Programmatic Trader

Neptune Ops; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 57,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary time off

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Job summary

Neptune Ops in Washington, DC is seeking a hands-on Programmatic Trader to own day-to-day trading execution and optimization for a book of client accounts.

You will serve as the primary client contact, communicate campaign status and performance, and collaborate with creative and analytics teams to drive measurable results. This is a hybrid, full-time role with a base salary in the $80k–$95k range and bonus eligibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 2+ years in digital/programmatic advertising.
• Experience running and optimizing programmatic campaigns.
• Strong client-facing communication and presentation of performance data.
• Experience with Canva or related creative tools.
• Proficient in project management tools like Asana.

Responsibilities

• Plan, build, launch, and manage full-funnel programmatic ad campaigns across multiple formats.
• Own operations: setup, tagging, QA, pacing, reporting, and optimization.
• Develop audience segmentation and targeting strategies for clients.
• Serve as primary contact for assigned client accounts and communicate campaign status and recommendations.
• Prepare performance reports and dashboards for clients, translating data into actionable insights.
• Manage budgets, billing reconciliation, and pacing for on-time delivery.
• Collaborate with creative and content teams to align assets with strategy.
• Monitor DSP platform updates and AI-driven marketing developments.

Skills

Programmatic advertising

Client communication

Data analysis

Canva

Asana

Budgeting

Campaign optimization

AI tools

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Basis

Simpli.fi

Amazon DSP

Trade Desk

Canva

Asana

Job description

Neptune Ops is the AI-native influence operating system. We build and deploy the most advanced digital tools to drive outcomes in public affairs, enterprise, and other precision advertising campaigns across the country. We help our clients avoid the pitfalls of technology disruptions, and capitalize on the opportunities created by these changes.

As our company continues to grow, you’ll be the critical link between our media trading desk and our clients combining hands-on programmatic execution with exceptional client service to drive measurable results. This role owns day to day trading execution and optimization for a book of client accounts and serves as a primary point of contact for those clients and internal stakeholders on campaign status, performance, and strategy from planning through delivery.

What you'll do:

• Plan, build, launch, and manage full-funnel programmatic ad trading campaigns across display, online video, connected TV, digital audio, digital out-of-home, and native formats within DSPs such as Basis, Simpli.fi, Amazon DSP, and Trade Desk
• Own campaign trading operations end-to-end including platform setup, tagging, QA, pacing, reporting, and optimization to ensure accurate delivery against KPIs and budget
• Build and manage audience segmentation and targeting strategies to advance client advocacy objectives
• Serve as a primary day-to-day point of contact for assigned client accounts, accurately communicating campaign status, performance, and recommendations directly to clients via phone, email, and other channels
• Prepare and present performance reports and dashboards directly to clients, translating data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations
• Manage campaign budgets, billing reconciliation, and pacing to ensure accurate, on-time delivery
• Collaborate with creative and content teams to ensure assets align with campaign strategy and are deployed accurately and on schedule
• Monitor DSP platform updates, industry trends, and AI-driven marketing developments, applying new capabilities to improve client campaign performance
• Conduct audience and market research using leading AI models and other tools to inform trading strategy
• Manage all aspects of client digital advocacy campaigns, including strategy, execution, and reporting
• Provide guidance and QA support to Jr. Programmatic Traders on trading execution and client-ready reporting
• Any and all other duties as may be required of the position

What we're looking for:

• Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of experience in digital/programmatic advertising with direct client-facing responsibilities, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Proven track record independently running and optimizing programmatic advertising campaigns (Basis, StackAdapt, Simpli.fi, Amazon DSP, Trade Desk, or related)
• Demonstrated experience communicating directly with clients presenting performance data, fielding questions, and making strategic recommendations
• Experience with Canva, design, or related creative tools
• Comfort and prior experience using project management tools such as Asana
• Strong analytical and spreadsheet skills for budgeting, pacing, and campaign data analysis
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple client accounts and campaigns simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to apply AI tools across trading, research, and reporting workflows
• Understanding of and interest in federal and state political environments and political advertising compliance
• Must be located in (or willing to relocate to) the Washington, DC metro area and able to work in person in our Washington, DC office at least three days per week

This is a hybrid, full-time benefits eligible position located in our Washington, DC office. Neptune Ops provides a robust suite of benefits including: discretionary time off, health, dental, vision, mental health, pet, and legal insurance as well as 401(k) match, sick time, holiday pay, and paid time off for bereavement and jury duty. The anticipated base salary range for this position is $80,000-95,000. Base compensation is determined by many factors including: geography, the candidate’s skills, experience, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for our annual discretionary bonus program.

Neptune Ops is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.