📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Account Director, Programmatic Sales & Partnerships
🔹 Company: NBCUniversal
🔹 Location: Chicago, IL
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (3 days on-site)
🔹 Category: Sales & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with hybrid option
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving multi-hundred million dollar programmatic revenue and upfront digital budgets
- Managing OTT and Connected TV programmatic campaigns
- Serving as a subject matter expert and evangelist on programmatic business trends
- Prospecting and driving new demand through Private Marketplace and Programmatic Guaranteed activation methods
- Collaborating with internal teams to manage deal health and optimize revenue opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the programmatic media ecosystem, with a focus on video and OTT sales. The ideal candidate will have experience working with various inventory ad formats, devices, and buying models.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Deliver against multi-hundred million dollar programmatic revenue and upfront digital budgets
✅ Create, execute, and manage OTT and Connected TV programmatic campaigns
✅ Serve as a subject matter expert and evangelist on programmatic business trends, best practices, ad technologies, and NBCU specific capabilities
✅ Prospect and drive new demand and revenue through Private Marketplace and Programmatic Guaranteed activation methods
✅ Lead programmatic selling efforts to all relevant buy side advertising partners: DSPs, Agency PBUs & Precision groups, brand marketers
✅ Cultivate existing programmatic & partnership relationships to maximize revenue opportunities
✅ Collaborate with strategy, campaign management, product, and operations to manage deal health, troubleshoot issues, provide bid guidance, and optimize revenue through deal optimization
✅ Ensure timely, accurate, and successful delivery of programmatic campaigns, troubleshooting any issues with clients and proactively seeking to prevent delivery and performance concerns
✅ Educate clients, management, and oversight with regards to programmatic platforms, products, and campaign best practices
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, interpersonal, and analytical skills, as well as the ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: 5+ years in digital advertising, with 6+ years of direct experience in the programmatic media ecosystem
Required Skills:
- In-depth experience in programmatic video and OTT & CTV sales, including strong grasp of OTT monetization and measurement
- Deep understanding of the online advertising ecosystem, including audience targeting, the programmatic landscape, and different media types, with a specific emphasis on Video/OTT
- Understanding of the technologies behind programmatic monetization
Preferred Skills:
- Organic desire to continually learn about and stay up to speed with industry trends and new areas of revenue growth
- Expertise in creating value and differentiation in the market and understanding where, why, and how clients are focused on audience targeting, automation, and decisioned media
- Senior-level relationships across the OTT ecosystem with all major programmatic players (agencies, in house teams, DSPs.)
- Ability to interpret programmatic data patterns and bid metrics (delivery, bid rates, win rates, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in programmatic sales, with a strong understanding of the programmatic landscape and a passion for driving revenue growth.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $95,000 - $170,000 (SIC eligible)
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid Leave
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Discounts and Perks
Working Hours: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days on-site)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a role of this level and experience in the Chicago area. Benefits are subject to change and may vary based on the employee's location and role.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Entertainment Providers
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, which was founded in 1963.
