Sr. Programmatic Trader

Neptune Ops LLC; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Neptune Ops LLC in Washington, DC is seeking a Sr. Programmatic Trader to lead programmatic ad trading across multiple DSPs and client portfolios.

You will guide senior client relationships, forecast campaigns, and optimize audience strategies to maximize advocacy and performance. The role requires 4–6+ years in digital/programmatic advertising, deep DSP experience, and the ability to work in a hybrid Washington, DC office at least three days per week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with 4+ years in digital programmatic advertising.
• Experience running campaigns across major DSPs (Basis, Simpli.fi, StackAdapt, Amazon DSP, Trade Desk).
• Proven ability to manage senior client relationships and lead strategy discussions.

Responsibilities

• Lead programmatic ad trading strategy and execution across a portfolio of client accounts across DSPs.
• Serve as senior client relationship lead, conducting quarterly reviews and strategic conversations.
• Own campaign forecasting, budget planning, and media plan development with clients and teams.
• Oversee audience segmentation and optimization to maximize advocacy and performance.
• Review and approve campaign setup, QA, pacing, and reporting for accuracy.
• Translate performance data into strategic narratives for clients and stakeholders.
• Manage relationships with DSP partners and pilot new platforms and AI tools.
• Mentor Ad Traders and Jr. Ad Traders on execution and platform expertise.
• Identify growth opportunities within accounts and contribute to new business pitches.

Skills

Programmatic advertising

Client management

Mentoring

Analytics

AI tools

Canva

Asana

Budgeting & forecasting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Digital Advertising

Tools

Basis

Simpli.fi

StackAdapt

Amazon DSP

The Trade Desk

Job description

Sr. Programmatic Trader

Neptune Ops LLC Washington, District of Columbia, United States

About this position

About Neptune Ops LLC

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.

What you'll do:

• Lead programmatic ad trading strategy and execution across an assigned portfolio of client accounts, spanning display, online video, connected TV, digital audio, digital out-of-home, and native formats within DSPs such as Basis, Simpli.fi, StackAdapt, Amazon DSP, and Trade Desk
• Serve as the senior client relationship lead for assigned accounts, leading client calls, quarterly reviews, and strategic campaign conversations as a trusted advisor
• Own campaign forecasting, budget planning, and media plan development in partnership with clients and account teams
• Oversee complex audience segmentation, targeting, and optimization strategies to maximize advocacy impact and performance
• Review and approve campaign setup, QA, pacing, and reporting completed by Ad Traders and Jr. Ad Traders, ensuring accuracy and quality across the book of business
• Translate performance data into high-level strategic narratives and recommendations for client leadership and internal stakeholders
• Manage relationships with DSP partners and platform representatives; evaluate and pilot new platforms, formats, and AI-driven trading tools
• Manage, mentor, train, and develop Ad Traders and Jr. Ad Traders on trading execution, client communication, and platform expertise
• Identify growth and expansion opportunities within existing client accounts and contribute to new business proposals and pitches
• Maintain deep knowledge of political advertising compliance requirements (e.g., disclosure/disclaimer rules, FEC and state regulations) and ensure campaigns adhere to relevant standards
• Lead digital advocacy campaign strategy end-to-end, from planning through reporting
• Champion the adoption of AI-driven marketing tools and best practices across the trading team
• Manage department objectives, initiatives, and special projects
• Provide coverage and support for the Sr. Director
• Any and all other duties as may be required of the position

What we're looking for:

• Bachelor's degree and 4-6+ years of experience in digital/programmatic advertising, including direct client relationship management responsibilities, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Extensive, hands-on expertise running and optimizing programmatic campaigns across major DSPs (Basis, Simpli.fi, StackAdapt, Amazon DSP, Trade Desk, or related)
• Demonstrated success effectively communicating with and serving as a senior point of contact for internal and external clients, including leading strategic conversations, presenting to senior stakeholders, and managing account growth
• Experience mentoring or managing junior team members
• Strong command of design (e.g., Canva) and project management tools (e.g., Asana)
• Advanced analytical and spreadsheet skills for budgeting, forecasting, and campaign performance analysis
• Proven ability to manage a portfolio of accounts and campaigns simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Deep understanding of and experience applying AI tools across trading, research, and client reporting
• Strong understanding of 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 $110,000-125,000. 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 an MBO incentive plan based on margin performance across advertising trading platforms.

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.

The pay range for this role is:
110,000 - 125,000 USD per year(Washington, DC)