📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Director, Paid Social
🔹 Company: IPG Mediabrands
🔹 Location: New York, NY, United States
🔹 Job Type: On-site
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 30, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Paid Social team
- Developing and implementing best practices for paid social media
- Mentoring and growing junior talent
- Managing client relationships to drive innovative media strategies
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver outstanding results
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in paid social advertising and a proven track record in team leadership and client management.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Paid Social team, ensuring the development and implementation of best practices
✅ Serve as a mentor to junior staff, fostering their growth and career development
✅ Manage client relationships, driving innovative media strategies that deliver outstanding results
✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated media solutions
✅ Recommend targeted, innovative media vehicles consistent with client’s strategies and objectives
✅ Oversee Asana for task management and team collaboration
✅ Key participant in strategic media planning and execution
✅ Responsible for QA of initial campaign sell build outs (ensure tracking, budgets, audiences, creatives, and timing are correct)
✅ Oversee client budgets to ensure plans do not exceed Media Authorizations; Responsible for reporting budget plans and commissions to internal finance teams
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of social media platforms, buying & reporting within platforms, and experience in QA and training for teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: Substantial experience in account management, planning, and/or performance media experience (5-10 years)
Required Skills:
- Very strong experience in developing robust, creative, and innovative paid social / native advertising / content marketing programs – in excess of $1mm annually
- Strong understanding of cross channel planning, demonstrating strong coordination of digital and offline media efforts
- Extensive experience writing and presenting relevant information
- Understanding of marketing and communications process, and ability to execute streamlined processes across clients, media partners, and other agencies
- Demonstrated ability to grow junior talent and help develop team skills / careers
- Knowledge of all social platforms a must, including understanding of buying & reporting within platforms at this level for QA and training for teams
Preferred Skills:
- Agency experience preferred
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in paid social advertising and a proven track record in team leadership and client management.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $130,000 USD/year
Benefits:
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- 401(k) Plans
- Flex Spending
- Life Insurance
- Disability
- Employee Discount Program
- Employee Stock Purchase Program
- Paid Family Benefits
- Discretionary Time Off
- Appreciation Weeks
- Wellness Days
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexibility for remote work as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for this role, experience level, and location. Actual salary may vary based on the company's internal compensation structure and the candidate's qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: 1937 (Interpublic Group, IPG Mediabrands' parent company)
Company Description:
- IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG)
- Manages over $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients
- Offers full-service agency networks (UM, Initiative, Mediahub) and specialty business units (Healix, KINESSO, MAGNA, Mediabrands Content Studio, Orion Holdings, Rapport, IPG Media Lab)
- Clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from various industry sectors
- Employs over 18,000 diverse marketing communication professionals in more than 130 countries
Company Specialties:
- Media Planning & Buying
- Automation & Programmatic
- Digital Media
- Branded Content
- Media Barter
- Online, Mobile, and Social Media Marketing
- Sponsorship and Sports Marketing
- ROI and Consumer Research
- Hyper-Local and Multicultural Marketing
- Out-Of-Home Advertising
Company Website: www.ipgmediabrands.com
ASSUMPTION: IPG Mediabrands offers a comprehensive range of advertising and marketing services, catering to clients across various industries and sectors.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to Senior
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Paid Social or similar role
Work Arrangement: On-site with flexibility for remote work as needed
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a Director or similar role with proven performance
- possibility to expand into other areas of media or take on additional responsibilities
- Opportunity to work with and learn from experienced professionals in the industry
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance within the company or expand into other areas of media.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office
Office Location(s): 100 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001, US
Geographic Context:
- New York City, NY, United States
- Diverse and multicultural city with a thriving advertising and marketing industry
- Access to various cultural attractions, entertainment, and dining options
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexibility for remote work as needed
ASSUMPTION: Working in New York City offers a dynamic and fast-paced work environment, with access to a wide range of cultural and professional networking opportunities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening
- On-site or virtual interview with hiring manager
- Final round interview with key stakeholders
- Background check and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Paid social advertising expertise
- Team leadership and mentoring skills
- Client management and communication skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Understanding of cross-channel planning and media integration
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant paid social advertising experience and achievements
- Demonstrate strong leadership and mentoring skills in your resume and interview
- Showcase your understanding of cross-channel planning and media integration
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on team leadership, client management, and problem-solving
ATS Keywords: Paid Social, Advertising, Marketing, Team Leadership, Client Management, Cross-Channel Planning, Media Integration, Social Media Platforms, QA, Training, Budget Management
ASSUMPTION: Tailoring your resume and application to highlight relevant skills and experiences will increase your chances of success in the application process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.)
- Advertising and marketing software (e.g., Google Ads, Facebook Ads Manager, Hootsuite, etc.)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, etc.)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Google Docs, Sheets, Slides)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant advertising and marketing software, project management tools, and office suites is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Expertise
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Respect
- Stewardship
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic work environment
- Strong focus on teamwork and collaboration
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Diverse and inclusive culture
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you foster a culture of collaboration and innovation within your team?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully managed a client relationship to drive innovative media strategies?
- How do you approach mentoring and growing junior talent within your team?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate strong alignment with IPG Mediabrands' values and work style, with a focus on collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple client relationships and projects simultaneously
- Keeping up with the latest trends and developments in the fast-paced advertising and marketing industry
- Balancing the need for innovation with the requirement to meet client objectives and budgets
- Working in a dynamic and sometimes high-pressure environment
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to manage multiple priorities, work effectively under pressure, and adapt to change in a fast-paced environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other Associate Director or Senior Manager positions in paid social advertising, with a focus on team leadership, client management, and strategic planning
- Differences may include the specific industry vertical, company size, or the mix of services offered
- Career paths may vary depending on the organization's structure and growth opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of team leadership, client management, and strategic planning, with a focus on paid social advertising.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive paid social media strategy for a major consumer brand launch
- Managing a team to optimize ad spend and improve ROI for an e-commerce client's social media campaigns
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create integrated media campaigns for a global non-profit organization
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and the need for strong leadership, strategic thinking, and collaboration in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Paid Social department?
- How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
- How does the company approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring and workplace practices?
- Can you provide an example of a successful team-building or mentoring initiative within the company?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and helps you make an informed decision about your potential fit.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant paid social advertising experience and achievements
- Prepare a cover letter demonstrating your understanding of the role and your qualifications
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submission to inquire about the status of your application
- If invited for an interview, research the company and prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
