Associate Director, Planning

Agency:

Hearts & Science

Job Function:

Media

Job Subfunction:

Media Planning and Buying

Job Description:

As an Associate Director on our Integrated Media Planning team, you will play a pivotal role in developing breakthrough media strategies for our studio client. Working across a diverse slate of titles, you’ll partner closely with strategy, investment, and analytics teams to build audience-first campaigns that drive awareness, conversation, and ultimately opening weekend box office performance.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, culturally curious media leader who thrives in a fast-paced entertainment environment. They understand how audiences discover and engage with content, embrace innovation across emerging platforms, nerd out over ROAS and KPIs and are passionate about creating integrated media experiences that connect films with fans at every stage of the consumer journey.

• 5+ years of integrated media planning experience, preferably within entertainment, theatrical, streaming, or premium video categories
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams
• Strong client service mindset with the ability to build trusted relationships across studio clients, cross-functional agency teams, and media partners
• Deep understanding of full-funnel media planning across traditional and digital channels
• Experience developing audience-first, insight-driven media strategies that balance scale, efficiency, and cultural impact
• Strong knowledge of media consumption trends, entertainment audiences, and evolving consumer behaviors
• Ability to translate audience insights, marketplace trends, and performance data into compelling strategic recommendations
• Working knowledge of syndicated research tools, audience platforms, measurement solutions, and media planning technologies
• Excellent communication, storytelling, and presentation skills
• Strong analytical thinking with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights
• Ability to manage multiple film campaigns simultaneously while adapting to shifting priorities and release schedules
• Passion for entertainment, pop culture, and the evolving media landscape

• Lead integrated media strategy and planning across theatrical film campaigns
• Develop audience-first strategic frameworks that align media investment with studio marketing objectives and box office goals
• Build innovative cross-channel media plans spanning video, social, digital, audio, gaming, creators, experiential, search, and emerging platforms
• Identify opportunities to capitalize on cultural moments, premium content, live sports, tentpole programming, and key seasonal events to maximize campaign impact
• Translate consumer insights, franchise history, marketplace intelligence, and campaign learnings into actionable media strategies
• Partner closely with analytics, investment, and activation teams to ensure seamless execution and optimization throughout the campaign lifecycle
• Champion data-informed planning while balancing innovation, creative storytelling, and premium consumer experiences
• Evaluate new media opportunities, technologies, and partnerships that enhance campaign effectiveness and audience engagement
• Provide strategic point of view on marketplace trends, media innovation, and competitive activity within the entertainment landscape
• Foster strong partnerships with studio clients and media partners
• Manage planning processes, timelines, and deliverables across multiple concurrent film releases
• Mentor, coach, and develop junior team members while fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture
• Lead strategic presentations and confidently communicate recommendations to senior clients and internal leadership
• Continuously identify opportunities…