📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director, Integrated Media Planning
🔹 Company: Dentsu
🔹 Location: San Francisco - California St, USA (Remote OK: California, Arizona, Washington)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: June 6, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 8+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK (PST hours preferred)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading a team of three to manage integrated media planning for a large B2B account
- Collaborating with global teams across multiple media disciplines (Search, Video, Social, Digital, Programmatic, Audio)
- Communicating directly with clients on media plans and resource needs
- Analyzing competitive landscapes and pulling reports using agency tools
- Managing a large media budget and flowchart
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and teams effectively.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Coordinate with multi-channel global teams to design modern, strategic, and thoughtful integrated media plans
✅ Oversee and communicate directly with clients on questions and media plans
✅ Evaluate timelines and manage daily deliverables
✅ Analyze competitive landscapes, pull reports using agency tools, and compile insights
✅ Manage a large media budget and flowchart
✅ Guide media channel selection and forward-think on new opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 8+ years of total experience in a large agency setting, with 3+ years of experience leading multiple levels of direct reports
Required Skills:
- Deep understanding of all media channels, with a heavy focus on Search, Programmatic, Social, and Digital
- Tactical experience using lead management platforms
- Proficient in using media tools such as Media Ocean, DDS, Nielsen Ad Intel, Pathmatics, Web Analytics, Ad Servers, and Media Research tools
- Comfortable working with budgets/numbers and understanding mathematical concepts
Preferred Skills:
- Experience planning sponsorship campaigns on a national level
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in media planning, team leadership, and working with various media channels and tools.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $94,000 - $152,375 (Based on experience and market rates for the San Francisco Bay Area)
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- 401(k) matching
- Paid Time Off
Working Hours: Full-time, with a preference for PST hours (Remote OK)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market rates for similar roles in the San Francisco Bay Area. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and other factors.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Large enterprise)
Founded: 1901 (Tokyo, Japan)
Company Description:
- Dentsu is a global advertising and marketing communications agency
- They offer a wide range of services, including media planning, media buying, creative, and innovation
- Dentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations
Company Specialties:
- Marketing communications
- Advertising
- Media planning and buying
- People-Based Marketing
- Creative
- Innovation
- Data and Technology
Company Website: dentsu.com
ASSUMPTION: Dentsu is a large, global agency with a wide range of services and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior management
Reporting Structure: Reports to Group Director, Media Planning
Work Arrangement: Remote OK (with a preference for PST hours)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow within the media planning team or explore other areas of the agency
- Opportunities to work on large, high-profile accounts and gain experience in the B2B space
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within a large, global agency.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote OK (with offices in San Francisco, California)
Office Location(s): San Francisco - California St
Geographic Context:
- San Francisco is a major tech hub with a vibrant advertising industry
- Remote work allows for flexibility and a better work-life balance
- The PST time zone preference enables collaboration with teams across North America
Work Schedule: Full-time, with a preference for PST hours
ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement and PST time zone preference allow for a flexible and collaborative work environment.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth interview with the media planning team
- Final interview with the group director or another senior leader
Key Assessment Areas:
- Media planning and strategy skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Leadership and team management skills
- Technical proficiency with media tools and platforms
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant media planning experience and achievements in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the B2B space and the role's requirements
- Prepare examples of media plans and strategies you've developed for previous clients
ATS Keywords: Media Planning, B2B, Client Communication, Media Research, Budget Management, Search, Programmatic, Social, Digital, Audio, Lead Management, Analytical Skills, Team Leadership, Strategic Planning, Competitive Analysis, Flowchart Management
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should focus on demonstrating their media planning skills, leadership experience, and understanding of the B2B space in their application materials.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Media Ocean
- DDS
- Nielsen Ad Intel
- Pathmatics
- Web Analytics
- Ad Servers
- Media Research tools
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have experience with various media planning tools and platforms, as well as proficiency in using data and analytics to inform their strategies.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Accountability
- Innovation
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and strategic
- Adaptable and responsive to client needs
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment?
- Are you comfortable working with data and analytics to inform your media planning strategies?
- Do you have experience managing teams and leading projects in a fast-paced agency setting?
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong fit with Dentsu's company values and work style, as well as a proven track record of success in media planning and team leadership.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a large team and multiple client projects simultaneously
- Keeping up with the fast-paced and ever-changing advertising industry
- Working with remote teams and managing time zones
- Balancing client needs and agency priorities
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to manage multiple priorities, work well under pressure, and adapt to a dynamic work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other media planning director positions, but with a focus on the B2B space and a preference for PST hours
- Dentsu's global presence and large client base offer unique opportunities for growth and development
- This role may have more responsibility for team management and client communication than similar roles at smaller agencies
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should research similar roles at other agencies to better understand the unique aspects of this position and how it aligns with their career goals.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive media plan for a large B2B client, including channel selection, budget allocation, and timeline management
- Analyzing competitive landscapes and pulling reports using agency tools to inform media planning strategies
- Managing a team of three to execute a large-scale media campaign, including daily deliverables and client communication
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should prepare examples of their media planning experience and be ready to discuss their approach to project management and team leadership.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits into the broader media planning department?
- How does Dentsu support the growth and development of its media planning team members?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Dentsu approach work-life balance for its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and their understanding of the agency's culture and priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your media planning experience, team leadership skills, and relevant industry knowledge
- Write a cover letter that explains your interest in the B2B space and your qualifications for this role
- Prepare examples of media plans and strategies you've developed for previous clients
- Follow up with the hiring manager 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.
