What are the responsibilities and job description for the SVP, Media Investment Operations position at Empower Media?
EMPOWER – GROW FEARLESSLY
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 PetSmart, Sprouts Farmers Market, Tempur-Sealy, Whataburger, BetMGM, CarGurus, Rakuten, Realtor.com, and Mint Mobile.
ROLE OVERVIEW
Empower is seeking a strategic and execution-focused Senior Vice President of Investment Operations to lead and optimize our operational infrastructure. This executive will play a critical role in aligning our investment operations with the company’s vision, strategic priorities, and client-first culture. Reporting directly to the CIO and dotted-line to the CEO, the SVP will ensure operational excellence, drive performance, and foster a high-impact, results-driven environment.
This role demands a seasoned business leader with a proven track record in agency or investment operations, deep expertise in systems and process optimization, and an obsession with flawless client delivery. Success in this role requires precision, agility, and a relentless focus on the details that drive performance.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Operational Leadership
- Oversee day-to-day investment operations across departments
- Ensure alignment with company goals and OKRs
- Drive efficiency, consistency, and scalability
Strategic Execution
- Translate strategic initiatives into actionable operational plans
- Partner with CIO, CEO, and CFO to monitor progress and performance
Financial Oversight
- Lead budgeting and forecasting processes
- Ensure cost-effective practices and financial discipline
Process & Performance Optimization
- Identify and resolve operational bottlenecks
- Implement systems and workflows for speed and accountability
- Track and analyze performance metrics
Risk & Compliance
- Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies
- Ensure adherence to policies and compliance standards
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Facilitate communication between investment, finance, analytics and planning
- Champion transparency, accountability, and alignment
IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE
Core Competencies
- Strategic thinker with strong business and financial acumen
- Exceptional problem-solving and anticipation skills
- Acute attention to detail and time/task management
- Proven success in fast-paced environments
- Strong communicator—responsive, clear, and persuasive
Leadership Attributes
- Self-directed with high initiative
- Collaborative negotiator and consensus builder
- Creative and critical thinker
- Passionate, curious, confident, and tenacious
- Committed to client success and team performance
If you’re a performance-obsessed leader who thrives on operational excellence, client satisfaction, and motivating teams toward continuous improvement, we want to meet you.