Summer 2027
Posted on 9/9/2026
Digital media, measurement, and creative services.
$25/hr
No H1B Sponsorship
Chicago, IL, USA + 1 more
More locations: Minneapolis, MN, USA
Hybrid
Work from a Minneapolis, Chicago, or New York office on set days each week, with remote work available on other days.
See people who can refer or advise you
Ovative Group is an independent firm specializing in digital-first media, measurement, and creative solutions to drive sustainable growth by linking marketing activities to business outcomes through the Enterprise Marketing Return (EMR) framework. It combines six capabilities, including media, measurement, and creative services, into a proprietary platform called EMRge that provides a single view of marketing performance to optimize investments and strategies. It differentiates itself by offering both advisory guidance and hands-on campaign execution and measurement, all supported by the EMR framework rather than relying on technology alone. Goal: help clients achieve sustainable growth by optimizing marketing investments and proving the business value of their marketing efforts.
Company Size
501-1,000
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Founded
2009
See people who can refer or advise you
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Health Insurance
Flexible Paid Time Off
401(k) Company Match
Sabbatical Leave
Phone/Internet Stipend
Performance metrics are a governance issue. Retail media must elevate how it defines impact. This sponsored article by Albertsons Media Collective will explore incremental return on ad spend (iROAS). Retail media has become one of the most powerful growth engines in modern marketing. It sits at the intersection of media, merchandising, data, and commerce, influencing how brands allocate capital. It increasingly carries enterprise-level expectations for measurable return, and it's its job to ensure performance accuracy for all advertisers. Performance metrics are no longer simply "campaign reporting." They're a testament to effective and trustworthy planning, media packaging, incremental results, and category, shopper, and basket expansion. And that's where its industry must evolve. Growth metrics must withstand executive scrutiny In retail media, incremental return on ad spend (iROAS) has become the shorthand for growth impact. At its core, it answers a critical question: What revenue occurred because of advertising that would not have happened otherwise? It's a powerful metric. But it's also a sensitive one. Recently, EMARKETER Inc. partnered with Ovative Group and Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management to evaluate 42 campaigns and found that reported iROAS could vary by 6.5x on average and 83% of campaigns could flip from positive to negative based solely on methodological choices. This means when media, audience, and spend are constant, and the only variable is measurement methodology, the results can swing widely. That level of variance is a strategic signal. When methodology can materially shift performance narratives, leadership and decision-makers must clearly and comprehensively understand what sits beneath the number. This is about governance, not debate Retail media now plays a central role in shaping enterprise growth projections, informing trade and media investment decisions, and influencing how brands prioritize retailer partnerships. It's also increasingly tied to broader marketing efficiency discussions at the CFO level, as leaders look for clearer accountability and measurable performance, spanning all marketing levers. If performance metrics and methodologies vary, EMARKETER Inc. risk optimizing for measurement mechanics instead of business growth. Focusing on flawless execution and pinpoint accuracy, EMARKETER Inc. ensure what EMARKETER Inc. report reflects what actually happened - not what's convenient. Retailers operate in different models. But executive decision-making requires three constants: * Transparency: Advertisers and leaders should have access to clearly defined and calculated incrementality. * Consistency: Methodologies should not shift without clear rationale. * Understanding: Ensure day-to-day users understand the methodology well enough to interpret results correctly. Its approach at Albertsons Media Collective As an omnichannel retailer, EMARKETER Inc. operate in an environment where customers move fluidly between digital and physical touchpoints - from couch to checkout. Clean experimental isolation is not always possible, which makes disciplined measurement design essential. At Albertsons Media Collective, its approach is grounded in performance and accuracy through transparent practices, consistent methodology, and understanding of results. * Transparency. EMARKETER Inc. clearly define how its incrementality is measured, including how test and control groups are constructed, which behavioral and purchase signals are used, and how incremental revenue is