📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Director, Programmatic
🔹 Company: Horizon Media
🔹 Location: New York, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: April 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing multiple stakeholders to ensure effective media delivery
- Overseeing the accuracy of programmatic setups
- Leading custom algorithm implementations
- Maintaining strong relationships with internal and external partners
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, technical expertise, and strong communication skills to manage complex programmatic campaigns and teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Serve as the main day-to-day point of contact and escalation point for internal partners and external contacts, ensuring plans are conducive to client goals
✅ Review DSP setup as the last reviewer in the QA process, providing all systems go approval for launch and tracking in-campaign changes
✅ Coordinate the makegood coverage response in instances of mishaps, using strong ecosystem relationships and understanding of buy mechanics to explore creative solutions with existing partners and platforms
✅ Evaluate each plan with a fresh perspective on a custom algorithm strategy and application that can make a difference, as well as how a bespoke inventory and supply approach can deliver efficiencies in costs and performance
✅ See across the entire process to identify spots to step in and mitigate risk, ensuring a positive working relationship with your team and DAT, BST, analytics, and client
✅ Lead owner of adoption of internal products and solutions for our meta dsp, incentives tracker, marketplace solutions, updated initiatives requiring rollout, as well as cross-discipline coordination for united broader product and solution support
✅ Establish a framework for skill development and knowledge growth that can be used to track the maturation and readiness of junior team members for more responsibility and opportunity
✅ Help engineer processes to improve operation workflow, as needed
✅ Institutionalize best practices for bidding, budget management, ad operations, and reporting
✅ Socialize and document programmatic team learnings from optimization
✅ Develop and publish POVs to inform clients and agency personnel about changes in programmatic marketplaces and technology
✅ Foreesee and plan for new workflows, processes, and capabilities required to meet the needs of new and future programmatic clients and ensure team adheres to processes and established ways of working
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field
Experience: 5+ years of previous in-platform programmatic experience
Required Skills:
- Advanced ability in Microsoft Excel
- Proven ability to thrive in highly collaborative work environments
- Strong communicator and presenter, able to craft a story to key stakeholders and management
- Solutions-oriented problem solver
- Self-starter, takes initiative
- Strong leader, eager to grow and develop team members
- Committed to the success of the team
- Business mature individual who exudes professionalism and respect, will lead by example
- Desire to be nimble and flexible to succeed in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment
- Ability to actively seek out and implement feedback
- Strong leader, eager to grow and develop team members
- Supporter of and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion
Preferred Skills & Experience:
- Expert level understanding of programmatic buying and planning
- Experience managing a team
- Familiarity with multiple DSPs
- Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in programmatic buying and planning, as well as experience managing teams, will be best suited for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Retirement Savings Plans
- Company Paid Holidays
- Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Mental Health and Wellness Resources
- Pet Insurance
- Childcare Resources
- Identity Theft Insurance
- Fertility Assistance Programs
- Fitness Reimbursement
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. The actual base salary may vary based on individual skills, experience, and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Horizon Media is a leader in driving business-based outcomes for marketers, specializing in advertising services. They are known for their highly personal approach to client service and have been recognized as one of the world’s ten most innovative marketing and advertising companies by Fast Company.
Company Size: Horizon Media has over 2,300 employees and is the third largest U.S. media agency according to COMvergence data. They have offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto.
Founded: 1989
Company Description:
- Horizon Media is a leader in driving business-based outcomes for marketers
- They were founded in 1989 and have offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto
- With estimated billings of $8.7 billion and over 2,300 employees, Horizon is the third largest U.S. media agency
Company Specialties:
- Sports and Entertainment
- Social Media
- Media Buying
- Direct Marketing
- Social Design
- Social Buying
- Insights & Analytics
- Virtual/Augmented Reality
- SEO
- Mobile
- National & Local TV Investment
- Audio Investment
- Creative Services
Company Website: www.horizonmedia.com
ASSUMPTION: Horizon Media is a well-established and respected company in the advertising industry, with a strong focus on driving business-based outcomes for their clients.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-level management level, with the expectation of managing junior team members and contributing to strategic decision-making processes.
Reporting Structure: The Associate Director, Programmatic will report directly to the Director of Programmatic and will oversee junior team members.
