📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Director, Paid Search & Paid Social
🔹 Company: dentsu
🔹 Location: USA – Remote – Michigan – Eastern Time
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-06-20
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Strategic planning and execution of auction-based media plans
- Client management and relationship building
- Cross-channel expertise in Paid Search, Paid Social, Programmatic, and Display
- Data-driven decision making and optimization
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong blend of strategic, analytical, and creative thinking, with a focus on driving results through data-informed decisions.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Build strong relationships with clients, understanding their business objectives, goals, and models
✅ Develop, plan, and execute media strategy across key channels, including Paid Search, Paid Social, Programmatic, and Display
✅ Lead strategic planning initiatives, such as budget and channel allocation, and audience development
✅ Manage campaign execution, including set-up, build, optimization, and delivery
✅ Stay up-to-date with digital trends and technology, providing POVs and analyses
✅ Troubleshoot campaign performance and delivery, utilizing data insights to create and iterate performance and testing strategies
✅ Responsible for monthly forecasting and invoicing, while concurrently working with finance operations to ensure accuracy
✅ Coordinate and develop audience segmentation strategy
✅ Detail-oriented with the ability to explain complex situations to internal stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business, or a related field
Experience: 4+ years of experience in media strategy/planning experience in Programmatic, Paid Search, and/or Paid Social
Required Skills:
- Hands-on experience within Ad Serving and Paid Search, Social, and Programmatic Buying platforms
- Ad Operations experience, such as naming taxonomy, tag application, and trafficking
- Detail-oriented with the ability to multi-task and manage priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with strong understanding of Excel and PowerPoint
- Strong mix of analytical, strategic, and creative thinking
- Previous client management or client-facing experience
- Experience managing and forecasting budgets and billing; MediaOcean/Prisma experience a plus
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with specific media platforms and tools
- Industry certifications (e.g., Google Ads, Facebook Blueprint)
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, having experience with specific media platforms and tools, as well as industry certifications, would be beneficial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $68,000 - $110,000 per year
Benefits:
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- 401k
- Flexible paid time off, at least 15 paid holidays per year, paid sick and safe leave, and paid parental leave
Working Hours: Full-time, with a standard workweek of 40 hours
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the job listing and is typical for this role and experience level in the advertising industry.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: 1901 (as Dentsu Inc.)
Company Description:
- Dentsu is a global media, creative, and digital agency that helps brands predict and plan for disruptive future opportunities
- They focus on connecting brand, content, commerce, and experience, underpinned by modern creativity
- Dentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities
Company Specialties:
- Marketing communications
- Advertising
- Media planning and buying
- People-Based Marketing
- Creative
- Innovation
- Data and Technology
Company Website: dentsu.com
ASSUMPTION: Dentsu's global presence and extensive experience in the advertising industry make it a strong choice for professionals seeking to grow their careers in this field.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior
Reporting Structure: Reports to the EVP, Head of Media
Work Arrangement: Remote, with a preference for candidates in the Detroit area
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to take on more responsibilities and advance within the media team
- Opportunities to work on multiple brands within the client's portfolio
- Chance to collaborate with cross-functional teams and gain exposure to various aspects of the business
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for growth and development within the media team and the broader organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote, with a preference for candidates in the Detroit area
Office Location(s): USA – Remote – Michigan – Eastern Time
Geographic Context:
- The Eastern Time Zone covers 23 states and parts of Canada, with a population of over 58 million people
- Michigan is known for its automotive industry and has a diverse economy
- The Detroit area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with numerous cultural attractions and outdoor recreation opportunities
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a standard workweek of 40 hours
ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement allows for flexibility and a better work-life balance, while the preference for candidates in the Detroit area may indicate that some on-site collaboration is expected.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager to discuss the role, responsibilities, and expectations
- Final interview with key stakeholders to evaluate fit and make a hiring decision
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Analytical and data-driven approach to media planning and execution
- Client management and communication skills
- Technical proficiency in relevant media platforms and tools
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the client's business and the specific challenges they face
- Showcase your ability to develop and execute strategic media plans that drive results
ATS Keywords: Paid Search, Paid Social, Programmatic, Display, Media Strategy, Client Management, Budget Management, Data-Driven, Optimization, Forecasting, Ad Operations, Audience Segmentation
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, analytical skills, and client management abilities, as well as their technical proficiency in relevant media platforms and tools.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- MediaOcean/Prisma
- Google Ads
- Facebook Ads Manager
- Programmatic platforms (e.g., The Trade Desk, AppNexus)
- Ad serving platforms (e.g., Google Ad Manager)
- Microsoft Office Suite
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and platforms is essential for success in this role, and candidates should highlight their experience with relevant tools in their application materials.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Courage
- Curiosity
Work Style:
- Data-driven and results-oriented
- Collaborative and team-focused
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Innovative and forward-thinking
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
- Are you comfortable working remotely and managing your own time?
- Do you have strong communication and client management skills?
- Are you able to balance multiple projects and deadlines effectively?
ASSUMPTION: Dentsu values candidates who are data-driven, collaborative, and adaptable, with strong communication and client management skills.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple brands within a single client portfolio
- Keeping up with the fast-paced, ever-changing digital advertising landscape
- Balancing the need for strategic planning with the day-to-day execution of campaigns
- Working effectively in a remote environment, with a preference for candidates in the Detroit area
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to balance strategic thinking with tactical execution.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Senior Media Planner/Buyer or Media Manager position, but with a greater emphasis on strategic planning and client management
- Unlike some other media roles, this position requires a strong blend of analytical, strategic, and creative thinking
- Career progression may include moving into a Director or Vice President role within the media team or transitioning into a client-facing or account management role
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, client management, and tactical execution, making it an attractive opportunity for candidates with a strong mix of skills and experience.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive media strategy for a new product launch, including channel allocation, audience segmentation, and creative briefs
- Optimizing an underperforming campaign by analyzing data, identifying trends, and implementing tactical changes
- Managing a team of media planners/buyers to execute a large-scale, multi-channel campaign for a major event
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for success in this role, from strategic planning to tactical execution and team management.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the media team?
- How does this role fit into the broader organization, and what opportunities are there for growth and development?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does the company support work-life balance for remote employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working with this particular client, and how can I best prepare to address them?
ASSUMPTION: These questions will help you better understand the role, the team, and the company culture, as well as the specific challenges and opportunities that come with working with this client.
📌 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 that demonstrate your ability to develop and execute strategic media plans
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
