Director, Paid Media Strategy

Walker Sands is one of the fastest-growing integrated B2B marketing agencies in the world. We are looking for a high-impact Director, Paid Media Strategy to help fuel that continued growth. Total compensation for this role is expected to be between $100,000 - $113,000 per year.

As an agency, we exist to accelerate growth—for our clients, our people and the B2B industry. We partner with B2B technology and services companies, from high-growth Silicon Valley businesses to global Fortune 500 brands, to drive meaningful business results. At Walker Sands, curiosity sparks new ideas, collaboration makes the work stronger, and people are at the center of everything we do.

Walker Sands is looking for a talented Director, Paid Media Strategy to join our team in our Boston or Chicago offices - hybrid (highly-qualified remote candidates may also be considered).

• Lead media strategy and planning across channels, defining audiences, channel roles, investment levels, sequencing and reach and frequency considerations based on client objectives and buying journeys.
• Translate client briefs and research into actionable media briefs and plans; size addressable audiences, evaluate opportunities and articulate why each recommendation belongs in the mix.
• Shape programmatic strategy with activation leads, including DSP and inventory selection, supply path quality, first- and third-party data, targeting, frequency, brand safety, measurement and the use of open exchange, PMP and programmatic guaranteed deals.
• Set budget allocation and scenario recommendations, including tradeoffs among scale, precision, efficiency and expected business impact; assess publisher-direct opportunities against programmatic alternatives.
• Build measurement frameworks with analytics and marketing operations partners that connect media signals to qualified demand, pipeline and other client business outcomes; interpret results and guide strategic changes.
• Present plans, performance implications and clear points of view to senior clients and internal stakeholders; serve as a trusted strategic partner on complex decisions and new business opportunities.
• Partner with activation, creative, integrated strategy and account teams to turn plans into executable programs; review execution against strategic intent, quality standards, budget pacing and client commitments without owning daily platform operation.
• Coach and develop media strategists, strengthen planning processes and standards, and bring emerging media opportunities and practical programmatic education to the broader team.

• You crave candid feedback. You embrace it as a powerful tool for growth.
• You pursue excellence. You’re always learning, always sharing, always pushing to get better.
• You’re proactive. You don’t wait for direction; you bring ideas, solutions, and momentum.
• You’re collaborative. You make the work better by working well with others.
• You bring original thinking. You generate fresh, thoughtful ideas that push the work forward.
• You build trust quickly. You show professionalism, responsiveness, and reliability in every client interaction.
• You develop people. Coach, mentor, and create conditions for your team to grow.

• 7+ years of progressive experience in media strategy and planning, including substantial ownership of integrated, multichannel plans and client recommendations; B2B or long-cycle demand generation experience strongly preferred.
• Deep working knowledge of programmatic buying and best practices. You can direct and challenge execution without being the day-to-day buyer.
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including advanced spreadsheet modeling, audience sizing, budget allocation and…