The Associate Media Director (AMD) at Signal Theory is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the strategic direction, execution, and optimization of media initiatives for our clients. The AMD will mentor and develop a high-performing media team, identify and evaluate new media opportunities, and ensure the delivery of innovative, high-quality media solutions. This position partners closely with the Media Director and collaborates cross-functionally with Account, Creative, Data, Brand Strategy, and Project Management teams to deliver integrated, results-driven campaigns.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and adept at both big-picture strategic thinking and flawless execution. Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills are essential, as is the ability to translate complex media strategies into actionable plans that align with client business objectives.
Responsibilities
Lead a $15MM+ Media Account: Oversee a major retail client across 20+ DMAs, managing sophisticated budgets and ensuring seamless multi-market coordination.
Team Leadership & Development: Manage and mentor a team of approximately four media professionals, setting clear performance goals, conducting regular evaluations, and fostering professional growth through tailored development plans.
Strategic Media Planning & Execution: Deliver end-to-end media planning, buying, campaign maintenance, and performance reporting for assigned clients.
Client & Stakeholder Communication: Present and sell media strategies to senior client stakeholders and new business prospects, articulating the value and impact of proposed solutions.
Team Training & Knowledge Sharing: Organize and lead monthly media meetings and training sessions, ensuring best practices and industry insights are shared across the team.
Quality Assurance: Uphold the highest standards for Signal Theory’s media product by implementing consistent processes and industry best practices.
Vendor & Opportunity Research: Serve as a key point of contact for new media vendors and opportunities, staying current on industry trends, technologies, and innovations.
Problem Solving & Issue Resolution: Provide hands-on support for large client accounts, addressing complex client requests and technical challenges within media platforms.
Team Culture & Morale: Monitor team morale, communicate observations to the Media Director, and proactively suggest improvements to foster a positive, collaborative environment.
Onboarding & Training: Lead onboarding and training for new team members, ensuring a smooth integration into the team and company culture.
Campaign Performance & Reporting: Implement robust performance metrics and reporting structures to clearly communicate ROI and campaign impact to senior client stakeholders.
Requirements
8+ years of media planning and/or buying experience within an advertising agency, including direct management of junior staff.
Proven expertise managing media planning for retail accounts in the QSR/fast casual restaurant space is desired.
Demonstrated success leading multi-market campaigns with budgets of $15MM+.
Strong leadership and staff development skills, with a track record of providing clear direction, constructive feedback, and mentorship.
Comprehensive experience across both traditional and digital media channels.
Advanced proficiency with media research tools and the ability to synthesize insights from multiple disciplines to inform strategy.
Experience presenting and selling media plans to senior-level clients and new business prospects.
Ability to build strong cross-functional relationships and serve as a trusted advisor to both clients and internal teams.
Highly detail-oriented, self-motivated, and proactive, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Expertise in all aspects of paid media, including planning, research, buying, technical execution, and billing reconciliation.
Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to develop and maintain strategic and tactical timelines for complex, multi-market campaigns.
Deep knowledge of retail media strategy and execution, particularly in competitive local markets.
Exceptional Benefits Include
Access to online learning platforms to continue honing your craft
Up to $500 a year to put toward qualified wellness expenses, like your gym membership
After one year, we’ll reimburse up to 50% of tuition costs for approved continuing education
After eight years, enjoy a 4-week paid sabbatical, plus a $750 reimbursement for international travel
Of course, we also:
Provide health, dental and vision insurance.
Offer salaries commensurate with experience.
Offer both traditional and Roth 401k plans with employer matching.
Are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at Signal Theory. We firmly believe in the importance of a diverse workforce to create work that resonates and represents both our clients and the markets they serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
location
This position will ideally office out of our Kansas City, MO or Wichita, KS office.
