📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Director, Media Buying (SEM)
🔹 Company: VaynerMedia LLC
🔹 Location: New York, New York, United States
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: July 10, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading and managing growing teams, setting daily expectations, and providing strategic guidance
- Maintaining client relationships, acting on executional or strategic needs, and presenting media plans and campaign results
- Ensuring campaign performance meets client expectations, managing ongoing measurement against KPIs, and providing thought leadership on media plans
- Overseeing finance processes, including budget reports, media authorizations, and billing
- Partnering with the Director to deliver best-in-class media investment strategy and execution outputs
- Collaborating across agency disciplines to craft best-in-class, holistic omnichannel media strategies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, leadership, and operational management skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in paid search and experience leading teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Regularly meet with direct reports to set daily expectations, ensure they're tracking towards goals, and provide strategic guidance
✅ Act as client lead, maintaining client relationships, presenting media plans and campaign results, and addressing client needs
✅ Ensure campaign performance meets client expectations, managing ongoing measurement against KPIs, and providing thought leadership on media plans
✅ Oversee finance processes, including budget reports, media authorizations, and billing
✅ Partner with the Director to deliver best-in-class media investment strategy and execution outputs
✅ Collaborate across agency disciplines to craft best-in-class, holistic omnichannel media strategies
ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of client-facing, team management, and operational tasks. Strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills are essential for success.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: A minimum of 5+ years of industry experience working within paid search
Required Skills:
- Comfortable in Excel, experience with Tableau/Looker/Data Studio/other data visualization programs, fundamental understanding of economics & statistics
- Fluency with analytics, attribution, and measurement systems
- Experience leading and managing growing teams
- Strategic understanding of traditional, digital, and social-specific media planning & buying
- Clear attention-to-detail and organizational excellence
- People-first mentality, inspiring positivity and respect among employees
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with specific data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Looker, Data Studio)
- Familiarity with specific analytics, attribution, and measurement systems
- Experience in a similar role within an advertising agency
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in paid search and experience leading teams. Familiarity with data visualization tools and analytics systems is a plus.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $105,000 - $125,000 USD per year
Benefits:
- Employer-sponsored 401k with match
- Medical, Dental, and vision coverage
- Unlimited PTO
- Caregiver (Parental) Leave
- Health and Wellness benefits
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels in the New York area. Benefits are competitive and designed to support employee well-being and work-life balance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 2009
Company Description:
- VaynerMedia is a contemporary global creative and media agency specializing in driving relevance for clients and delivering impactful business results
- The independently-owned company was founded in 2009 by Gary Vaynerchuk and has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Mexico City, London, Amsterdam, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Sydney
- VaynerMedia has been recognized for its work at Cannes Lions, the Clio Awards, and The Webby Awards and is part of the VaynerX family of companies
Company Specialties:
- Creative strategy
- Strategy insights
- Media buying
- Media planning
- Analytics
- Communications
- Advertising
- Social media
- Digital marketing
- Brandformance
- Content management
- Social media platforms
- Digital marketing platforms
- Paid social
- Social strategy
- Video production
- Brand building
- Social media trends
- Culture
- Branding
- And cultural trends
Company Website: http://www.vaynermedia.com
ASSUMPTION: VaynerMedia is a well-established, global advertising agency with a strong reputation for driving relevance and delivering results for clients. The company's diverse range of specialties reflects its comprehensive approach to advertising and marketing.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level management, reporting directly to the Director
Reporting Structure: The Associate Director reports directly to the Director and oversees a team of media buyers and analysts
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time, with the possibility of hybrid or remote work in the future
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to Director or other leadership roles within the agency
- Expanding skills and expertise in media buying, strategy, and team management
- Opportunities to work with diverse clients and industries
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to develop leadership skills, expand industry knowledge, and advance within the agency.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace in Hudson Yards, New York
Office Location(s): 10 Hudson Yards, Floor 25, New York, NY 10001, US
Geographic Context:
- New York City offers a vibrant and dynamic work environment, with numerous cultural, dining, and entertainment options
- The Hudson Yards neighborhood is a modern, mixed-use development with a focus on sustainability and innovation
- The office is conveniently located near public transportation, with easy access to the 7 train and several bus routes
Work Schedule: Standard business hours, with flexibility for remote work as needed