Work Arrangement: This role is a hybrid position, with a mix of on-site and remote work.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a Director or Vice President level role within the programmatic team
- Opportunities to work on high-profile client accounts and gain exposure to senior leadership
- possibility to expand into other areas of the business, such as data analytics or strategy
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance within the programmatic team or explore other areas of the business.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Horizon Media's headquarters is located in New York City, with additional offices in Los Angeles and Toronto. The New York office is a modern, collaborative workspace with state-of-the-art technology and amenities.
Office Location(s): 75 Varick Street, New York, New York 10013, US
Geographic Context:
- New York City is a major hub for the advertising industry, with numerous agencies and media companies based in the area
- The city offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, dining options, and entertainment venues
- New York City has a competitive job market, with many opportunities for professionals in the advertising industry
Work Schedule: This role follows a hybrid work arrangement, with a mix of on-site and remote work. The specific schedule and number of on-site days required may vary depending on the team's needs and the individual's role within the team.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between the structure and collaboration of an on-site work environment and the flexibility and convenience of remote work.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition Team
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with the Director of Programmatic or another senior leader
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Programmatic expertise and strategic thinking
- Communication and presentation skills
- Leadership and team management abilities
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Horizon Media's values
Application Tips:
- Highlight your relevant programmatic experience and achievements in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills
- Research Horizon Media's company culture and values to ensure a strong cultural fit
ATS Keywords: Programmatic, media planning, media buying, algorithm implementation, stakeholder management, team leadership, advertising services, hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's programmatic expertise, strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit with Horizon Media.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- DSPs (Demand-Side Platforms) such as Google Display & Video 360, The Trade Desk, or AppNexus
- Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
- Programmatic-specific tools and platforms, such as programmatic ad servers, data management platforms, and tag management systems
- Project management and collaboration tools, such as Asana, Trello, or JIRA
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in various programmatic-specific tools and platforms, as well as strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Horizon Media values diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a workplace where everyone feels welcomed, safe, and empowered
- The company prioritizes a highly personal approach to client service, with a focus on driving business-based outcomes
- Horizon Media encourages a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning
Work Style:
- Horizon Media values a collaborative and team-oriented work environment, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing
- The company encourages a flexible and adaptable work style, with a focus on results and outcomes rather than strict hours or face time
- Horizon Media values a data-driven and analytical approach to decision-making, with a focus on continuous improvement and optimization
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you actively seek out and implement feedback to improve your performance and grow professionally?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment, with a focus on adaptability and continuous learning?
- Do you value a collaborative and team-oriented work environment, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing?
ASSUMPTION: Horizon Media values a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment, with a strong emphasis on personal growth, innovation, and continuous learning.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple stakeholders and competing priorities can be challenging, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively
- The fast-paced and ever-changing nature of the advertising industry can present unique challenges, requiring adaptability and continuous learning
- The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges in terms of communication and collaboration, requiring strong virtual communication skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships remotely
- The competitive job market in New York City may present challenges in terms of career advancement and compensation
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other mid-level management roles in programmatic, this role places a greater emphasis on strategic thinking, custom algorithm implementation, and inventory and supply path management
- Horizon Media's focus on driving business-based outcomes for clients sets this role apart from other agencies, with a greater emphasis on data-driven decision-making and continuous optimization
- This role offers significant growth potential, with opportunities to advance within the programmatic team or explore other areas of the business
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for growth and development, with a focus on strategic thinking, custom algorithm implementation, and inventory and supply path management.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a custom algorithm strategy for a high-profile client account to improve performance and drive business-based outcomes
- Evaluating and optimizing the inventory and supply path for a client's programmatic campaign to improve efficiency and reduce costs
- Managing a team to deliver a complex programmatic campaign for a major client, requiring strong leadership, communication, and project management skills
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects highlight the strategic thinking, leadership, and technical expertise required for success in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and reporting relationships for this role, and how it fits into the broader programmatic team?
- How does Horizon Media support the growth and development of its team members, and what opportunities are available for professional advancement within the programmatic team or other areas of the business?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days, and how will my success be measured and evaluated?
- How does Horizon Media approach diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what initiatives are in place to foster a welcoming and inclusive work environment?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in these areas?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions will help you better understand the role, the team, and the company culture, allowing you to make an informed decision about your fit and potential for success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant programmatic experience and achievements
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills
- Research Horizon Media's company culture and values to ensure a strong cultural fit
- Follow up with the hiring manager or talent acquisition team one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