isolated. Advertisers should have a confident understanding of what sits beneath the reported number. * Consistency. Methodologies are documented and applied systematically at The Collective. Incrementality is not recalculated to fit a narrative or adjusted on a campaign-to-campaign basis without clear rationale. Stability builds trust and enables meaningful, longitudinal decision-making and partnerships. * Understanding. A comprehensive and digestible understanding of assumptions, limitations, and situational impact is crucial. Incrementality only drives better decisions when stakeholders understand what the metric truly represents. At The Collective, EMARKETER Inc. apply advanced matching methodologies grounded in predictive purchase behavior to construct credible test and control groups. This methodological rigor allows for understanding at all levels of an organization and enables mid-flight optimizations for best-in-class performance. Before reporting lift, EMARKETER Inc. evaluate match quality and, where business context is required, EMARKETER Inc. incorporate time-series modeling to account for trend and seasonality. In addition, EMARKETER Inc. offer a randomized testing methodology upon request. This commitment ensures reported iROAS reflects true, consumer purchase responses. As an advertiser, you will see this level of disciplined reporting on Albertsons Media Collective's Pinterest, In-Store and Offsite Display and, now, Onsite Display capabilities when programming reaches the appropriate scale. The industry's next phase Retail media has scaled rapidly. Now, measurement standards must scale with it. If incremental impact is going to guide how brands allocate billions of dollars, the industry must ensure that those metrics are interpretable, governed, and trusted at the executive level. At Albertsons Media Collective, EMARKETER Inc. is leading with research and actioning through transparency, consistency, and understanding. Growth deserves measurement that can withstand scrutiny. And that responsibility sits with all of EMARKETER Inc.. And now, fellow media providers, will you join EMARKETER Inc. in the fight for complete, actionable, and scalable performance accuracy? Advertisers, will you accept nothing less than clear, consistent measurement driven by outcomes with EMARKETER Inc.? You've read 0 of 2 free articles this month. Get more articles - create your free account today!
Influencer trend report: august 2026. Article authors: Kenzie Callahan A raccoon named Jimothy. The word "chic." Neither came from a brand, and both took over the internet this month. August's biggest wins prove audiences want conviction, and the brands paying attention are the ones trusting creators to deliver it. Top august 2026 trends. Three obsessions took over the internet this month: opinionated "worth the money" lists, a lovable raccoon named Jimothy, and the word "chic." Each trend proves audiences reward conviction over polish, with "chic things to do" searches up more than +1,000% on TikTok. Brands earn attention by giving audiences permission to have an opinion, not by handing them one. Creator Economy Live 2026 recap. Ovative was on the ground at Creator Economy Live in New York City, where the biggest signal was clear: creators are quietly powering search, discovery, and retention. 74% of Gen Z now searches TikTok before Google, and no single post is carrying a brand anymore. The best takeaway from the event said it plainly: if it can't fit on one page, it's too much for a creator to retain. Fall 2026 fashion forecast. Pinterest's fall data shows three specific outfit codes leading the charge: Polished Prep, Sport Social Club, and Scarf Situation. Search volume is soaring across all three, and the brands showing up now are setting the pace instead of chasing it. The call for influencer content ownership. Three creators called out the same thing this month: brands ask for "authentic," then hand over briefs that make it impossible. Ovative turned that insight into a test, loosening creative control for a client who saw engagement jump +188% MoM. Creator ownership is what makes content feel native. In this report. Ovative's influencer marketing experts break down the trends shaping performance this month. In this report, you'll find: * The trends taking over the feed right now * The Creator Economy Live takeaways worth building into your next brief * The three fall fashion outfit codes leading search volume on Pinterest * How one Ovative client shifted its creative brief and grew engagement +188% MoM ARTICLE AUTHOR * Kenzie Callahan Sr. Analyst, Influencer Known for her urgent optimism and disciplined approach, Kenzie is a Senior Influencer Marketing Analyst at Ovative Group, where she helps brands connect authentically with creators and audiences. Always scanning social and cultural trends, she pushes campaigns forward season after season - reimagining how influencers can grow with brands and drive lasting impact.
