DS+CO is a full-service agency that challenges our clients to get clear. Because data, content and creativity are only as good as the problem they solve. We help make sure it's the right one. We help brands move fast enough to stay ahead, yet smart enough to stay grounded. Agile and enduring: That’s our kind of progress.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Associate Media Director leads integrated media strategy across a portfolio of clients, ensuring digital, traditional, and emerging channels work together to drive measurable business outcomes. As a senior member of the Media team and a people leader, you serve as a primary escalation point while guiding strategy, strengthening execution, and supporting team growth.

In this role, you translate client goals into insight driven media plans, oversee budget stewardship and performance optimization, and partner closely with Account, Strategy, Creative, and Analytics to deliver cohesive, high performing programs. You elevate standards across planning and measurement while mentoring media team members to think strategically, execute with precision, and continuously improve.

Success in this role looks like clear, focused media strategies, strong cross functional collaboration, consistent performance gains, and a team that is confident, accountable, and growing.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client Strategy and Leadership

• Lead the development of integrated, multi channel media strategies aligned with client objectives and business outcomes
• Serve as a senior media lead and escalation point for assigned accounts 
• Present strategies, performance insights, and recommendations that support informed client decision making
• Ensure media plans are grounded in audience insights, clear measurement frameworks, and defined KPIs

Campaign Oversight and Performance Management

• Direct planning, buying, budget allocation, and optimization across digital, traditional, and programmatic channels
• Partner with Analytics to design testing approaches and translate results into actionable recommendations
• Maintain oversight of pacing, performance trends, and budget stewardship to ensure accountability and impact
• Uphold high standards for documentation, quality assurance, and execution across campaigns

Cross Functional Collaboration and Innovation

• Collaborate with Account, Creative, Strategy, and Analytics teams to align media plans with broader brand and campaign initiatives
• Maintain strong vendor and platform relationships while identifying emerging opportunities, tools, and technologies
• Monitor industry trends and evolving channel dynamics to inform strategic recommendations
• Contribute to the refinement of media processes, workflows, and internal standards

Team Leadership and Development

• Mentor and develop media planners, buyers, coordinators, and specialists
• Provide clear direction, feedback, and coaching to strengthen strategic thinking and execution
• Support workload planning, skill development, and professional growth across the media team
• Model DS+CO’s values of Curiosity, Community, and Courage in leadership and decision making

•  6 to 8 plus years of media planning and buying experience across digital and or traditional channels
• Demonstrated experience leading complex, multi channel media programs and managing significant budgets
• Proven experience mentoring or managing media team members
• Strong understanding of media strategy, audience development, measurement, and optimization
• Experience guiding performance analysis and translating insights into actionable recommendations
• Experience with key media platforms such as Google Ads, GMP, Meta, DSPs, Strata, Nielsen, and Comscore
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem solving skills in a fast paced environment
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to clearly articulate strategy and results
• Familiarity with attribution models, tracking technologies, and analytics platforms
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, communications, business, or related field preferred
• Comfort leveraging AI tools and emerging technologies to improve efficiency and workflow effectiveness 

Nice-to-have

•  Experience supporting agency new business efforts or pitch participation
• Advanced experience in programmatic media or sophisticated measurement methodologies
• Experience piloting or implementing new media technologies or automation tools
• Familiarity with AI enabled planning, reporting, or optimization solutions 

WHY DS+CO?

We understand that our differences bring richness to our work and change to our communities, and we empower our people to share their passions, talents and ideas. We're committed to fairness and inclusion - staying true to our core values of curiosity, community, and courage and creating spaces where everyone is heard and respected.

PERKS AND BENEFITS:

• Flexible hybrid work environment
• Comprehensive benefits to meet your needs
• Progressive PTO that allows you to take the time you need when you need it
• Professional development opportunities to keep you growing
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion learning and support for everyone
• Opportunities to create an impact in the communities we serve

FAIRNESS & INCLUSION

At DS+CO, we believe our collective differences bring depth to our work and encourage change in our communities. Through our core values of courage, community and curiosity, we’re committed to fairness and inclusion—creating spaces where everyone belongs. Because change comes from those who push for progress.

Learn more about us at our website !