Circa Labs is hiring : Director, Paid Media in New York

Director, Paid Media Overview

Ready to be the strategic powerhouse behind game-changing communications campaigns? Golin is seeking an energetic and accomplished Catalyst Director to lead integrated communications initiatives that make headlines and move markets.

This is your opportunity to be the central hub of innovation—the go-to strategist who brings ideas to life and makes things happen. You'll partner with dynamic client teams to orchestrate award-winning PESO (Paid, Earned, Shared, Owned) campaigns that drive real business impact and cultural conversation.

As a Catalyst Director, you'll be the master connector who turns ambitious visions into remarkable realities. You'll champion breakthrough thinking, lead high-energy collaborations, and deliver campaigns that exceed expectations and win awards. This role is perfect for someone who loves being at the center of the action, thrives on bringing people together, and gets energized by turning strategic plans into spectacular executions.

Responsibilities

Strategic PESO Campaign Program Management : Be the creative catalyst who transforms ambitious client goals into breakthrough integrated campaigns that generate buzz and drive results

Turn strategic visions into action-packed project plans with clear wins, exciting milestones, and meaningful impact metrics

Partner with client Communications and Marketing teams to weave PESO magic into broader business initiatives

Present compelling campaign strategies to executive audiences, building excitement and securing enthusiastic support for game-changing approaches

Governance, Reporting and Optimization

Establish standardized operational processes including measurement frameworks, governance protocols, and performance checkpoints for all assigned integrated communications projects

Develop and maintain performance monitoring systems through effective use of reporting tools, dashboards, and KPI analysis for paid, earned, shared, and owned media activities

Provide holistic insights and data-driven recommendations to optimize campaign effectiveness and resource allocation across all Communications and Marketing initiatives

Create comprehensive performance reports that demonstrate ROI and strategic impact of integrated communications efforts

Client Leadership and Strategic Counsel

Become the trusted strategic partner clients turn to when they need breakthrough thinking and flawless execution

Shape decision-making and spotlight winning integrated communications initiatives through inspiring strategic guidance

Lead engaging client presentations and dynamic strategy sessions that build momentum and secure buy-in for innovative approaches

Stay one step ahead of client needs, developing creative solutions that consistently wow and deliver exceptional business results

Operational Excellence and Team Leadership

Orchestrate the magic behind major integrated communications campaigns, bringing together talented teams to create something extraordinary

Lead and inspire diverse Golin teams—strategists, creatives, digital innovators, and media mavens—providing clear direction while celebrating creative collaboration

Foster an environment of high-energy teamwork and innovative problem-solving that keeps everyone motivated and moving forward

Guide and develop emerging talent while building a culture of excellence and shared success within the Catalyst practice

Brand Consistency and Integrated Execution

Ensure all PESO campaign elements align with client brand standards and strategic narratives established by Communications and Marketing teams

Collaborate with creative, strategy, and account teams to ensure integrated storytelling and tactical execution reflect the organization's voice and positioning across all touchpoints

Oversee quality control processes to maintain consistency and excellence across paid media, earned coverage, social engagement, and owned content initiatives

What We're Looking For

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, or related field

7+ years of relevant experience in strategic communications and integrated marketing, preferably within large organizations or agencies

Proven experience managing fast-paced, multi-stakeholder projects with tight deadlines and competing priorities

Strong understanding of PESO (Paid, Earned, Shared, Owned) strategy and its role in reputation management and customer engagement

Demonstrated ability to work effectively in high-pressure, fast-moving environments while maintaining quality and attention to detail

Experience leading and directing cross-functional teams through complex project execution

Deep knowledge of performance metrics and KPIs to support effective tracking and reporting across integrated communications campaigns

Proficiency with project management tools (Airtable, Smartsheet, Asana), Google Workspace, and executive-level presentation development

Exceptional client responsiveness with proven ability to quickly address client needs and provide timely solutions

Strong team communication skills with ability to clearly direct execution strategies and tactical implementation

Excellent client presentation and communication skills with experience presenting to senior leadership and responding to real-time client feedback

Experience working with Fortune 500 clients or in corporate communications environments

Background in both agency and in-house marketing / communications roles

Familiarity with marketing automation, CRM systems, and advanced analytics platforms

Professional certifications in project management (PMP) or digital marketing

Experience in crisis communications and reputation management

Core Competencies

Energetic Leadership : Thrives in dynamic environments, energizing teams and driving momentum while delivering exceptional results on exciting timelines

Strategic Project Mastery : Loves juggling multiple high-impact projects, turning competing priorities into opportunities for innovation and breakthrough results

Inspirational Communication : Naturally gifted at rallying internal teams around shared goals, making complex strategies feel accessible and exciting to execute

Dynamic Client Engagement : Exceptional presentation abilities combined with genuine enthusiasm for building strong client relationships and delivering memorable experiences

Creative Problem-Solving : Gets excited about challenges and consistently develops innovative solutions that turn obstacles into opportunities

Collaborative Spirit : Natural team builder who creates an atmosphere where great ideas flourish and everyone feels motivated to do their best work

Growth Mindset : Embraces change and new challenges as chances to learn, grow, and create even more impactful work

What We Offer

Join Golin's award-winning team (PRWeek's Best Place to Work, Provoke Media's Global Agency of the Year, PRWeek's Large Agency of the Year, and Cannes Grand Prix winner) and work alongside industry-leading professionals who are passionate about creating change that matters.

At Golin, Catalysts are relationship builders who seek to understand, motivate, inspire, and bring people together to deliver the best work for clients. As a Catalyst Director, you'll champion smart strategies, advocate for innovative creative ideas, and protect brand priorities while conducting a team of curious, talented, and creative professionals.

Our Commitment to You

Opportunity to work on award-winning, industry-leading campaigns

Collaborative, inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives

Professional development opportunities and mentorship programs

Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package

Flexible work arrangements and strong work-life balance

Access to global resources and expertise across 50+ offices worldwide

Why Work for Us?

We reward our employees for creating the best work of their lives, providing the following benefits :

Flexible, hybrid culture that encourages work / life balance, self-care, and collaboration

Unlimited time off

Year-round Flexible Fridays

Extended leave

Monthly wellness stipend

Tuition reimbursement

401K matching program

Training and career pathing

Community service opportunities

This is more than a job—it's your chance to be at the center of award-winning work that shapes culture and drives business success. You'll join a team that doesn't just win awards (though we do plenty of that!); we create work that people actually talk about.

If you're passionate about bringing big ideas to life, love working with brilliant people, and get energized by the challenge of turning ambitious client goals into reality, this is the role for you.

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