Ovative marks ninth straight year on Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies. Article authors: Ovative Group MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. August 11th, 2026 - For the ninth year in a row, Ovative Group has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies with 39% three-year revenue growth. This achievement extends a streak that puts Ovative among a small group of companies that make the list more than once, let alone nine times. "Nine years on this list is a reflection of the world-class growth we've achieved and a result of the great results we drive for our clients every day. Thank you to each of our clients for your trust and partnership." said Dale Nitschke, CEO and Founder of Ovative. That client-first approach was on display this year with impact delivered for brands like Aerie. For their "The REAL Ones" bra campaign, they wanted a campaign focused on cementing and extending brand's trust with key audiences. Ovative built a media strategy around where confidence gets tested throughout a woman's day, that drove a two-year high in brand awareness and earned Ovative and Aerie a joint "Best Use of Out of Home" win at ADWEEK's Media Plan of the Year awards. Ovative has continued investing in this client-first culture throughout its growth streak. This year marketed the opening of a new office at 111 N Canal in the West Loop that quadrupled its Chicago footprint. The space was built for team collaboration as the Chicago team surpassed 100 employees, proof that the firm's investment in talent is keeping pace with its growth. The firm has continued to build out technology for client impact as well. EMRge(TM), its proprietary marketing intelligence platform, was built to help clients understand and drive Enterprise Marketing Return (EMR), the true business impact of their marketing across revenue, customer growth, and brand. More than 90% of Ovative's clients now run on EMRge(TM), using it to see clearly what's driving results and to act faster, the same client impact the firm's culture has always been built to deliver. With smarter platforms, faster data, and AI reshaping what execution looks like, the market around Ovative has changed fast. What hasn't changed is Ovative's focus on driving client outcomes. That commitment has fueled the firm's growth since its founding in 2009, transforming it from a small startup into a national leader in marketing and measurement. Today, Ovative partners with some of the most recognized brands in retail, food and beverage, and beyond, including Polaris, Boost Mobile, Post Consumer Brands, Domino's, and American Eagle Outfitters. About Inc 5000 The Inc. 5000 ranks companies by percentage revenue growth over a three-year period, celebrating innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial excellence. Past honorees include household names such as Intuit, Zappos, and Patagonia. View the complete 2026 Inc. 5000 list here. About Ovative Group Ovative Group is an independent, full-funnel media, measurement, and creative firm. Leveraging deep industry expertise, the firm helps brands like Polaris, Boost Mobile, Post Consumer Brands, American Eagle Outfitters, Petco, and UnitedHealth Group transform their media, measurement, and creative programs. The result? Profitable growth that speaks for itself. Ovative doesn't just track data, it redefines success. Its proprietary marketing intelligence platform, EMRge(TM), helps businesses transform marketing into a driver of sustainable growth. Powered by Enterprise Marketing Return (EMR), Ovative's differentiated approach to holistic media buying, planning, and measurement, EMRge(TM) is the first marketing intelligence platform to measure businesses holistically. Ovative is all about raising the bar every day, and it shows. Its work has been recognized by organizations like AdWeek, Digiday, Google, Meta, Inc. 5000, and USA Today. For more information about Ovative, visit its website or follow Ovative on Instagram or LinkedIn. For media inquiries, please contact: Courtney Stoesz Sr. Manager of Brand Marketing and Events [email protected] 715-307-2255 ARTICLE AUTHOR * Ovative Group Ovative Group is an independent, full-funnel media, measurement, and creative firm. Leveraging its deep industry expertise, Ovative Group help brands like Domino's, Facebook, The Home Depot, General Mills, Disney, and UnitedHealth Group transform their media and measurement programs. The result? Profitable growth that speaks for itself.
