📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Associate, Programmatic
🔹 Company: Horizon Media
🔹 Location: Los Angeles, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: April 3, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading tactical programmatic media plans and in-platform setup/optimization
- Strategic planning, account management, and learning & development
- Collaborating with associates, assistants, and interns for training and onboarding
- Working closely with cross-functional teams to drive partner negotiations and performance success
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong programmatic media planner with hands-on-keyboard experience to effectively translate Horizon Media's distinguished subject matter expertise into tactical application.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Strategic Planning & Optimizations (60%):
- Analytical planning: Use reporting to make data-driven decisions for key tactical and audience approaches
- Tactical translation: Articulate how overarching media strategy and channel roles result in specific programmatic plans
- Platform fluency: Collaborate with associates on in-platform campaign set up and tracking/tagging details
- Optimization backup: Assist with campaign optimizations as needed to balance team bandwidth
- Negotiation input: Contribute to negotiations with publishers and platforms to maximize partner accessibility and pricing
- Bidding & optimization plan: Work with associates to craft thoughtful bid adjustments and optimization levers
✅ Account Management (20%):
- Clear communication: Ensure intrateam alignment on critical details and understanding
- Opportunity identification: Surface areas for further education or test and learning opportunities
✅ Learning & Development (20%):
- SME showcasing: Gain and practice speaking to an increased grasp of programmatic technology, strategy, and optimization concepts
- Knowledge share: Recognize and share noteworthy and thoughtful campaign aspects to help other teams and verticals
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic, tactical, and management responsibilities, requiring a well-rounded candidate with strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field
Experience: At least 2 years of in-platform programmatic experience
Required Skills:
- Proven ability to develop, implement, and improve business processes
- Proven ability to thrive in highly collaborative work environments
- Advanced user of at least two DSPs (The Trade Desk, DV360, Walmart Connect, Amazon, Yahoo)
- Strong knowledge of statistical concepts relevant to optimization and scientific testing
- Advanced ability in Microsoft Excel
- Comfortable working across multiple workstreams and clients simultaneously
Preferred Skills:
- Experience mentoring junior employees
- Demonstrated success in driving partner negotiations to increased performance success
- Demonstrated success in mapping analytical insights to plan development, measurement approach, and optimization plan
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong foundation in programmatic media planning and be comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $64,350.00 - $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health Insurance Coverage
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Retirement Savings Plans
- Company Paid Holidays
- Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Mental Health and Wellness Resources
- Pet Insurance
- Childcare Resources
- Identity Theft Insurance
- Fertility Assistance Programs
- Fitness Reimbursement
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexible hours and a hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles. Actual base salary may vary based on individual skill sets, experience, training, education, licensure/certifications, and qualifications for the role.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Advertising Services
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 1989
Company Description:
- Horizon Media is a leader in driving business-based outcomes for marketers
- Founded in 1989, headquartered in New York, with offices in Los Angeles and Toronto
- Recognized for its highly personal approach to client service and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
Company Specialties:
- Sports and Entertainment
- Social Media
- Media Buying
- Direct Marketing
- Social Design
- Social Buying
- Insights & Analytics
- Virtual/Augmented Reality
- SEO
- Mobile
- National & Local TV Investment
- Audio Investment
- Creative Services
Company Website: horizonmedia.com
ASSUMPTION: Horizon Media is a well-established advertising agency with a strong focus on data-driven marketing and a commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and development
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Manager, Programmatic
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a Manager or Director role within the programmatic team
- Opportunities to work on diverse client accounts and gain exposure to various industries
- Chance to develop expertise in emerging technologies and trends within the advertising industry
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to grow both personally and professionally within a dynamic and innovative advertising agency.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work
Office Location(s): Los Angeles, California, United States
Geographic Context:
- Los Angeles is a major city in California, known for its vibrant entertainment industry, diverse culture, and Mediterranean climate
- The office is located in a bustling business district, offering easy access to public transportation, restaurants, and amenities
- The city offers a wide range of housing options, from urban apartments to suburban homes, catering to various lifestyles and budgets
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexible hours and a hybrid work arrangement
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to optimize their work environment based on their personal preferences and needs.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Final interview with the Director or VP of the department
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Programmatic media planning and optimization skills
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Horizon Media's values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant programmatic experience and achievements in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
- Prepare examples of your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to discuss during the interview
- Research Horizon Media's company culture and values to show your enthusiasm and alignment
ATS Keywords: Programmatic media planning, optimization, analytical decision-making, campaign strategy, partner negotiations, statistical concepts, Microsoft Excel
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and candidates should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant skills and experiences and demonstrate their enthusiasm for the role and the company.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- The Trade Desk
- DV360
- Walmart Connect
- Amazon
- Yahoo
- Microsoft Excel
- Data visualization and analytics tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in at least two DSPs and Microsoft Excel is required for this role, and experience with data visualization and analytics tools is preferred.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Accountability
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Work Style:
- Data-driven and analytical
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Results-focused and proactive
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong foundation in programmatic media planning and optimization?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Do you thrive on data-driven decision-making and continuous learning?
- Are you committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their fit with Horizon Media's values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling career with the company.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple workstreams and clients simultaneously may require strong organizational and time management skills
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment may present challenges in maintaining work-life balance
- Navigating partner negotiations and performance success may require strong communication and negotiation skills
- Keeping up with industry trends and technological advancements may require continuous learning and adaptation
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and growth.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other programmatic media planning roles in its focus on strategic planning, account management, and learning and development
- Horizon Media's commitment to data-driven marketing and innovation sets it apart from other advertising agencies
- Career paths within Horizon Media may vary depending on the specific department and individual growth opportunities
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles and Horizon Media's unique offerings to ensure a strong fit and understanding of the role's requirements and opportunities.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive programmatic media plan for a major client launch, including audience targeting, bidding strategy, and optimization levers
- Conducting a competitive analysis of programmatic partners and platforms to inform strategic decision-making and optimize performance
- Leading a cross-functional team to execute a large-scale programmatic campaign, including in-platform setup, tracking, and optimization
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, tactical, and management responsibilities required for this role and provide insight into the types of initiatives candidates may work on.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the programmatic department?
- How does Horizon Media 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 Horizon Media foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the work environment and company culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant programmatic experience and skills
- Write a cover letter demonstrating your understanding of the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
- Prepare examples of your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills to discuss during the interview
- Research Horizon Media's company culture and values to show your enthusiasm and alignment
- Follow up with the hiring manager or talent acquisition team 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.
