Head of Programmatic & YouTube Activation

Mindshare; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

WPP Media in the United States is seeking an Associate Director, Media Activation to lead cross-channel biddable media programs, with emphasis on Programmatic and YouTube, while supporting Paid Social. You will bridge day-to-day activation with broader media strategy, mentor junior team members, and collaborate with analytics, strategy, and creative teams to drive client performance.

You will play a key role in driving integrated media strategies, identifying opportunities for optimization and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of experience in biddable media activation, with a strong background in Programmatic and YouTube advertising.
• Hands-on experience with The Trade Desk (TTD), DV360, and Google Ads/YouTube.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of Programmatic and YouTube strategies, while supporting integrated Paid Social and broader biddable media initiatives.
• Oversee campaign activation across Programmatic Display, Video, CTV, YouTube, Paid Social, and other emerging digital channels.
• Provide strategic recommendations, performance insights, and proactive optimization opportunities to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Bridge day-to-day activation with broader media planning and strategy to ensure campaigns align with client business objectives.
• Partner with analytics and measurement teams to establish KPIs, evaluate campaign performance, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Identify testing and innovation opportunities across audience targeting, platform capabilities, automation, and emerging advertising technologies.
• Oversee campaign execution, pacing, optimization, quality assurance, and budget management to ensure operational excellence.
• Provide hands-on guidance and oversight to junior team members, helping troubleshoot campaigns and maintain activation best practices.
• Collaborate with media partners, ad technology platforms, publishers, and internal stakeholders to identify new opportunities and improve campaign performance.
• Develop and implement best practices and processes that improve campaign effectiveness and team productivity.
• Support cross-functional collaboration with strategy, investment, analytics, and creative teams.
• Mentor and develop team members through coaching, technical guidance, and leadership.
• Keep senior leadership informed of key client opportunities, performance trends, potential risks, and strategic recommendations.

Skills

Programmatic Strategy

YouTube Advertising

Client-facing

Team Leadership

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree required

Tools

The Trade Desk (TTD)

DV360

Google Ads/YouTube

Job description

WPP Media in the United States is seeking an Associate Director, Media Activation to lead cross-channel biddable media programs, with emphasis on Programmatic and YouTube, while supporting Paid Social. You will bridge day-to-day activation with broader media strategy, mentor junior team members, and collaborate with analytics, strategy, and creative teams to drive client performance.

You will play a key role in driving integrated media strategies, identifying opportunities for optimization and