ASSUMPTION: The office environment is designed to foster collaboration and creativity, with easy access to amenities and public transportation.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen with the HR team
- First-round interview with the hiring manager or a member of the leadership team
- Second-round interview with additional team members or stakeholders
- Final interview with the Director or another senior leader
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Technical proficiency in media buying, analytics, and data visualization
- Communication and presentation skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past work, focusing on campaigns, strategies, or projects that demonstrate your expertise in media buying and team leadership
- Research VaynerMedia's clients, industry, and company culture to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the business
ATS Keywords: Media Buying, SEM, Team Leadership, Analytics, Data Visualization, Client Relationships, Campaign Performance, Strategy, Media Planning
ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership, and technical skills, as well as their cultural fit with the agency.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Excel
- Tableau/Looker/Data Studio
- Analytics, attribution, and measurement systems (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics)
- Media buying platforms (e.g., Google Ads, Bing Ads, Facebook Ads)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, JIRA)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is essential for success in this role. Candidates should have a strong working knowledge of Excel and data visualization tools, as well as experience with media buying platforms and analytics systems.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Honey Empire: A people-first mentality that prioritizes employee well-being, growth, and happiness
- Positivity and respect: A culture that fosters a positive and inclusive work environment
- Employee growth: A commitment to helping employees achieve their professional goals and hit attainable growth milestones
Work Style:
- Collaborative: A team-oriented work environment that encourages open communication and collaboration
- Dynamic: A fast-paced, ever-changing industry that requires adaptability and continuous learning
- Results-driven: A focus on delivering tangible business outcomes for clients and the agency
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you embody a true leadership mentality, with a focus on inspiring positivity and respect among employees?
- Are you comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and do you embrace continuous learning and adaptation?
- Do you have a proven track record of delivering results and driving business outcomes for clients?
ASSUMPTION: VaynerMedia's culture is centered around its employees, with a strong emphasis on positivity, respect, and growth. Candidates should be comfortable working in a collaborative, dynamic, and results-driven environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a growing team and balancing the needs of clients, team members, and the agency
- Keeping up with the fast-paced, ever-changing digital advertising landscape
- Developing and maintaining strong client relationships, even in challenging or high-pressure situations
- Balancing strategic thinking and execution, while also overseeing day-to-day operations and finance processes
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth. Candidates should be prepared to manage a team, adapt to a fast-paced environment, and balance strategic thinking with operational tasks.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other media buying roles, this position focuses on team leadership and strategic guidance, in addition to day-to-day campaign management
- VaynerMedia's global presence and diverse client base offer unique opportunities for growth and exposure to various industries
- This role is part of a larger agency structure, providing opportunities for collaboration and learning from other teams and disciplines
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of leadership, strategic, and operational responsibilities. Candidates should be prepared to balance these aspects and leverage the opportunities provided by VaynerMedia's global presence and diverse client base.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive media strategy for a Fortune 500 client, including keyword research, targeting, bidding, and optimization
- Managing a team of media buyers to deliver results for multiple clients, including regular performance reviews, training sessions, and strategic guidance
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create integrated, omnichannel media campaigns that drive business outcomes for clients
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, leadership, and operational aspects of the role. Candidates should be prepared to develop and execute comprehensive media strategies, manage teams, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver results.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics, and how this role fits within the broader agency organization?
- How does VaynerMedia support the professional growth and development of its employees, particularly in this role?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does VaynerMedia approach client relationships, and what are the expectations for this role in maintaining and growing those relationships?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how has the previous incumbent approached them?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates understand the team dynamics, growth opportunities, priorities, and challenges of the role. They also provide insight into VaynerMedia's approach to client relationships and employee development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your past work, focusing on campaigns, strategies, or projects that demonstrate your expertise in media buying and team leadership
- Research VaynerMedia's clients, industry, and company culture to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the business
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team one week after submission to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
