Programmatic Media Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Programmatic Media Specialist

🔹 Company: Barkley

🔹 Location: Kansas City, MO / Chicago, IL / Denver, CO / Austin, TX / New York, NY

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Advertising Services

🔹 Date Posted: April 10, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and managing programmatic media strategies for clients
• Driving client performance and growth through data-driven insights
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions
• Staying updated with industry trends and best practices

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong analytical mindset, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Experience in a fast-paced agency environment is crucial for success.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and implement programmatic media strategies to drive client performance and growth

✅ Analyze campaign data to derive insights and optimize performance

✅ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver integrated solutions

✅ Stay updated with industry trends and best practices

✅ Manage programmatic accounts and ensure client satisfaction

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong self-management skills. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working independently and taking initiative.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field

Experience: 1+ years in a fast-paced agency, media, or marketing environment, hands-on experience building and managing paid search campaigns

Required Skills:

• Programmatic campaign management
• Analytical skills for data-driven decisions
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Understanding of keyword research, campaign management, and optimization
• Proficient with SEM reporting and third-party analytics tools
• Certification in Google AdWords (or ability to obtain certification)
• Experience managing data feeds and shopping campaigns

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in additional languages (Spanish, French, etc.)
• Experience with programmatic demand-side platforms (DSPs)

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in relevant software and tools, such as Google Analytics and Google Ads, is highly desirable for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $50,000 - $70,000 per year (based on industry standards for entry-level media specialist roles in the given locations)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee assistance program
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility for occasional overtime as needed

ASSUMPTION: Barkley offers competitive benefits packages for the advertising industry, but specific details may vary and should be confirmed with the employer.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Barkley is a full-service independent advertising agency, specializing in whole brand thinking and performance media. They operate in a competitive market with a focus on delivering independent creativity at scale.

Company Size: Barkley is a mid-sized agency with 501-1,000 employees, providing a balance between a large agency's resources and a smaller agency's agility.

Founded: Barkley was founded in 1964 and has since grown to become one of the largest independent agencies in the U.S.

Company Description:

• Barkley is committed to being radically diverse and inclusive, fostering an environment where creative, original thinking can thrive
• The agency offers a full spectrum of capabilities, including innovation strategy, brand positioning, and advertising
• Barkley is a Certified B Corporation, demonstrating its commitment to social and environmental responsibility

Company Specialties:

• Innovation strategy
• Brand positioning and architecture
• Brand culture and purpose
• Data strategy and custom research
• Identity and experience design
• Advertising and content
• Media and measurement
• Whole brand thinking and performance media

Company Website: http://www.barkleyokrp.com

ASSUMPTION: Barkley's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is a significant aspect of its company culture and should be considered by applicants.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is an entry-level to mid-level position, offering opportunities for growth and development within the agency.

Reporting Structure: The Programmatic Media Specialist will report directly to the Media Director or a similar role, depending on the specific office location.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks or projects. The exact work arrangement may vary depending on the office location and team needs.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to a Senior Media Specialist or Media Manager role
• Expansion into other areas of media or advertising, such as search engine optimization (SEO) or social media
• Opportunities to work on high-profile client accounts and gain valuable experience

ASSUMPTION: Barkley offers opportunities for professional development and career growth, but specific opportunities may vary depending on the individual's performance and the agency's needs.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Barkley's offices are modern, collaborative workspaces designed to foster creativity and innovation.

Office Location(s): Kansas City, MO; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; Austin, TX; New York, NY

Geographic Context:

• Kansas City, MO: A vibrant midwestern city with a thriving arts and culture scene
• Chicago, IL: A major global city with a diverse economy and rich cultural heritage
• Denver, CO: A rapidly growing city with a strong focus on outdoor recreation and sustainability
• Austin, TX: A tech hub with a unique blend of urban and natural environments
• New York, NY: The global center of the advertising industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for professional growth

Work Schedule: The work schedule for this role is typically Monday through Friday, with occasional overtime as needed to meet project deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate for this role should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and able to adapt to the unique characteristics of each office location.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager or a panel of team members to discuss the role and assess skills and experience
• Case study or project presentation to demonstrate problem-solving and strategic thinking skills
• Final interview with a senior leader or the hiring manager to discuss career growth and company culture

Key Assessment Areas:

• Analytical skills and problem-solving abilities
• Communication and presentation skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Barkley's values
• Strategic thinking and creativity

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively
• Research Barkley's clients and industry trends to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role

ATS Keywords: Programmatic media, paid search, campaign management, data analysis, SEM, Google AdWords, shopping campaigns, data feeds, media strategy, client performance

ASSUMPTION: Barkley's application process is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit, with a focus on finding candidates who can thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Google Ads (formerly Google AdWords)
• Google Analytics
• Programmatic demand-side platforms (DSPs), such as Google Display & Video 360, The Trade Desk, or AppNexus
• Third-party analytics tools, such as Nielsen, comScore, or Kantar
• Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets
• Project management tools, such as Asana, Trello, or JIRA

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used in this role may vary depending on the office location and client needs. Proficiency in relevant software and tools is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Curiosity and skepticism
• Strategic, creative problem-solving
• Initiative
• Communication and storytelling
• Adaptability
• Self-development

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Data-driven and analytical
• Proactive and solution-oriented
• Adaptable and flexible

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong curiosity and drive to learn more about the media landscape and industry trends?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapting to changes as needed?
• Do you have excellent communication skills and the ability to articulate complex information in a clear and concise manner?
• Are you proactive and driven to find solutions to challenges, rather than waiting for instructions?

ASSUMPTION: Barkley places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and values-driven hiring. Applicants should carefully consider how their personal values and work style align with the company's values and culture.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The fast-paced nature of the advertising industry can be challenging for those who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment
• Managing multiple client accounts and priorities can be demanding and require strong time management and organizational skills
• The need to stay updated with industry trends and best practices can be time-consuming and require continuous learning and development
• The on-site nature of this role may require occasional travel to client meetings or industry events

ASSUMPTION: While these challenges may present obstacles for some candidates, they also offer opportunities for growth and development within the agency.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Paid Media Specialist or Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Specialist position, with a focus on programmatic media strategies
• Unlike other media specialist roles, this position requires a strong analytical mindset and a proactive approach to problem-solving
• Career paths for this role may include advancement to a Senior Media Specialist or Media Manager position, with opportunities to expand into other areas of media or advertising

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other media specialist positions, its unique focus on programmatic media strategies sets it apart and offers opportunities for specialization and growth within the agency.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive media strategy for a new client, including keyword research, campaign setup, and optimization
• Analyzing campaign performance data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement, and presenting findings to the client and internal stakeholders
• Managing a large-scale shopping campaign for an e-commerce client, including data feed management and optimization

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities associated with this role, but the specific projects and priorities may vary depending on the office location and client needs.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does Barkley support the professional development and growth of its media specialists?
• Can you describe the typical career path for a media specialist at Barkley, and what opportunities exist for advancement within the agency?
• How does Barkley foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what initiatives are in place to support these values?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how does Barkley support its media specialists in overcoming these challenges?
• How does Barkley approach collaboration and knowledge-sharing between its various offices and teams?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions are designed to provide insight into Barkley's company culture, career growth opportunities, and the day-to-day responsibilities of the Programmatic Media Specialist role.

📌 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 skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively
• Research Barkley's clients and industry trends to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the position

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