines — investment, analytics, creative, and client engagement — and begin to understand each team's role
• Support cross-functional requests with accuracy and a service mindset
• Begin developing vendor and media partner relationships under the guidance of senior team members

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• 0-2 years equivalent work experience in a Media Coordinator or similar role
• Knowledge of media planning/buying disciplines (primarily digital, but traditional media knowledge is helpful).
• Ability to …
• Think creatively and analytically
• Multi-task and prioritize assignments
• Possess strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Keep a positive attitude in a fast-paced work environment
• Proactively problem-solve
• Work effectively and efficiently in Excel and PowerPoint
• Learn processes and systems quickly
• Work comfortably with budgets and numbers
• Experience with third-party ad serving platforms is a plus

WHAT YOU'LL GET

• The overall target range of base compensation for this role is $55,000 - $60,000. Compensation offered will be determined by additional factors such as location and experience
• Open PTO
• 40 hours of paid sick time (annually)
• Flexible work hours and remote work
• Paid holidays + holiday closure between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
• Company-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance and disability benefits
• 401k program with employer matching
• 6 weeks paid parental leave
• Employee bonus referrals
• Dog-friendly offices
• Company-provided snacks and beverages (yes, beer/wine included)
• … and lots more!

Requirements

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for visa sponsorship