Job Summary

This role will specialize in media strategy, media operations, media planning, and media buying, developing and executing integrated media strategies to drive measurable results and long-term client partnerships. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on campaign execution, media spend analysis, and client engagement to enhance paid media performance and customer retention across key accounts.

The Senior Media Strategist/Buyer will lead the development of comprehensive media strategies, oversee campaign execution, analyze media investments, and serve as a trusted advisor to clients through ongoing communication, reporting, and in-person meetings. It will champion a customer-centric approach, ensuring that campaigns are aligned with client objectives while maximizing performance, efficiency, and return on investment.

This position is a full-time, hybrid role, with the ideal candidate residing in/within reasonable commuting distance from the Fargo, ND office.

Essential Functions

• Develop, oversee, and present end-to-end media strategies and media plans, from initial planning through execution, optimization, and post-campaign analysis.
• Lead media mix strategy and budget allocation across multiple platforms and channels to achieve client goals.
• Analyze media spend and performance to optimize budget efficiency, pacing, and ROI, providing clear recommendations based on data-driven insights.
• Oversee campaign execution and ongoing optimizations for white-glove and key accounts, ensuring delivery, performance, and client expectations are met.
• Conduct in-depth campaign analysis and compile detailed monthly, quarterly, and ad hoc performance reports for clients of varying scale and complexity.
• Present campaign results, insights, and strategic recommendations to clients, including participation in in-person meetings focused on performance updates, optimization opportunities, and retention.
• Support client retention efforts by maintaining proactive communication, delivering strategic insights, and identifying opportunities to grow and strengthen client relationships.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, ad operations, analytics, and account teams to align media strategies with broader client and business objectives.
• Research the evolving media landscape, staying current on industry trends, emerging platforms, and best practices to inform strategy development.
• Assist with market research and audience analysis, including defining audience segments using Boolean logic and other targeting methodologies.
• Establish and maintain tracking parameters using GA4 and GTM to measure relevant user actions and campaign success.
• Utilize data visualization tools to translate complex performance data into clear, actionable insights for internal stakeholders and clients.
• Attend and present results for accounts, acting as a strategic media advisor.
• Support media relations initiatives by collaborating with internal teams and external partners to align placements and strategy.
• Demo advertising platforms for prospective self-service customers and assist self-service clients with campaign setup, management, and reporting.

Qualifications

• Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of experience in a client-facing media, digital advertising, or marketing role.
• Proven track record of developing media strategies, managing complex campaigns, optimizing performance, and delivering results aligned with client objectives.
• Strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate client objectives into effective media strategies.
• Advanced analytical skills with experience in media spend analysis, performance measurement, and optimization.
• Proficiency in data visualization and reporting, with the ability to present insights clearly and confidently.
• Experience defining and activating audience segments using Boolean logic and advanced targeting techniques.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace tools, especially Google Sheets and Google Slides.
• Excellent communication, presentation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong client relationship management skills with a focus on satisfaction, retention, and long-term growth.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is insurable by the company.
• Must carry an acceptable level of vehicle insurance as required by the company.

Expected compensation for this role is between $73,000 and $90,000/year, based on qualifications and experience.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Forum Communications Company is a family-owned media and technology leader with more than a century of delivering trusted, quality journalism and innovative business solutions. Storytelling is at the heart of who we are, but today, we’re so much more than a newspaper. As one of the Upper Midwest’s leading media organizations, we’re driving the future across print and digital news, sports streaming, technology, broadcasting, commercial printing, and full-service agency advertising.

Our teams are made up of passionate, purpose-driven people who thrive on collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement. Along with a competitive benefits package, you’ll find real opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact within a culture that celebrates ideas, values people, and knows how to have fun along the way. Come for the perks. Stay for the community.

Forum Communications Company offers the following to all Full-Time and 32-Hour Benefited employees:

• Health, dental, and vision packages
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Additional options for critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage
• Retirement benefits with company match
• Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. FCC currently does not offer employer sponsorship.