Associate Director, Programmatic

DEPT®

20h•$110,000 - $120,000•Remote

About The Position

The Associate Director, Programmatic is a strategic leadership role focused on account health and craft innovation. You steer the programmatic direction for one of our largest, most dynamic clients, moving beyond the tactical to act as a senior consultant on automated buying. You are responsible for identifying how programmatic can bridge the gap between brand awareness and performance, while navigating the complexities of an evolving, privacy-first digital landscape. As a leader within the craft, you ensure our strategies are not only meeting KPIs but pushing the boundaries of what automated media can achieve.

Requirements

5–7 years of programmatic experience, with a proven track record of strategic planning and account leadership within an agency setting.
Expertise in the Ecosystem: Deep knowledge of the programmatic landscape, including SSP dynamics, Header Bidding, Clean Rooms, and Attribution modeling.
Platform Mastery: Advanced proficiency in multiple DSPs (e.g., The Trade Desk, DV360, Amazon DSP, Walmart Connect) Google Ads and Ad Servers (CM360).
Leadership Presence: The ability to influence cross-functional teams and build implicit trust with senior client stakeholders.
Analytical Vision: You can interpret complex data sets to identify high-level trends and provide strategic recommendations that move "hearts and minds."
Proactive Problem Solving: A "get sht done" mentality when it comes to troubleshooting technical issues or navigating industry shifts.
Better Together Spirit: A passion for collaboration and a commitment to nurturing talent within the Programmatic craft.

Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight: Steer the programmatic strategy for a high-profile, high touch client, ensuring that automated media buying is integrated into their broader business and marketing goals.
Executional Rigor: Ensure exceptional accuracy, thoroughness, and organization across all deliverables, effectively balancing competing priorities with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset.
Data Innovation: Direct the implementation of 1st and 3rd party data strategies, helping clients navigate the cookie-less future through identity solutions and privacy-centric targeting.
Senior Client Advisory: Act as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, translating technical programmatic complexities into clear business value and growth opportunities.
Technology Evaluation: Lead the evaluation and onboarding of new programmatic tech partners, including DSPs, SSPs, and Dynamic Creative Optimization (DCO) platforms.
Total Media Synergy: Partner with Search and Social leads to drive a "Total Media" approach, ensuring programmatic inventory complements other digital touchpoints.
Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of Managers and Associates, overseeing their tactical output and providing a clear path for their professional development.