Senior Media Planner

Empower Media is the nation’s leading independent, woman-owned media, creative, and entertainment agency. Built on four decades of innovation, Empower unlocks fearless growth through bold thinking, operational excellence, and proprietary technology. Our core values:
Clients First, Strive & Thrive, Bring the Heat, Obsess Over Results, and Live Empowered, guide everything we do.

Empower Media, marking 40 years of innovation, and Ocean Media, with 29 years of performance-driven excellence, have joined forces to create Empower Ocean Media Group, the second-largest, full-funnel independent media agency group in the U.S., managing $1.5 billion in combined media billings.

This strategic partnership merges two of the nation’s leading independent media agencies, amplifying their strengths to deliver unmatched media buying power, cutting-edge technology, and top-tier talent.

With offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City, Empower Media and Ocean Media will maintain their distinct operations while sharing resources and leveraging their combined scale for maximum client impact.

Empower Ocean Media Group serves a prestigious client roster including Pet Smart, Sprouts Farmers Market, Tempur-Sealy, Whataburger, BetMGM, Car Gurus, Rakuten, , and Mint Mobile.

Position Overview:

We’re seeking a Senior Media Planner who is passionate about media planning and strategy, and who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. In this role, you’ll take ownership of media plan development and management for assigned clients, working closely with your manager and the broader team to deliver high-quality, effective media recommendations.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing media strategies and plans for assigned client(s), including research, plan development, and measurement frameworks
• Manage day-to-day planning responsibilities, including budgets, flowcharts, and timelines
• Collaborate with investment teams to ensure accurate plan execution and timely delivery of all campaign elements
• Serve as a key point of contact for client and internal team communications on assigned accounts
• Use planning tools and resources to develop informed recommendations and ensure best practices are applied
• Monitor campaign pacing and performance in collaboration with the investment and analytics teams, adjusting plans as needed
• Contribute to internal initiatives, sharing ideas to improve processes and deliverables

Qualifications:

• 3–5 years of media planning experience, preferably in an agency environment
• Prior retail client/brand experience strongly preferred
• Proficiency in building and presenting media plans
• Experience with key planning tools including Guideline (formerly Media Tools), PRISMA, NMI, Telmar, Nielsen Ad Intel and MRI-Simmons
• Strong understanding of both traditional and digital channels, including programmatic display, CTV, OLV, You Tube, search, audio, OOH, radio, social, and print
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Clear communicator with strong collaboration skills
• Able to hit the ground running and work independently with minimal supervision

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work with high-profile brands and innovative clients
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture that values ideas and initiative
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including professional development opportunities
• Hybrid work arrangement — Tues–Thurs in our Chicago office