Manager, Digital Partnerships

Jan 14, 2026

We believe in the power of media to reshape our industry and orchestrate a brand's entire consumer experience, by balancing both what unites people and what makes them different. When brands unite people in culture, they build Fame, and when brands connect individuals to their unique journeys, they build customer Flow. Initiative builds Fame & Flow for brands like Nike, Amazon, Merck, and T‑Mobile.

Media responsibility is at the forefront of everything we do, whether it's creating media plans that reflect the diversity of our communities, promote brand safety, and foster sustainability. Our agency celebrates diversity in an inclusive environment where all of our 6,000+ strong talent across 90+ markets feel seen, heard, and valued. Our vision is to create not only a better media company, but also a better media industry, and maybe even a better world.

We make a promise to our people that we double down on seeing, celebrating & elevating all the things that make you, uniquely you. And just as we do for our brands and clients, we connect our people to the journeys that matter in building a meaningful career.

• INDIVID[YOU]ALITY – you bring your genuine and unique self to and into the work, every day.
• INSTINCT – you're tuned in and armed with intelligence; you have a bias for action.
• IMPACT! – you care deeply about the impact you have on our clients, their customers, our community, the media landscape and our world at large.
• IMAGINATION – your ability to imagine and bring to life the ideas, solutions, and the future of Initiative makes us the world’s leading media agency.

The Manager of Digital Partnerships is responsible for leading the team of Negotiators and Associates who develop and execute all digital media plans from inception to completion. The Manager monitors deliverables, ensures work meets specifications, oversees teamwork, resource allocation, growth and development, and drives the team to explore and identify non‑traditional partnership opportunities. This role requires the ability to identify partnership opportunities outside of standard paid‑media environments and to maximize communication across owned and earned media platforms.

• Communicate with clients on marketplace intelligence and partnership needs, ensuring alignment with client KPIs.
• Manage daily client contact and requests, develop relationships with media partners, and present plan recommendations.
• Liaise with internal teams, collaborate for knowledge sharing, and mentor/train associates.
• Lead strategic media planning, KPI development, and partner negotiations using data and analytics.
• Delegate and oversee plan development; manage budgets and client billing processes.
• Provide guidance on campaign oversight, reports, and client presentations.
• Coordinate Analytics and Ad‑Ops relationships for proper tagging, reporting, and optimization.
• Secure best marketplace pricing, foster relationships with media partners, and master investment strategies.

• Experience across a variety of media channels.
• Fundamental understanding of media tools as well as syndicated tools.
• Demonstrated ability to develop integrated marketing communication plans encompassing traditional and non‑traditional media strategies.
• Experience with campaign management/ad‑serving technology:
  Double Click DART, Atlas DMT, and/or Media Mind.

• 4+ years of experience in digital media planning.
• Preferred working knowledge of third‑party Internet marketing research: com Score Media Metrix, Nielsen Net View, @Plan, Net Ratings, and others.
• Ability to communicate concisely and clearly both orally and in writing.
• Ability to delegate and oversee Associates and Negotiators workload.

We offer a Total Rewards package that includes medical and dental coverage, 401(k) plans, flex spending, life insurance, disability, employee discount program, employee stock purchase program and paid family benefits to support you and your family.

It is the policy of our company to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees…