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Digital Strategy Director (Media Planning)

IPG Mediabrands
Full-time
On-site
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Digital Strategy Director (Media Planning)

πŸ”Ή Company: IPG Mediabrands

πŸ”Ή Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid

πŸ”Ή Category: Advertising & Marketing

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: July 3, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: Executive (10+ years)

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Strategic digital media planning and execution
  • Team leadership and mentoring
  • Client relationship management
  • Data-driven approach to media planning

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, client management, and team leadership skills. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the digital ecosystem and experience working with diverse clients.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Lead the integration of digital into overall strategic thinking, encouraging executions that deliver exceptional results

βœ… Ownership and responsibility for ensuring key client objectives are met, active participation in client business planning meetings

βœ… Cultivate and strengthen client, agency, and media partner relationships at the senior level

βœ… Deliver inspiring, motivating, and persuasive presentations that bring creative ideas to life

βœ… Pursue organic growth opportunities and participate in new business presentations as required

βœ… Lead and mentor a team of media professionals, effectively communicating agency goals, managing workloads, providing ongoing performance feedback, supporting professional development goals, and inspiring great results

βœ… Produce and manage accurate revenue and projections

βœ… Act as a strategic thought leader in digital media, providing best-in-class digital strategy with thorough knowledge in data, search, programmatic, mobile, and social

βœ… Ensure that all media plans meet client objectives with a fully data-led approach, while adhering to the agency's values and philosophies

βœ… Maintain industry relationships, participate on committees and organizations, keep abreast of issues and developments, and new media opportunities

βœ… Lead by example and play an active role in cultivating the culture of the organization

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of responsibility and requires strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills. The ideal candidate will be able to balance multiple priorities, manage complex projects, and make data-driven decisions.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 10+ years of experience in digital media planning, with a focus on strategy and client management

Required Skills:

  • Proven experience in digital media planning and strategy
  • Deep understanding of the digital ecosystem, including data, programmatic, social, and mobile
  • Solid understanding of the Canadian data landscape and its unique parameters
  • Working knowledge of ad operations (tagging, ad serving, etc.)
  • History of developing positive ongoing business relationships, focused on client service
  • Proven experience delivering inspiring and persuasive presentations
  • Ability to manage complexity across multiple groups, clients, and interagency partners
  • Demonstrated ability to manage and develop staff and lead high-performing teams
  • Ability to delegate and prioritize work accordingly
  • Proven ability to approach obstacles with creativity and resolve
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively apply knowledge and insights gained from research and reporting resources to media planning
  • Excellent communication skills (both written and verbal)
  • Solid attention to detail and accuracy
  • Advanced understanding of media research tools (e.g., Clear Decisions, Vividata, Nielsen) and media software (e.g., Prisma, DoubleClick, Sizmek, Comscore, Facebook, Twitter, and Google AdWords)
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience working with diverse clients across various industries
  • Bilingual (English/French) or multilingual skills
  • Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in digital media planning, with a proven track record of delivering strategic, data-driven solutions for clients. They will also possess strong leadership, communication, and presentation skills.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: CAD 150,000 - 180,000 per year (Based on industry standards for an executive-level role in Toronto)

Benefits:

  • Generous paid time off with a minimum of 37 paid days off, including vacation and monthly wellness days
  • Flexible hybrid work model
  • Focus on personal development with formal training opportunities, including mental health training and inclusion education for everyone
  • Opportunity to contribute to company culture by joining one of many community-based employee groups

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with flexible hours and meeting-free Friday afternoons

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for an executive-level role in Toronto. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services

Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Global)

Founded: 1985 (as a division of Interpublic Group)

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 specialized business units (Healix, KINESSO, MAGNA, Mediabrands Content Studio, Orion Holdings, Rapport, IPG Media Lab)

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 is a global leader in media and marketing solutions, with a diverse portfolio of clients and a strong focus on data-driven strategies.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Executive (Senior Management)

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Managing Director, Media Planning

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2-3 days on-site per week)

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to lead new business pitches and expand client portfolio
  • Opportunities to mentor and develop junior team members
  • Possibility to take on additional responsibilities or special projects

