Director, Paid Media Strategy

Walker Sands; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

8 paid holidays

Wellness programs

401(k) with match

Sabbatical/long-service

Job summary

Walker Sands is seeking a Director, Paid Media Strategy to drive high-impact multi-channel programs. Hybrid work in Boston or Chicago, with remote candidates considered. Total compensation ranges from $100,000 to $113,000 annually.

You will lead media strategy, shape programmatic approaches, and align paid media with creative, analytics and sales outcomes, while mentoring a team and collaborating with senior clients.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience in media strategy and planning, including ownership of integrated, multichannel plans.
• Deep knowledge of programmatic buying and best practices, able to guide execution without daily buying.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including budget allocation and measuring media performance.
• 3+ years of people management, leading strategists or planners across accounts.
• Ability to connect paid media planning to creative, analytics, and sales outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-channel media strategy and planning aligned to client objectives.
• Translate briefs into actionable media plans and size addressable audiences.
• Shape programmatic strategy including DSP selection and data usage.
• Set budget allocations and assess tradeoffs between scale and efficiency.
• Build measurement frameworks linking media to pipeline and outcomes.
• Present plans and insights to senior clients and internal teams.
• Collaborate with activation, creative, and strategy teams to execute programs.
• Coach and develop media strategists and promote best practices.

Skills

7+ years media strategy

Programmatic buying

Analytical skills

People management

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Walker Sands is one of the fastest-growing integrated B2B marketing agencies in the world. We are looking for a high-impact Director, Paid Media Strategy to help fuel that continued growth. Total compensation for this role is expected to be between $100,000 - $113,000 per year.

As an agency, we exist to accelerate growth—for our clients, our people and the B2B industry. We partner with B2B technology and services companies, from high-growth Silicon Valley businesses to global Fortune 500 brands, to drive meaningful business results. At Walker Sands, curiosity sparks new ideas, collaboration makes the work stronger, and people are at the center of everything we do.

Walker Sands is looking for a talented Director, Paid Media Strategy to join our team in our Boston or Chicago offices - hybrid (highly-qualified remote candidates may also be considered).

What You Will Do (Responsibilities)

• Lead media strategy and planning across channels, defining audiences, channel roles, investment levels, sequencing and reach and frequency considerations based on client objectives and buying journeys.
• Translate client briefs and research into actionable media briefs and plans; size addressable audiences, evaluate opportunities and articulate why each recommendation belongs in the mix.
• Shape programmatic strategy with activation leads, including DSP and inventory selection, supply path quality, first- and third-party data, targeting, frequency, brand safety, measurement and the use of open exchange, PMP and programmatic guaranteed deals.
• Set budget allocation and scenario recommendations, including tradeoffs among scale, precision, efficiency and expected business impact; assess publisher-direct opportunities against programmatic alternatives.
• Build measurement frameworks with analytics and marketing operations partners that connect media signals to qualified demand, pipeline and other client business outcomes; interpret results and guide strategic changes.
• Present plans, performance implications and clear points of view to senior clients and internal stakeholders; serve as a trusted strategic partner on complex decisions and new business opportunities.
• Partner with activation, creative, integrated strategy and account teams to turn plans into executable programs; review execution against strategic intent, quality standards, budget pacing and client commitments without owning daily platform operation.
• Coach and develop media strategists, strengthen planning processes and standards, and bring emerging media opportunities and practical programmatic education to the broader team.

Non-Negotiables

• You crave candid feedback. You embrace it as a powerful tool for growth.
• You pursue excellence. You’re always learning, always sharing, always pushing to get better.
• You’re proactive. You don’t wait for direction; you bring ideas, solutions, and momentum.
• You’re collaborative. You make the work better by working well with others.
• You bring original thinking. You generate fresh, thoughtful ideas that push the work forward.
• You build trust quickly. You show professionalism, responsiveness, and reliability in every client interaction.
• You develop people. Coach, mentor, and create conditions for your team to grow.

What You Bring (Requirements)

• 7+ years of progressive experience in media strategy and planning, including substantial ownership of integrated, multichannel plans and client recommendations; B2B or long-cycle demand generation experience strongly preferred.
• Deep working knowledge of programmatic buying and best practices. You can direct and challenge execution without being the day-to-day buyer.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including advanced spreadsheet modeling, audience sizing, budget allocation and interpretation of media and business performance.
• 3+ years of progressive people management experience, plus a strong record leading senior client conversations, developing strategists or planners, and making decisions across multiple accounts and workstreams.
• Ability to connect paid media planning to creative, analytics, marketing operations and sales outcomes. Familiarity with B2B platforms and account-based approaches is a plus; no specific platform certification is required.

What We Offer (Compensation + Benefits)

• Starting Salary: $100,000 - $113,000
• Base salary is only a part of the total rewards package. Placement on the salary scale will be determined by a variety of factors to ensure internal equity.
• Starting salaries are not inclusive of a full range of compensation for this role and are instead meant to reflect the expected beginning salary for a new hire. Merit-based increases can be earned after time in role.
• Bonus Potential: This role will be eligible for a bonus based on company performance.
• Growth Opportunities: Clear career paths, mentorship programs, and learning events to help you grow professionally.
• Flexible PTO and Hybrid Work: Take time as needed for vacations, mental health, or personal days. Includes 8 paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and a week off between Christmas and New Year.
• Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans. Mental health resources, pet insurance, and more.
• Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 401(k) and access to financial planning services.
• Additional Protection: Life insurance, disability coverage, and other benefits that provide added financial security.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free, confidential support for you and your household, including counseling, mental health resources, and help navigating life’s everyday challenges.
• Family Support: Paid leave for new parents and caregivers, plus policies for fertility treatment, pregnancy loss, adoption challenges, and more.
• Performance & Coaching: Regular performance reviews, clear goal-setting, and ongoing coaching to help you understand expectations, grow your skills, and make progress in your career.
• Milestone Sabbatical: Celebrate five years with a two-week sabbatical and a $2,000 gift.
• Community & Belonging: Employee resource groups, volunteer opportunities, and programs designed to build connection across the agency.

We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. As an equal opportunity employer Walker Sands is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes everyone to our team.