Programmatic - Associate Director

Company Description

Spark Foundry is the agency that is shaped by ideas. We believe everyone’s ideas are powerful – big or small. Our knack for exploring them makes us better.

We strongly believe in collaboration, where a thriving working relationship leads to everyone’s best work. Luckily, this conviction attracts likeminded clients and talent to create a positive and magnetic team.

We’re constantly adapting to each of our clients’ businesses’ needs to avoid stagnation. This ensures that our clients get the best service to tackle their future-facing challenges and that our team stays on their toes.

Above all, we love to go above and beyond what’s expected of us. We’ve done this through media innovation that is recognized by both the industry and by our clients who reap the benefits.

The near future is very bright for Spark Foundry, whether that’s a result of Publicis Groupe’s investment in groundbreaking global & local tools and data solutions or because of the contagious momentum amplified by new team members and new clients.

Responsibilities

• Manage a programmatic team responsible for the client's media buys in the DSP.
• Develop and nurture ongoing relationships with key clients, especially at the senior level
• Evaluate media recommendations, presentations and clearly identify key media deliverables in terms of accountability and performance
• Use programmatic background and knowledge of DSP capabilities to build smart programmatic strategy for the client.
• Oversee campaign QA process and campaigns set-up of programmatic buys in DSPs.
• Maintain positive relationships with media vendors, request continuous ideas to be shared with clients
• Lead vendor management strategies, negotiations and deal development on behalf of clients
• Keep informed regarding media trends, technologies and new media opportunities
• Educate clients and provide thought leadership on changing media, consumer and marketplace dynamics that impact strategic direction
• Lead regular insight meetings with clients detailing performance, campaign optimizations, and new opportunities.
• Interview and make hiring recommendations for team
• Monitor timesheet preparation and vacation scheduling for team
• Manage performance evaluations and facilitate cascading goals amongst the team

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business or advertising or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of progressive levels of responsibility in media planning, buying and management
• Challenges traditional boundaries and demonstrates consistent creative approaches to business problems
• Demonstrated business acumen and a track record of success in the media services profession
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Strong negotiating skills
• A keen sense of curiosity
• Solid interpersonal and teamwork abilities
• Strong leadership and management skills
• Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Strong analytical abilities
• Strong command of media research and reporting resources

Additional Information

Spark is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We create and nurture a vibrant work environment that celebrates, values and leverages all aspects of diversity and inclusiveness, attracts world-class talent and serves as the industry benchmark for best practices. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide appropriate accommodation for candidates with disabilities or accessibility needs throughout the recruitment process, upon request. Please contact our recruiter for any questions, accommodations or specific requests. We thank all candidates for their interest in Spark however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.