Media Planner

G&S Business Communications, a G&S Agency; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

G&S Business Communications in Chicago is seeking a Media Planner to develop research-based media strategies and plans that align with client goals. You will lead cross-channel campaigns, coordinate with account, creative, and digital teams, and prepare media briefs, flowcharts, and presentations to secure client alignment.

The role emphasizes strong analytical skills, proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint, and the ability to translate insights into tactical recommendations, negotiations with

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of professional experience in media planning and cross-channel campaign development.
• Experience with traditional and digital paid media channels.
• Understanding of media math, reach and frequency, and audience research.
• Ability to present strategic media recommendations to clients and internal teams.
• Proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint for data analysis and reporting.
• Strong communication and project management skills.
• Ability to manage budgets and deadlines across multiple campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Develop research-based media strategies informed by objectives and trends.
• Lead media research and analysis to inform planning decisions.
• Create cross-channel plans and tactical recommendations with presentations.
• Develop measurement frameworks and KPIs aligned with client expectations.
• Collaborate with activation teams to negotiate placements and support execution.
• Prepare media buying specifications and review insertion orders.
• Maintain organized media files, project docs, and time records.
• Support campaign reporting and performance recaps.

Skills

Media planning

Client management

Budget oversight

Excel

PowerPoint

Analytics

Campaign development

Cross-channel

Communication

Organization

Tools

Advantage

Job description

The Media Planner develops research-based media strategies and recommendations that align with client business goals and campaign objectives. This role is responsible for creating media plans, channel strategies, tactical recommendations, measurement frameworks, and supporting materials, including media briefs, presentations, and flowcharts. The Media Planner provides strategic guidance to clients and account teams and collaborates across disciplines to ensure paid media campaigns are effectively integrated across traditional and digital channels in accordance with agency best practices.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop research-based media strategies and recommendations informed by client objectives, audience insights, competitive analysis, and media trends.
• Lead media research and analysis for assigned clients, leveraging agency tools and industry resources to inform planning decisions.
• Develop measurement frameworks that establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and align campaign objectives with client expectations.
• Create cross-channel media plans, channel strategies, tactical recommendations, and presentations to support client alignment and approval.
• Develop agency points of view (POVs) and recommendations on emerging media opportunities, supported by research and strategic rationale.
• Collaborate with media activation and digital teams to develop tactical media recommendations, negotiate placements, and support campaign execution.
• Research and evaluate media vendors and publishers, request and review proposals, and negotiate rates, targeting, placements, and added value.
• Create and maintain media flowcharts, plans, and budgets, ensuring accuracy and alignment with approved strategies.
• Prepare media buying specifications and review insertion orders to ensure accurate communication and execution of approved media plans.

Campaign Coordination & Execution

• Collaborate with account, creative, digital, and media activation teams to support integrated communications campaigns.
• Coordinate creative specifications, deliverables, and deadlines with internal teams and external partners.
• Prepare detailed trafficking worksheets and coordinate creative asset delivery as needed.
• Monitor project timelines, communicate priorities, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to support timely campaign execution.
• Support campaign reporting and performance analysis recaps, ensuring results are evaluated against approved measurement frameworks and KPIs.

Client Relationships & Operational Support

• Build and maintain effective client relationships through regular communication, collaboration, and timely responses to requests.
• Support media reconciliation, invoicing accuracy, and budget tracking in collaboration with internal teams.
• Maintain organized and accurate media files, project documentation, and time records in agency systems, including Advantage.
• Participate in professional development opportunities, including training, industry events, and client meetings, as needed.

Skills & Qualifications:

• 2–3 years of professional experience in media planning, including cross-channel campaign development, client relationship management, and budget oversight.
• Working knowledge of traditional and digital paid media channels, planning practices, and emerging media trends.
• Understanding of media planning fundamentals, including media math, reach and frequency, audience research, market analysis, measurement, and reporting.
• Ability to develop and clearly present strategic media recommendations, campaign plans, and supporting rationale to clients and internal teams.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint, including the ability to organize, analyze, and communicate data effectively.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret research, evaluate opportunities, and make informed recommendations.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities, budgets, and deadlines across multiple campaigns.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with stakeholders, present information clearly, and respond constructively to feedback.
• Ability to work collaboratively across account, creative, digital, and media activation teams.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing media plans for agriculture or B2B clients.
• Experience supporting or executing paid influencer campaigns.