VP, Media

Critical Mass•Chicago, IL

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the VP of Media, you will lead the development and execution of media strategies across key client accounts. The ideal candidate brings over 10 years of diverse media experience, with a strong emphasis on digital, and has a proven track record of managing and developing high-performing teams of 10 or more professionals. This role requires a confident, decisive leader who excels in client-facing settings, communicates effectively, and drives strategy, planning, and recommendations grounded in data-driven insights. Your leadership will be integral in shaping and optimizing media strategies that deliver measurable results for our clients.

Requirements

Must have: Auto industry and agency experience.
10+ years of comprehensive media experience, with a passion and focus on digital.
Proven experience managing and developing teams of 10+ professionals.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to make decisive decisions and maintain a confident, clear voice.
Expertise in using data to inform media strategy, planning, and recommendations.
Experience with both tier 1 and tier 2 media (national and regional).
Exceptional communication skills, particularly in client-facing settings.
In-depth understanding of key media channels, including search and social.
Ability to mentor and guide directors, supporting their professional growth.
Comfortable leading client meetings, driving performance media, and providing regular marketing pulse checks.
Demonstrated ability to lead and grow a team of media professionals.
Experience with eMarketer, Nielsen, and comScore.
Familiarity with Google Ad products.
Expert-level understanding of digital media and the digital landscape.
Thorough knowledge of standard and rich media ad trafficking software for display, video, mobile, and emerging channels.
Passion for digital media and staying ahead of industry trends.
Flexible and adaptable to new situations and challenges.

Nice To Haves

Experience with the OMNI marketing orchestration platform.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and inspire a hybrid team (both in-person and remote).
Oversee client relationships, ensuring alignment with marketing goals and budgets.
Manage omni-channel campaigns and collaborate with social, creative, and other media teams.
Drive performance media strategies and optimization to ensure clients meet their KPIs.
Attend and lead regular client meetings.
Serve as a strategic advisor, guiding clients through the media planning process.
Collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure seamless execution.
Partner with Strategy, Creative, Marketing Science, and Client Services leads across the organization.
Support Marketing and Media Managers with reporting templates, management, and client presentations.
Pull and deliver accurate data for initial analyses.
Provide insights on campaign analysis and optimization.
Research and prepare new information for paid media plans, RFPs, and presentations.
Evaluate, build, and maintain relationships within the display and emerging media community.
Stay up-to-date on the latest trends in interactive marketing and media and advise the Marketing and Media teams accordingly.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including social leads, creatives, and account managers.