Director, Paid Social

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Paid Social

🔹 Company: WPP Media

🔹 Location: Los Angeles, California, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (4 days in office)

🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 30, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and managing effective delivery strategies based on clients' business objectives
• Improving processes to streamline operations and maximize team output
• Leading and coaching a team, fostering growth and providing constructive feedback
• Serving as the key client contact, synthesizing information related to opportunities and risks
• Collaborating with other GroupM disciplines, industry groups, and media partners

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Formulate paid social strategies for clients, ensuring recommendations and decisions are consistent, imaginative, and deliver results

✅ Synthesize information and build the capacity and capability of the team in joined-up marketing

✅ Assume a lead role in building and integrating social efforts, ensuring tight alignment with the business strategy

✅ Investigate new opportunities from a broad perspective to determine opportunities to expand the advisory offering

✅ Direct and coach talented team members, constructively evaluating team performance and providing feedback

✅ Provide stewardship, advising on all paid social matters

✅ Oversee the work of other GroupM disciplines, industry groups, and media partners, assisting with integration

✅ Serve as the key client contact, synthesizing information related to opportunities and risks to the senior management team

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, the ability to think strategically, and a deep understanding of paid social media platforms and strategies.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising, or equivalent professional work experience

Experience: 7+ years of experience planning/buying across all social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok, etc.)

Required Skills:

• Proven ability to think strategically and drive solid results to grow the business
• Prior experience managing a team, demonstrating the ability to train and grow junior members and serve as a reliable mentor
• Ability to interact with people at all levels of an organization, fostering strong cross-functional teamwork
• Exhibit passion through appropriate participation in team, agency, and industry initiatives

Preferred Skills:

• Fortune 100 client-facing strategic experience

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in a similar role, managing a team, and working with Fortune 100 clients will be strongly considered.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $230,000 per year (based on experience and qualifications)

Benefits:

• Medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance
• Significant paid time off
• Preferential partner discounts
• Employee mental health awareness days

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Director-level role in Los Angeles. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services

Company Size: 10,001+ employees (Global), 24,666 employees (LinkedIn)

Founded: 1986 (WPP Group), 2021 (WPP Media)

Company Description:

• WPP Media is WPP’s global media collective, focused on driving growth for brands through innovative media solutions
• WPP is the creative transformation company, using the power of creativity to build better futures for its people, planet, clients, and communities
• WPP Media offers a variety of employee resource groups, in-office events, and competitive benefits

Company Specialties:

• Media planning and buying
• Data-driven marketing
• Creative services
• Technology and innovation

Company Website: wppmedia.com

ASSUMPTION: WPP Media is a large, global company with a strong focus on innovation and growth. Its culture emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Director/Manager

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Head of Paid Social or a similar role

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (4 days in office)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to expand the advisory offering and grow the team
• Opportunities to work with Fortune 100 clients and collaborate with other GroupM disciplines
• Chance to develop leadership and mentoring skills

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand the team's capabilities and work with high-profile clients.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (4 days in office)

Office Location(s): 175 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10007, US (Global HQ)

Geographic Context:

• Los Angeles is a major metropolitan area with a diverse economy and a thriving entertainment industry
• The office is located in the heart of New York City, offering easy access to public transportation and various amenities
• The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility and a better work-life balance

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement provides a good balance between in-office collaboration and remote work, allowing employees to enjoy the benefits of both environments.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Case study or presentation, followed by a Q&A session
• Final interview with the Head of Paid Social or a similar role

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Leadership and team management abilities
• Communication and presentation skills
• Understanding of paid social media platforms and strategies

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience and achievements in your resume, focusing on leadership and team management skills
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, using the STAR method to structure your responses
• Showcase your understanding of paid social media platforms and strategies in your cover letter or interview

ATS Keywords: Paid Social, Strategy, Leadership, Team Management, Client Management, Marketing, Advertising, Social Media, Cross-Functional Teamwork

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership skills, and understanding of paid social media platforms and strategies.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok, etc.)
• Media planning and buying software (e.g., Adform, Mediaocean, etc.)
• Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau, etc.)
• Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, etc.)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used in this role may vary depending on the client and project requirements.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Be Extraordinary by Leading Collectively to Inspire transformational Creativity
• Create an Open environment by Balancing People and Client Experiences by Cultivating Trust
• Lead Optimistically by Championing Growth and Development to Mobilize the Enterprise

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Focused on driving growth and innovation
• Adaptable and open to change

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you embrace WPP & WPP Media’s shared core values and can you demonstrate how you’ve embodied them in previous roles?
• Are you comfortable working in a hybrid environment, balancing in-office collaboration and remote work?
• Do you have experience managing a team and fostering a positive, inclusive work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with WPP Media’s core values and have experience working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment will be well-suited to this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
• Keeping up with the rapidly evolving social media landscape
• Balancing the needs of clients, team members, and the broader organization
• Adapting to a hybrid work environment and managing team dynamics remotely

ASSUMPTION: The challenges associated with this role are primarily related to managing multiple priorities, staying current with industry trends, and balancing the needs of various stakeholders in a hybrid work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other Director-level positions in paid social media, but may offer more growth opportunities and client exposure due to WPP Media’s global presence and focus on innovation
• Industry-specific context: The advertising and marketing industry is highly competitive and dynamic, with a strong emphasis on creativity, data-driven decision-making, and continuous learning
• Career path comparison: This role can serve as a stepping stone to senior leadership positions within WPP Media or other advertising and marketing agencies

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other Director-level positions in paid social media, its unique context within WPP Media offers distinct growth opportunities and challenges.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive paid social media strategy for a Fortune 100 client, driving significant growth in brand awareness and engagement
• Collaborating with other GroupM disciplines to create integrated marketing campaigns that leverage paid social media channels effectively
• Conducting regular performance reviews and providing constructive feedback to team members, fostering their professional growth and development

ASSUMPTION: The specific projects undertaken in this role will vary depending on client needs, industry trends, and internal priorities.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within the broader organization?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does WPP Media support the growth and development of its employees, particularly in this role?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how have previous incumbents approached them?
• How does WPP Media foster a culture of collaboration and innovation in a hybrid work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and helps you better understand the organization and its culture.

📌 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, focusing on leadership, team management, and paid social media strategies
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, using the STAR method to structure your responses
• Research WPP Media and the broader advertising and marketing industry to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application, expressing your continued interest in the position

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.