📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director, Media Buying (SEM)
🔹 Company: VaynerMedia
🔹 Location: New York, NY, USA
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, On-site
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: July 10, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Overseeing a team of media buyers and planners, providing leadership, mentorship, and technical expertise
- Acting as the key contact for clients and platform partners, operating as a go-to voice and leader
- Developing and delivering sophisticated media investment strategies to clients, derived from industry insights and QA reporting
- Collaborating across agency disciplines to craft best-in-class, holistic omnichannel media strategies rooted in driving tangible business outcomes for large brands
- Fostering client relationships and maintaining accounts for the well-being of the immediate team and the larger agency
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and client management skills. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have a proven track record of driving business outcomes through media buying strategies.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Oversee a team of media buyers/planners providing leadership, mentorship, vision, and technical expertise, as well as regularly meeting to get feedback, provide counsel, discuss problems or successes, etc.
✅ Act as the key contact for client and platform partners, operating as a go-to voice and leader
✅ Lead check-ins with key account and media counterparts to ensure projects are moving ahead and are thoughtful, high quality, and exceeding client expectations
✅ Develop and deliver sophisticated media investment strategies to clients, derived from industry insights and QA reporting
✅ Create media plans, assist in presentation material creation, and provide strategic guidance on reporting calls with clients
✅ Collaborate across agency disciplines to craft best-in-class, holistic omnichannel media strategies rooted in driving tangible business outcomes for large brands
✅ Continue to establish internal policies and POVs on agency partnerships, the general digital media landscape, and current client business cases
✅ Provide thought leadership around how the unit of business should be run, in tandem with setting both internal and external expectations as to the realities of daily business execution
✅ Manage up to senior leadership corresponding to the most crucial aspects of a client’s business, keeping them abreast of any pertinent developments and urgent client needs
✅ Work to proactively bring new/emerging opportunities to clients, pushing the envelope of media excellence
✅ Forge new relationships with clients, and ultimately maintain account/s for the well-being of the immediate team and the larger agency
✅ Work in conjunction with HR to teach, engage, and grow direct reports and provide a positive work environment
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and client management skills. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have a proven track record of driving business outcomes through media buying strategies.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business, or a related field
Experience: A minimum of 7+ years of industry experience working in-platform with a proven track record of executing sophisticated, large scale digital media programs that drove tangible business outcomes
Required Skills:
- Proven track record of large-scale media buying proficiency across several buying/biddable platforms with particular depth in Paid Search (Google, Bing, Amazon)
- Fluency with analytics, attribution, and measurement systems, including but not limited to: Google Analytics, MOAT/IAS/Double Verify, Nielsen/Millward Brown/Oracle Measurement
- Ability to lead by example in terms of attention to detail, general work ethic, empathy, and internal/external professionalism
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Proven ability to navigate a portfolio of brands within a larger conglomerate or business group, gain an understanding of their unique company architectures, to build and strengthen relationships with essential stakeholders
Preferred Skills:
- Paid Social/Programmatic experience
- Fluency in additional languages
- Experience working with clients in specific industries (e.g., Retail, Finance, Healthcare)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in media buying, client management, and team leadership will be best suited for this role. Familiarity with the latest trends and technologies in digital media is also highly desirable.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Base Salary $135,000 - $160,000 USD per year
Benefits:
- Employer-sponsored 401k with match
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Unlimited PTO
- Caregiver (Parental) Leave
- Health and Wellness Benefits
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST, with flexibility for remote work as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles. The final compensation may vary based on the candidate's skills, experience, and location.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising & Marketing
Company Size: Medium (1,001-5,000 employees)
Founded: 2009
Company Description:
- VaynerMedia is a contemporary global creative and media agency with an expertise in driving relevance for clients and delivering impactful business results
- The independently-owned company was founded in 2009 by Gary Vaynerchuk and has offices in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Mexico City, London, Amsterdam, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Tokyo, and Sydney
- VaynerMedia has been recognized for its work at Cannes Lions, the Clio Awards, and The Webby Awards. It is part of the VaynerX family of companies
Company Specialties:
- creative strategy
- strategy insights
- media buying
- media planning
- analytics
- communications
- advertising
- social media
- digital marketing
- brandformance
- content management
- social media platforms
- digital marketing platforms
- paid social
- social strategy
- video production
- brand building
- social media trends
- culture
- branding
- and cultural trends
Company Website: VaynerMedia
ASSUMPTION: VaynerMedia is a well-established advertising agency with a strong global presence and a reputation for delivering high-quality work. Candidates should be prepared to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have a strong understanding of the digital media landscape.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to Senior
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to a VP, Media Lead
Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site with flexibility for remote work as needed
