Senior Associate, Programmatic

WPP Media; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Hybrid work model

Paid time off

Job summary

Mindshare in Chicago seeks a Senior Associate to support programmatic media planning and activation across leading DSPs. You will implement client objectives, manage budgets, and optimize campaigns while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The role offers exposure to DV360, The Trade Desk, ad tech platforms, and a path to leadership of entry-level teammates in a collaborative, hybrid environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional work experience.
• 1+ years in Programmatic, Paid Search, Paid Social, Ad Ops, Digital Analytics or Digital Planning.
• Familiarity with programmatic platforms and basic Excel proficiency.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Translate client objectives into programmatic activation strategy.
• Manage campaigns in DV360, The Trade Desk and other DSPs, ensure pacing and KPI alignment.
• Own budget management, billing, and trafficking processes.
• Maintain reports and conduct ad-hoc performance analysis.
• Collaborate with digital account teams across planning, investment, operations, and analytics.
• Work with publishers to negotiate and optimize programmatic deals.

Skills

Programmatic strategy

DV360

The Trade Desk

Campaign optimization

Budget management

Excel

Analytics

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Business/Analytics/Marketing/Advertising

Tools

DV360

The Trade Desk

Ad Servers

DMPs

Third-Party Verification tools

Job description

About WPP Media

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.

About Mindshare: A Leading WPP Media Brand

This role is within Mindshare, a leading brand within WPP Media, where you will be instrumental in driving Good Growth for clients and all stakeholders through intentional media strategies.

Role Summary & Impact

As a Senior Associate, you will support teams responsible for creating and executing programmatic media plans using industry-leading media technology platforms. In this role, you will gain exposure to emerging digital media technologies, publishers, and programmatic strategies that will help create a valuable foundation for a career in digital media. Senior Associates are also typically responsible for managing entry-level team members.

Skills And Experience

• Implement client campaign objectives into programmatic activation strategies, including building audiences and sourcing relevant inventory opportunities.
• Manage campaigns within DV360, The Trade Desk, and other relevant DSPs, by ensuring budgets are pacing effectively and tactics are being optimized towards relevant objectives and KPIs.
• Own operational tasks including budget management, billing and campaign creative trafficking.
• Maintain reports and conduct ad-hoc analysis to identify opportunities for campaign improvement and ensure stakeholders are kept informed on performance.
• Build relationships and own communication with members of the broader digital account teams including planning, investment, operations and analytics.
• Work with publishers to implement, troubleshoot and optimize programmatic deals to help secure access to high-quality media inventory.
• Develop technical skillsets in the utilization of relevant digital ad technology platforms, including Ad Servers, DMPs and Third-Party Verification tools.
• Train, onboard, manage the day-to-day responsibilities, and review the work of entry-level direct reports.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising; OR equivalent professional work experience.
• 1+ Years working within Programmatic, Paid Search, Paid Social, Ad Operations, Digital Analytics or Digital Planning.
• Familiarity with key programmatic or digital media platforms.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written skills, and a detail-oriented mindset.
• Strong analytical abilities and quantitative skills.

Life At WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising. We Create an Open environment built 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 events showcasing team 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 when we’re together, 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.

Please read our Privacy Notice https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy for more information on how we process the information you provide.

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

Please read our Privacy Notice https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy for more information on how we process the information you provide.