Company Description:
- Creates world-class content for film, television, and streaming services
- Owns and operates leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network, and Peacock
- Produces and distributes premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group
- Has world-renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences
Company Specialties:
- Content creation and distribution
- Theme parks and consumer experiences
- News and entertainment broadcasting
Company Website: NBCUniversal.com
ASSUMPTION: NBCUniversal is a large, well-established company with a diverse range of brands and properties. This role may offer opportunities for career growth and exposure to various aspects of the entertainment industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior-level role with potential for growth
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Lead, Programmatic Partnership Sales
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with 3 days on-site per week
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to expand responsibilities and take on more senior-level roles as the programmatic sales team grows
- Opportunities to work with various internal teams and stakeholders, gaining exposure to different aspects of the business
- Potential to develop expertise in specific areas of programmatic sales and become a go-to resource for the team
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to join a highly visible team in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with a passion for driving revenue growth and a strong understanding of the programmatic media ecosystem.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid, with 3 days on-site per week
Office Location(s): 454 N. Columbus Dr., Chicago, IL 60611-5555
Geographic Context:
- Chicago is the third most populous city in the United States, with a diverse economy and a strong job market
- The city is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its world-class museums and attractions
- Chicago has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days on-site)
ASSUMPTION: Chicago offers a dynamic and diverse work environment, with a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities. The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility while still allowing for in-person collaboration and team building.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager or a member of the HR team
- In-person interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with the director or vice president of the programmatic sales team
Key Assessment Areas:
- Programmatic sales experience and expertise
- Understanding of the programmatic media ecosystem and OTT sales
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant programmatic sales experience and achievements in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to the specific role and company, emphasizing your fit for the position
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your programmatic sales experience and problem-solving skills
ATS Keywords: Programmatic Sales, OTT Sales, Connected TV, Digital Advertising, Audience Targeting, Ad Technologies, Campaign Management, Revenue Growth, Client Education, Data Analysis, Problem Solving, Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Team Collaboration, Strategic Thinking, Analytical Skills
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's programmatic sales experience, understanding of the programmatic media ecosystem, and ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in programmatic sales and a passion for driving revenue growth.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Programmatic advertising platforms (e.g., Google Display & Video 360, The Trade Desk, AppNexus)
- Data management platforms (e.g., Adobe Audience Manager, Oracle BlueKai)
- Customer relationship management software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with programmatic advertising platforms, data management platforms, and customer relationship management software. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite is also preferred.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Inclusion: We strive to create an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, embraced, and heard
- Empowerment: We empower our employees to be their best selves and make a meaningful impact on our business
- Excellence: We strive for excellence in everything we do, from content creation to customer service
Work Style:
- Collaborative: We work together to achieve our goals and support each other's success
- Agile: We adapt quickly to change and embrace new opportunities
- Innovative: We foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you embrace NBCUniversal's commitment to inclusion and empowering employees to be their best selves?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and adapting to change?
- Do you have a passion for driving revenue growth and a strong understanding of the programmatic media ecosystem?
ASSUMPTION: NBCUniversal values a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator, team player, and strategic thinker with a passion for driving revenue growth and a strong understanding of the programmatic media ecosystem.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The programmatic sales landscape is constantly evolving, requiring continuous learning and adaptation
- The role may involve managing a large book of business, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges in terms of communication and collaboration with remote team members
- The role may require occasional travel to meet with clients and attend industry events
ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to change in a fast-paced environment. They will also be comfortable working in a hybrid work arrangement and occasional travel.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on programmatic sales and partnerships within the entertainment industry
- Unlike traditional advertising sales roles, this position requires a deep understanding of the programmatic media ecosystem and OTT sales
- Career paths in programmatic sales may vary depending on the specific industry and company, but may include opportunities to move into management or senior-level roles
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to join a highly visible team in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with a passion for driving revenue growth and a strong understanding of the programmatic media ecosystem.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a strategic plan to drive revenue growth for a major holding company's programmatic buying team
- Collaborating with an independent agency to optimize their programmatic buying strategy and maximize results
- Working with a mid-tier marketer to launch a new OTT campaign and measure its success using programmatic metrics
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities that may be available in this role, from strategic planning and execution to day-to-day campaign management and optimization.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the biggest challenges facing the programmatic sales team currently, and how can this role help address them?
- How does this role fit into the overall structure of the programmatic sales team, and what opportunities are there for growth and development?
- What are the most important qualities and skills you're looking for in a candidate for this role?
- How does NBCUniversal support the professional development and career growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help the candidate better understand the role, the team, and the company, and to assess whether the position is a good fit for their career goals and work style.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant programmatic sales experience and achievements
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your fit for the role and your passion for driving revenue growth in the programmatic media ecosystem
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your programmatic sales experience and problem-solving skills
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