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a VP or Director-level role within the agency
- Opportunities to work on a diverse range of client accounts and industries
- Chance to develop leadership and management skills by overseeing a team of media buyers and planners
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within the agency. Candidates should be prepared to take on a high level of responsibility and demonstrate strong leadership skills.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space
Office Location(s): New York, NY, USA
Geographic Context:
- New York City is a major global hub for advertising, marketing, and media
- The office is located in the Hudson Yards neighborhood, offering easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities
- The city offers a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, and dining options
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST, with flexibility for remote work as needed
ASSUMPTION: The office environment at VaynerMedia is modern, collaborative, and fast-paced. Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic, team-oriented setting and have strong communication and interpersonal skills.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- In-person or video interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with senior leadership
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Media buying and planning skills
- Client management and relationship-building skills
- Leadership and team management skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Communication and presentation skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant media buying, client management, and leadership experience
- Be prepared to discuss your approach to media buying strategies and how you've driven business outcomes for clients in the past
- Demonstrate your understanding of the latest trends and technologies in digital media
ATS Keywords: Paid Search, Media Buying, SEM, Client Management, Leadership, Team Management, Strategic Planning, Digital Media, Analytics, Attribution, Measurement
ASSUMPTION: The interview process at VaynerMedia is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit within the organization. Candidates should be prepared to provide specific examples of their past experiences and accomplishments.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Ads
- Microsoft Advertising
- Amazon Advertising
- Google Analytics
- MOAT/IAS/Double Verify
- Nielsen/Millward Brown/Oracle Measurement
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com)
- Collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have experience with industry-standard media buying platforms, analytics tools, and project management/collaboration software. Familiarity with additional tools and technologies relevant to the role is a plus.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Client-centric
- Collaborative
- Innovative
- Data-driven
- Results-oriented
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Team-oriented and collaborative
- Results-driven and focused on delivering tangible business outcomes
- Data-informed and strategic
- Adaptable and open to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
- Are you comfortable working with a diverse range of clients and industries?
- Do you have strong leadership and team management skills?
- Are you able to balance multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines?
- Do you have a strong understanding of the latest trends and technologies in digital media?
ASSUMPTION: VaynerMedia values candidates who are client-centric, collaborative, innovative, data-driven, and results-oriented. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have strong leadership and team management skills.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team of media buyers and planners, providing leadership, mentorship, and technical expertise
- Balancing multiple client accounts and priorities
- Keeping up with the latest trends and technologies in digital media
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Managing client expectations and maintaining strong relationships
ASSUMPTION: This role presents several challenges, including managing a team, balancing multiple priorities, and keeping up with the latest trends in digital media. Candidates should be prepared to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and have strong leadership and time management skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other Director, Media Buying (SEM) positions in the industry, but may require more leadership and team management responsibilities
- VaynerMedia is a well-established agency with a strong global presence, offering opportunities for career growth and development
- This role may require more experience and a higher level of responsibility than similar positions at smaller agencies
ASSUMPTION: This role is similar to other Director, Media Buying (SEM) positions in the industry, but may require more leadership and team management responsibilities. Candidates should be prepared to take on a high level of responsibility and demonstrate strong leadership skills.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive media buying strategy for a large retail client, driving significant increases in online sales and brand awareness
- Managing a team of media buyers and planners to execute a complex, multi-channel media campaign for a global finance client, achieving impressive results across multiple metrics
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create a best-in-class, holistic omnichannel media strategy for a major healthcare client, improving patient acquisition and brand perception
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the high level of responsibility and strategic thinking required for this role. Candidates should be prepared to provide specific examples of their past experiences and accomplishments.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the media buying department?
- How does the agency support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does the agency approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its hiring and workplace practices?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company culture. Candidates should be prepared to ask thoughtful, insightful questions that demonstrate their interest in the position and the organization.
📌 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 media buying, client management, and leadership experience
- Prepare a portfolio or examples of your past media buying strategies and their results
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