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, including the chance to expand their client portfolio, mentor junior team members, and take on additional responsibilities.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space

Office Location(s): Toronto, ON (with potential for remote work)

Geographic Context:

  • Toronto is a multicultural city with a vibrant arts, culture, and food scene
  • Strong job market with many opportunities in advertising, marketing, and related fields
  • Four distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexible hours and meeting-free Friday afternoons)

ASSUMPTION: The Toronto office offers a modern, collaborative work environment with opportunities for remote work and flexible hours.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Phone or video screen with the HR team
  • In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
  • Final interview with the Managing Director, Media Planning
  • Background check and reference checks

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Digital media planning and strategy expertise
  • Client management and relationship-building skills
  • Leadership and team management abilities
  • Presentation and communication skills
  • Cultural fit and alignment with company values

Application Tips:

  • Highlight relevant experience and achievements in digital media planning and strategy
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your skills and experience related to the role's requirements
  • Prepare examples of data-driven media strategies and presentations you've delivered in the past
  • Research IPG Mediabrands and the client industries to demonstrate your understanding of the business

ATS Keywords: Digital Media Planning, Strategic Thinking, Client Management, Team Leadership, Data-Driven, Media Strategy, Presentation Skills, Advertising, Marketing, Toronto

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's digital media planning and strategy expertise, client management skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit with the company.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Media research tools (e.g., Clear Decisions, Vividata, Nielsen)
  • Media software (e.g., Prisma, DoubleClick, Sizmek, Comscore, Facebook, Twitter, Google AdWords)
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) - preferred

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with media research tools, media software, and Microsoft Office Suite. Familiarity with data visualization tools is preferred but not required.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Collaboration: We believe in the power of collective genius
  • Curiosity: We embrace a growth mindset and continuous learning
  • Courage: We have the confidence to take risks and challenge the status quo
  • Craftsmanship: We strive for excellence in everything we do

Work Style:

  • Fast-paced and dynamic environment
  • Cross-functional team collaboration
  • Data-driven and strategic approach
  • Focus on continuous improvement and innovation

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
  • Are you comfortable taking risks and challenging the status quo?
  • Do you have a proven track record of delivering data-driven, strategic media solutions?

ASSUMPTION: IPG Mediabrands values a growth mindset, collaboration, and continuous learning. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have a proven track record of delivering strategic, data-driven media solutions.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple clients and priorities simultaneously
  • Keeping up with the fast-paced nature of the digital advertising industry
  • Balancing the need for strategic thinking with the day-to-day demands of client management
  • Adapting to a hybrid work environment and managing a remote team

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges, including managing multiple clients and priorities, keeping up with industry trends, and balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day demands. The ideal candidate will be able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapt to a hybrid work setting.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role differs from other media planning positions in its focus on digital strategy and team leadership
  • Industry-specific context: The Canadian data landscape has unique parameters that require a deep understanding of the market
  • Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for growth, including expanding client portfolios, mentoring junior team members, and taking on additional responsibilities

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on digital strategy and team leadership, requiring a strong background in digital media planning and a proven track record of delivering strategic, data-driven solutions for clients.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing a comprehensive digital media strategy for a major retail client, including data-driven targeting, programmatic buying, and social media integration
  • Leading a team to deliver a successful new business pitch for a tech startup, including strategic planning, creative ideation, and data-driven insights
  • Optimizing a media plan for a CPG client to improve ROI, including data analysis, audience segmentation, and channel attribution

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the candidate's ability to develop strategic, data-driven media solutions, lead teams, and deliver successful client outcomes.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within it?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
  • How does IPG Mediabrands support the professional development of its employees?
  • What are the growth opportunities for this role, and how has the company supported the growth of employees in similar positions?
  • How does the company foster a culture of collaboration and innovation?

ASSUMPTION: These questions will help the candidate understand the team structure, priorities, and growth opportunities for the role, as well as the company's commitment to professional development and collaboration.

πŸ“Œ 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
  • Prepare examples of data-driven media strategies and presentations you've delivered in the past
  • Research IPG Mediabrands and the client industries to demonstrate your understanding of the business
  • 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.