NPM Digital Media Planning Associate

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: NPM Digital Media Planning Associate

🔹 Company: NPR

🔹 Location: Remote (with preference for candidates located in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, or Virginia)

🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Exempt

🔹 Category: Digital Media, Ad Operations

🔹 Date Posted: May 1, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-4 years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK (based out of Washington, DC office)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Creating and managing digital media proposals for corporate sponsorships across NPR's digital platforms
• Analyzing inventory and optimizing campaigns to meet client objectives
• Ensuring timely revisions and updates to proposals and campaigns
• Building foundational knowledge of emerging podcast ad tech

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of digital media and sponsorship, with a focus on strategic planning and analytical skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential for managing proposals and data.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Create and manage digital media proposals ranging from $20K to $2M in an order management system, using client audience targets and objectives to customize plans

✅ Juggle a high-volume, fast-paced workload, often generating or updating 4+ proposals per business day across a variety of accounts

✅ Pull ad inventory availability in ad servers like Megaphone and Google Ad Manager

✅ Analyze inventory sell-through rates to steer clients toward underutilized digital products

✅ Manage time-sensitive proposal revisions and campaign optimizations, recommending alternative placements to prevent revenue loss

✅ Translate proposals into agency-provided Excel templates with high attention to detail

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for collaborating with the sales team and stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in work experience

Experience: 2-4 years of work experience, preferably in ad operations or a similar field

Required Skills:

• Proficient in MS Excel
• Outstanding attention to detail for quality assurance purposes
• Ability to manage multiple priorities at a time
• Ability to collaborate on a team of 20+ people in a fast-paced environment with large amounts of revenue at stake
• Proven ability for project management and excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with ad-serving platforms (i.e., Google Ad Manager, Megaphone, Adswizz) and order management systems (i.e., Boostr)
• Enthusiasm for public media, its mission, and its programs

ASSUMPTION: While experience in ad operations is preferred, candidates with relevant experience in digital media planning, account management, or similar roles may also be considered.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $59,000 - $61,000 USD per year

Benefits:

• Health and wellness benefits
• Paid time off
• Financial well-being benefits
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life, long-term disability, and short-term disability insurance
• Voluntary retirement savings plan

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on NPR's anticipated salary range for new hires for this position across all US locations. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and location.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Broadcast Media Production and Distribution

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Founded: 1970

Company Description:

• NPR is a leading multimedia organization that produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation.
• The organization values information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility, and its employees do too.
• NPR is committed to doing the right thing in its journalism and in every role at the organization, fostering a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to success.

Company Specialties:

• Media
• Radio
• Broadcast
• News
• Digital
• Digital media
• Podcast

Company Website: http://www.npr.org

ASSUMPTION: NPR is a well-established organization with a strong reputation in the broadcast media industry. Its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and collaboration makes it an attractive workplace for candidates seeking a mission-driven environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level

Reporting Structure: This role reports to the Digital Ad Operations team and works closely with NPR’s sales organization to develop strategic digital sponsorship proposals.

Work Arrangement: This is a remote-permitted role, with a preference for candidates located in specific states. The role is based out of NPR’s Washington, DC office but the employee may choose to work on a remote basis from an approved location.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential career growth within NPR’s Digital Ad Operations team or related departments
• Opportunities to learn about emerging podcast ad tech and expand skillset
• Possibility to work on high-profile campaigns and collaborate with industry-leading brands

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Candidates should be prepared to take on a high volume of work and manage multiple priorities effectively.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote (with preference for candidates located in specific states)

Office Location(s): 1111 N. Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, US

Geographic Context:

• NPR is headquartered in Washington, DC, with a presence in major cities across the United States
• The organization’s remote work policy allows employees to work from approved locations within specific states
• NPR’s work environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and mission-driven, with a focus on producing high-quality content and serving the public

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

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a remote environment and have a dedicated workspace with reliable internet access. They should also be prepared to manage their time effectively and maintain a consistent work schedule.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with senior leadership
• Background check and reference check
• Job offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Digital media planning and strategy
• Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
• Attention to detail and quality assurance
• Project management and time management
• Communication skills and collaboration

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your enthusiasm for public media and NPR’s mission
• Showcase your ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on problem-solving, time management, and communication skills

ATS Keywords: Digital Media Planning, Ad Operations, Sponsorship, Microsoft Excel, Project Management, Attention to Detail, Remote Work, Fast-Paced Environment

ASSUMPTION: NPR uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out and increase your chances of being selected for an interview.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Excel
• Ad-serving platforms (i.e., Google Ad Manager, Megaphone, Adswizz)
• Order management systems (i.e., Boostr)
• Project management tools (i.e., Asana, Trello, JIRA)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant tools and technologies is essential for this role. Candidates should be comfortable learning and using new tools as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Adherence to ethical standards and compliance with legal obligations
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Commitment to public service and mission-driven work

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Mission-driven and focused on public service
• Adaptable and able to manage multiple priorities

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you ensure attention to detail and quality assurance in your work?
• Can you describe a time when you managed multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment?
• How do you approach working collaboratively with a team of 20+ people?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their fit with NPR’s company values and work style before applying. They should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with these factors during the interview process.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a high volume of work and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Working effectively in a remote environment with limited in-person interaction
• Navigating NPR’s complex organizational structure and collaborating with various departments
• Adapting to changes in priorities, workflows, and tools as needed

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to face these challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to Digital Media Planner/Strategist roles in other industries, with a focus on digital sponsorships and ad operations
• Unlike other roles, this position requires a strong understanding of public media and NPR’s mission and programs
• Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in digital media strategy, account management, or related fields

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles in other industries to better understand the skills and experience required for this position. They should also consider the unique aspects of working in public media and NPR’s mission-driven environment.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a strategic digital sponsorship proposal for a major brand, incorporating multiple NPR digital platforms and targeting specific audience segments
• Optimizing campaign performance by analyzing inventory sell-through rates and recommending alternative placements to prevent revenue loss
• Managing a high-volume, fast-paced workload, generating or updating 4+ proposals per business day across a variety of accounts

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to provide examples of their experience with digital media planning, project management, and data-driven decision-making during the interview process.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Digital Ad Operations team?
• How does this role collaborate with NPR’s sales organization and other departments?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role?
• How does NPR support work-life balance for its employees, particularly those working remotely?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview process to demonstrate their interest in the role and organization. They should also be prepared to answer questions about their experience, skills, and fit with NPR’s company values and work style.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on problem-solving, time management, and communication skills
• Research NPR’s mission, values, and company culture to demonstrate your enthusiasm and fit
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

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