Associate Director, Strategy & Activation

Associate Director, Strategy & Activation

Kepler invites a senior leader across key client relationships to drive integrated media strategy, cross‑channel planning, and performance marketing excellence. As an associate director, you will deeply understand client business objectives and translate them into holistic media strategies that produce measurable impact, while leading execution across channels.

• Serve as a senior strategic lead across digital performance channels including Paid Search, Paid Social, Programmatic/Display, Online Video, and emerging digital platforms.
• Lead integrated cross‑channel media strategy and planning initiatives aligned to client business goals, KPIs, audience strategies, and competitive insights.
• Act as a point of contact for assigned clients; build trusted relationships, proactively guide discussions, and navigate complex business challenges.
• Provide oversight across campaign planning, activation, optimization, budget allocation, and measurement to drive outcomes.
• Translate performance data and insights into actionable recommendations, strategic narratives, and executive‑level presentations.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, testing, audience expansion, and channel growth.
• Manage a team of 5‑10 managers, senior analysts, and analysts with strategic guidance, coaching, and development.
• Drive operational excellence and contribute to process improvement.
• Support senior leadership in growing client relationships through strategic thinking and recommendation of incremental opportunities.

• 5‑8+ years of experience in digital media strategy, cross‑channel planning, activation, and performance marketing.
• Hands‑on activation experience across Paid Search, Paid Social, Programmatic/Display, and digital buying platforms.
• Proven integrated media strategies across multiple performance channels.
• Strong understanding of KPIs, attribution, audience targeting, measurement, and optimization.
• Experience with Google Ads, SA360, Meta Ads Manager, Tik Tok Ads, DV360, The Trade Desk, or similar.
• Analytical skill to interpret large datasets and translate into business impact.
• Strategic thinking alongside operational execution.
• Credibility with clients and lead strategic conversations with senior stakeholders.
• Leadership and mentorship for junior team members.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project‑management skills in a fast‑paced environment.
• Entrepreneurial, collaborative, team‑oriented mindset.

• Base Salary: $117,000 – $130,000
• Target Annualized Discretionary Bonus: 5% ($5,850 – $6,500)
• Target Total Cash: $122,850 – $136,500

• Health care, Dental, Vision
• Unlimited PTO
• 401(k) Contributions
• $75/month Wellness Stipend
• $100/month Mobile Phone Stipend
• $50/month Internet Stipend
• $500/year Annual Learning Stipend
• $2,000/year Annual Tuition Stipend
• One‑time $200 Home Office Equipment Stipend
• Parental Leave – 16 week primary caregiver / 6 week secondary caregiver
• Annual Work From Anywhere – 4 weeks per year

Kepler is a people‑first organization. If this role piques your interest but you may not check every box, we still encourage you to apply! Studies show that imposter syndrome can prevent women and people of color from applying unless they meet every single qualification. We welcome all who are interested to apply; you just might be a great candidate for this role or others.