📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Digital Strategy Director (Media Planning)
🔹 Company: IPG Mediabrands
🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: July 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Executive (10+ years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 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.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the integration of digital into overall strategic thinking, encouraging executions that deliver exceptional results
✅ Ownership and responsibility for ensuring key client objectives are met, active participation in client business planning meetings
✅ Cultivate and strengthen client, agency, and media partner relationships at the senior level
✅ Deliver inspiring, motivating, and persuasive presentations that bring creative ideas to life
✅ Pursue organic growth opportunities and participate in new business presentations as required
✅ 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
✅ Produce and manage accurate revenue and projections
✅ 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
✅ Ensure that all media plans meet client objectives with a fully data-led approach, while adhering to the agency's values and philosophies
✅ Maintain industry relationships, participate on committees and organizations, keep abreast of issues and developments, and new media opportunities
✅ 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.
💰 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.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 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.
📊 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.
💼 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.
🛠️ 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.
👔 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.
📈 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.
📝 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.
📌 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.
