Associate Director - Paid Media, Omnichannel

Associate Director, Paid Media

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

• 57+ 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.

What Sets Us Apart

Proprietary AI That Actually Works: Kanopy AI is our custom-built intelligence platformreal-time campaign optimization, media mix modeling, natural language analytics, and algorithm enrichment that gives our clients (and our sellers) a genuine edge. This isn't a buzzword; it's operational.

Exclusive Platform Access: Direct partnerships across Google AI Search, Meta, TikTok, Amazon, Freewheel, Teads, Stackadapt and best in class tech and media partners. 7x Crain's Best Places to Work: A people-first culture with a 12-month average time to promotion, a 4-day workweek, and genuine investment in career development. Certified Minority-Owned Business: 48% BIPOC representation across the agency, 60% female representationa team that reflects the diverse markets we serve.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary of $105,000 - $120,000 depending on experience, plus performance-based bonus structure
• Regular performance reviews with quarterly growth path check-ins
• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and mental health benefits (One Medical, Talkspace, KindBody, Health Advocate)
• 1524 days PTO/year depending on seniority, plus birthday off, 7 sick/safe days, and up to 12 weeks paid parental leave
• New MacBook Pro and access to cutting-edge AI tools across the agency
• Sun-drenched penthouse Acceleration Hub on 5th Avenue in Flatironwith commuter benefits and Citibike membership
• Dog-friendly office, regular team events (Field Day, Ski Club, Golf League, holiday celebrations), and a culture built around ownership and ambition

Location: This role is based at our NYC headquarters. You must reside or be willing to relocate within commuting distance.

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