Ovative Group wins 2026 AMA Chicago Palmer Award for Engagement. "Launching Cinnamon Pebbles with High-Impact Social " earns top honors in the engagement category. Chicago, Illinois-(Newsfile Corp. - June 24, 2026) - The American Marketing Association Chicago (AMA Chicago) announced that Ovative Group has received a 2026 Palmer Marketing Award in the Engagement category. The award was presented during the Palmer Marketing Awards celebration held June 16 at the House of Blues Chicago. The Palmer Marketing Awards recognize marketing campaigns that demonstrate exceptional creativity, innovation and measurable results. In a rare tie, Ovative Group earned top honors in the Engagement category for its campaign, "Launching Cinnamon Pebbles(TM) with High-Impact Social," a campaign recognized for leveraging social media to generate audience excitement, participation and measurable engagement. "The judges were impressed by the campaign's ability to capture attention and create meaningful interactions through innovative social media strategies," said Chris McGuire, president of AMA Chicago. "Ovative Group demonstrated how creative audience engagement can translate into measurable success." Named for James L. Palmer, the first president of the Chicago chapter of the American Marketing Association, the Palmer Marketing Awards celebrate marketing excellence and recognize campaigns that push boundaries, elevate the profession and drive results. Rachel Cafferty and Jennifer Guido of Ovative Group accept a 2026 Palmer Marketing Award for Engagement President of AMA Chicago Chris McGuire presents Rachel Cafferty and Jennifer Guido of Ovative Group with a 2026 Palmer Marketing Award for Engagement About AMA Chicago AMA Chicago, the largest professional chapter in the American Marketing Association's North American network, provides ongoing development opportunities for marketers to expand knowledge, improve skills and grow careers through access to industry thought leaders and cutting-edge programming. Marketers from agencies, brands, small businesses, nonprofit organizations and consultancies are invited to join and connect with peers across industries. Learn more at amachicago.org. Ready to announce with confidence? Send us a message and a member of our TMX Newsfile team will contact you to discuss your needs.
Turning nostalgia into now across Meta and TikTok. Ovative developed a layered, cross-platform paid social strategy designed to earn attention and inspire interaction at every touchpoint. Rather than leaning on reach alone, the approach was built around quality of attention, pairing efficient scale with high-impact placements. The strategy activated Meta Reach campaigns for audience scale and TikTok Reach campaigns to connect with younger, highly engaged segments. TikTok Top Feed served as the campaign's launchpad, guaranteeing premium visibility right at launch, ensuring Cinnamon Pebbles(TM) showed up in exactly the right place at exactly the right moment. Creative strategy was equally intentional, with content designed to feel native and credible within each platform's feed. Relatable everyday scenarios like office routines and gaming sessions positioned Cinnamon Pebbles(TM) as a natural fit for modern adult life while keeping the playful, recognizable Pebbles(TM) identity intact. Creator-led assets added authenticity and cultural relevance. Boosted organic content rounded out the approach, amplifying posts that were already gaining traction. Together, this platform strategy and creative approach ensured Cinnamon Pebbles(TM) was impossible to scroll past. Impact. Pebbles(TM) nostalgia became Cinnamon Pebbles(TM) association. Prioritizing attention over passive scale paid off. Cinnamon Pebbles(TM) outperformed Pebbles(TM) core campaigns across every key engagement metric while holding efficiency steady, confirming the strategy earned genuine interest. TikTok Top Feed was the campaign's standout investment. The placement delivered outsized engagement and video completion rates that exceeded both Pebbles(TM) and TikTok's CPG benchmarks, validating the decision to lead with premium visibility at launch. Brand lift results added the most meaningful proof: lifts in ad recall and message association showed the campaign did not just reach its audience; it resonated with them. When consumers were asked to associate a cereal with cinnamon, Cinnamon Pebbles(TM) emerged as a top-of-mind choice. AMA Chicago awarded Ovative the "Engagement" award at its 2026 Palmer Awards, recognizing the outstanding performance its team drove for Cinnamon Pebbles(TM). By pairing Pebbles(TM) nostalgia with modern, platform-native creative and high-impact placements, Ovative helped Post Consumer Brands do more than introduce a new flavor. They made it one consumers noticed, remembered, and connected with. message association lift higher engagement rate than Pebbles(TM) core campaigns higher CTR than Pebbles(TM) core campaigns higher video completion rate than Pebbles(TM) core campaigns