Senior Associate, Media Activation

WPP Media Limited; Los Angeles (CA); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive medical

Vision & dental insurance

Significant PTO

Retirement plans

Partner discounts

Mental health days

Job summary

WPP Media in Los Angeles is seeking a Senior Associate within Media Activation to support paid search and programmatic campaigns. You will collaborate with planning, analytics, ad operations, and other activation teams to deliver campaigns that meet client objectives and performance goals.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with Google Ads, The Trade Desk, or DV360, is curious, collaborative, and eager to continue developing media activation expertise.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in paid search, programmatic media, digital activation, media buying, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with Google Ads, The Trade Desk, DV360.
• Experience supporting campaign setup, trafficking, optimization, pacing, and performance reporting.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and comfort working with numbers, statistics, and performance data.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with planning, analytics, ad operations, and activation partners.
• Curiosity and willingness to ask thoughtful questions, learn new platforms, and deepen technical knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Support the planning, execution, optimization, and reporting of paid search and programmatic media campaigns.
• Activate campaigns across platforms such as Google Ads, The Trade Desk, and DV360.
• Translate media plans and client objectives into accurate campaign builds, targeting strategies, and platform settings.
• Conduct keyword, audience, competitive, and marketplace research to inform campaign recommendations.
• Monitor campaign pacing, budgets, delivery, and performance against established KPIs.
• Analyze platform and campaign data to identify trends, optimization opportunities, and areas for improved performance.
• Make campaign adjustments related to bidding, budgets, targeting, audiences, keywords, placements, and other activation levers.
• Develop clear performance updates, reports, and actionable insights for internal teams.
• Collaborate with planning, analytics, ad operations, and other activation teams to support integrated campaign execution.

Skills

Paid search

Programmatic media

Google Ads

The Trade Desk

DV360

Excel

Analytical mindset

Cross-functional collaboration

Campaign optimization

Job description

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by ourpioneeringagentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth.

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

As a Senior Associate within Media Activation, you will support the planning, execution, optimization, and reporting of paid search and programmatic media campaigns.

You will collaborate closely with planning, analytics, ad operations, and other activation teams to deliver campaigns that support client business objectives and performance goals. You will also have opportunities to participate in client status meetings, contribute campaign insights, and help Associates strengthen their platform and organizational skills.

The ideal candidate brings hands‑on experience with Google Ads, The Trade Desk, or DV360 and is curious, accountable, collaborative, and eager to continue developing their media activation expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning, execution, optimization, and reporting of paid search and programmatic media campaigns.
• Activate campaigns across platforms such as Google Ads, The Trade Desk, and DV360.
• Translate media plans and client objectives into accurate campaign builds, targeting strategies, and platform settings.
• Conduct keyword, audience, competitive, and marketplace research to inform campaign recommendations.
• Monitor campaign pacing, budgets, delivery, and performance against established KPIs.
• Analyze platform and campaign data to identify trends, optimization opportunities, and areas for improved performance.
• Make campaign adjustments related to bidding, budgets, targeting, audiences, keywords, placements, and other activation levers.
• Develop clear performance updates, reports, and actionable insights for internal teams.
• Collaborate with planning, analytics, ad operations, and other activation teams to support integrated campaign execution.
• Participate in internal meetings and contribute to recurring client status updates as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate campaign trackers, media documentation, budget records, and billing information.
• Perform campaign quality assurance to ensure builds, budgets, targeting, tracking, and creative assets are implemented correctly.
• Stay current on platform updates, media trends, emerging technology, and evolving search and programmatic capabilities.
• Provide Associates with guidance on campaign organization, platform execution, and established activation processes.
• Use approved tools and technology to support research, quality assurance, brainstorming, and workflow efficiency.

Skills & Experience

• 2+ years of relevant experience in paid search, programmatic media, digital activation, media buying, or a related field.
• Hands‑on experience with at least one of the following platforms:
  • Google Ads
  • The Trade Desk
  • DV360
• Google Ads experience is strongly preferred.
• Experience supporting campaign setup, trafficking, optimization, pacing, and performance reporting.
• Understanding of paid search and programmatic campaign fundamentals.
• Ability to interpret campaign data and translate findings into clear recommendations.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and comfort working with numbers, statistics, and performance data.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly when managing campaigns across multiple platforms and workflows.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and complete work accurately within established deadlines.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with planning, analytics, ad operations, and activation partners.
• Curiosity and willingness to ask thoughtful questions, learn new platforms, and deepen technical knowledge.
• Accountability, adaptability, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Working knowledge of productivity technology and AI-supported workflows is a plus, but is secondary to hands‑on platform experience.

What You’ll Bring

• A genuine interest in media, advertising, digital marketing, technology, and performance-driven campaign activation.
• An analytical mindset and enthusiasm for using data to solve problems and improve campaign outcomes.
• A growth mindset with the ability to learn from both successes and challenges.
• A collaborative approach that supports open communication, inclusion, and respect.
• A willingness to take ownership, remain flexible, and continuously improve.
• A team-oriented working style and the ability to build positive relationships with cross-functional partners.

What You’ll Gain

• Hands‑on experience across both paid search and programmatic media.
• Opportunities to strengthen your expertise within Google Ads and expand your experience across The Trade Desk and DV360.
• Experience collaborating with planning, analytics, ad operations, and other media activation teams.
• Opportunities to contribute to client updates and build confidence communicating campaign insights.
• The ability to support and guide Associates while continuing to develop toward future media activation leadership opportunities.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment toBe Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We alsoLead Optimistically,firmly believingin andChampioning Growth and Developmentfor every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees toleveragethe extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at thecutting edgeof marketing and advertising. WeCreate an Open environmentbuilt on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office eventsshowcasingteam wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens whenwe'retogether, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment.That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.

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The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, go to https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome for more details.

US Pay Range

$45,000 - $90,000 USD

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