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Sr. Manager, Affiliate Marketing

Ovative Group
Full-time
On-site
Chicago, Illinois, United States
πŸ”— Affiliate Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Sr. Manager, Affiliate Marketing

πŸ”Ή Company: Ovative Group

πŸ”Ή Location: Minneapolis, Chicago, New York

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Marketing

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: 2025-07-02

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 6+ years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Driving affiliate marketing strategies and roadmaps aligned with client program and enterprise-level growth goals
  • Leading day-to-day management and optimization of affiliate marketing campaigns
  • Building and growing client relationships, establishing trust and credibility
  • Developing team members through trainings, SME development, and support
  • Partnering with the in-house measurement team to develop industry-leading measurement capabilities

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and a deep understanding of the affiliate marketing landscape.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Affiliate strategy & thought leadership: Act as a subject matter expert for Affiliate strategies, develop and drive forward Affiliate strategies and roadmaps, lead forward-thinking team strategies within the client mix, and support audit and acquisition efforts across the portfolio.

βœ… Performance media management & execution: Lead day-to-day management and optimization of affiliate marketing campaigns, including planning, prioritization, and execution of campaign and roadmap tactics, strategic partner identification, recruitment, activation, and optimization, analyzing program performance, defining actionable insights, leading team on strategic next steps, holding teams accountable to best practices, and leading and executing on testing roadmap ideation, planning, and management.

βœ… Client relationship management: Own, manage, and grow the overall relationship and performance of some of Ovative Group’s largest clients, lead development and delivery of client-facing solutions, effectively manage and grow client relationship, and establish trust and credibility.

βœ… Team leadership and employee development: Develop team members through trainings, SME development, and support, support staffing strategy and help recruit, train, and manage new Ovative team members, foster a culture of open communication and 360-degree feedback, and inspire your team and direct reports to reach their quarterly, annual, and long-term goals.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills to manage multiple projects and teams effectively.

🎯 Required Qualifications

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

Experience: 6+ years of relevant experience within affiliate marketing, 3+ years of experience directly leading and supporting multiple team members

Required Skills:

  • Proven track record of success driving strong positive results through affiliate marketing programs
  • Strong communication and time management skills
  • Ability to tell a story with data
  • Direct responsibility for enterprise-level affiliate marketing programs
  • Strong digital agency experience or digital lead on the client-side
  • Strong knowledge set with affiliate marketing networks and tools
  • Strong knowledge of attribution platforms and proven track record of converting data sets into actionable insights

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience with EMRge or similar MarTech platforms
  • Fluency in multiple languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in digital media agencies or as a digital lead on the client-side will have a strong foundation for success in this role.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $111,000 - $186,000 per year, inclusive of a 25% bonus

Benefits:

  • Flexible paid vacation policy
  • 401k match program
  • Top-notch health insurance options, inclusive of same-sex partners
  • Family formation benefits
  • Monthly stipend for your mobile phone and data plan
  • Sabbatical program
  • Charitable giving via our time and a financial match program

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

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is inclusive of a 25% bonus and is based on industry standards for a senior management role in affiliate marketing.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Ovative Group is a digital-first media and measurement firm that is transforming the measure of marketing success. They specialize in cross-channel measurement, customer data architecture, search engine marketing, search engine optimization, digital media execution, multi-touch attribution, marketing analytics, digital media optimization, paid social, display, and online to offline measurement.

Company Size: Ovative Group has 501-1,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Founded: Ovative Group was founded in 2009 and has since grown to become a leading player in the digital marketing industry.

Company Description:

  • Ovative Group helps change makers drive measurable performance by combining deep industry expertise and proven processes with an innovative new marketing metric, Enterprise Marketing Return (EMR).
  • Their team of marketing experts does the hard work to drive measurable performance and surpass expectations, fostering a trusting environment with each other and their clients.
  • Ovative Group offers Paid and Owned Media Services, Omni-Channel Measurement, and Strategy Consulting.

Company Specialties:

  • Cross Channel Measurement
  • Customer Data Architecture
  • Search Engine Marketing
  • Search Engine Optimization
  • Digital Media Execution
  • Multi-touch Attribution
  • Marketing Analytics
  • Digital Media Optimization
  • Paid Social
  • Display
  • Online to Offline Measurement

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

ASSUMPTION: Ovative Group's focus on data-driven marketing and commitment to client success make it an attractive employer for individuals looking to grow their careers in the digital marketing industry.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior management position, offering significant growth opportunities and the chance to make a substantial impact on the company's affiliate marketing strategies.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Manager, Affiliate Marketing will report directly to the Vice President of Affiliate Marketing and will have direct reports of their own, including team members and potentially junior managers.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with frequent travel to the Minneapolis headquarters for company events, team events, and in-person collaboration with teams.

Growth Opportunities:

  • As a senior management role, this position offers significant opportunities for career advancement within the affiliate marketing team or across other departments within Ovative Group.
  • The company's commitment to employee development and growth makes it an ideal environment for ambitious professionals looking to take the next step in their careers.
  • With Ovative Group's focus on driving measurable performance, there are ample opportunities for high-achieving individuals to make a significant impact on the company's success.

ASSUMPTION: This role provides a unique opportunity for an experienced affiliate marketing professional to take on a leadership position and drive meaningful change within a growing and dynamic company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Ovative Group has offices in Minneapolis, New York, and Chicago, providing a modern and collaborative work environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.

Office Location(s): 729 Washington Ave N, Suite 1000, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55401, US; 254 Canal St, Suite 5000, New York, 10013, US; 224 N Desplaines St, Ste 200, Chicago, Illinois 60661, US

Geographic Context:

  • The Minneapolis office is located in the North Loop neighborhood, offering easy access to downtown amenities and nearby attractions such as Target Field and the Minneapolis Farmers Market.
  • The New York office is situated in the Financial District, providing convenient access to public transportation and nearby attractions such as Wall Street and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
  • The Chicago office is located in the West Loop neighborhood, offering easy access to the city's vibrant food and entertainment scene, as well as nearby attractions such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Riverwalk.

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexible paid vacation policy

ASSUMPTION: Ovative Group's offices provide a modern and collaborative work environment, with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application review
  • Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
  • On-site or virtual interview with the hiring team
  • Final interview with the Vice President of Affiliate Marketing
  • Background check and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Affiliate marketing expertise and strategic thinking
  • Communication and presentation skills
  • Leadership and team management skills
  • Problem-solving and analytical skills
  • Cultural fit and alignment with Ovative Group's values

Application Tips:

  • Highlight your relevant experience and achievements in affiliate marketing
  • Demonstrate your understanding of Ovative Group's unique approach to affiliate marketing and measurement
  • Prepare questions to ask the interview panel about the company's culture, growth opportunities, and affiliate marketing strategies
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experience

ATS Keywords: Affiliate Marketing, Strategic Planning, Campaign Optimization, Publisher Relationships, Team Leadership, Data Analysis, Attribution Platforms, Client Management, Digital Media

ASSUMPTION: Ovative Group's interview process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for both the candidate and the company.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • EMRge (Ovative's proprietary MarTech platform)
  • Affiliate marketing networks and tools (e.g., CJ Affiliate, Impact Radius, etc.)
  • Attribution platforms (e.g., Adobe Analytics, Google Analytics, etc.)
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, JIRA, etc.)

ASSUMPTION: Ovative Group's use of industry-leading tools and technologies enables its team to drive measurable performance and stay at the forefront of the digital marketing industry.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Trust and transparency
  • Doing the hard and complicated work others put off
  • Open communication and floor plan
  • Flat organization with interns sitting next to VPs
  • Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can participate and thrive

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Data-driven and results-focused
  • Agile and adaptable
  • Committed to continuous learning and improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
  • Are you comfortable working with data and using it to drive strategic decisions?
  • Do you have experience leading and managing teams, and fostering a culture of open communication and feedback?
  • Are you passionate about digital marketing and committed to driving measurable performance?

ASSUMPTION: Ovative Group's culture is characterized by trust, transparency, open communication, and a commitment to driving measurable performance. Candidates who align with these values and work styles will be well-suited to the company's unique environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple client relationships and affiliate marketing campaigns simultaneously
  • Keeping up with the fast-paced and ever-evolving digital marketing landscape
  • Balancing strategic planning and day-to-day campaign management
  • Navigating a mid-sized company environment with multiple offices and remote team members
  • Managing a team and fostering a culture of open communication and feedback

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges and opportunities for growth and development, requiring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and adaptability.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Compared to other senior affiliate marketing roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to drive enterprise-level impact and lead a team within a growing and dynamic company.
  • Ovative Group's focus on data-driven marketing and commitment to client success sets it apart from other digital marketing agencies.
  • Career paths within Ovative Group may include advancement to Director or Vice President of Affiliate Marketing, or exploration of other departments within the company.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic leadership, team management, and hands-on campaign optimization, making it an attractive opportunity for experienced affiliate marketing professionals looking to take the next step in their careers.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a comprehensive affiliate marketing strategy for a major retail client, driving a 30% increase in sales and a 25% increase in new customer acquisition
  • Optimizing a publisher mix for a leading e-commerce client, resulting in a 20% increase in revenue and a 15% decrease in cost per acquisition
  • Leading a team to develop and implement a cross-channel attribution model for a major CPG client, enabling more informed decision-making and driving a 15% increase in marketing efficiency

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and opportunities for impact in the Sr. Manager, Affiliate Marketing role at Ovative Group.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • How does Ovative Group approach affiliate marketing strategy and roadmap development for clients with diverse program and enterprise-level growth goals?
  • Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the affiliate marketing department, and how this role would fit into that structure?
  • How does Ovative Group foster a culture of open communication and feedback, and what are some examples of this in practice?
  • What are the key growth opportunities for this role, and how does Ovative Group support the professional development of its employees?
  • How does Ovative Group approach work-life balance, and what resources and support are available to employees to maintain a healthy work-life equilibrium?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding Ovative Group's unique culture and approach to affiliate marketing.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your relevant skills and experience in affiliate marketing, digital media, and leadership
  • Prepare questions to ask the interview panel about the company's culture, growth opportunities, and affiliate marketing strategies
  • Practice common interview questions and brush up on your affiliate marketing knowledge
  • Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role

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