Associate Director, Media

At SimpsonScarborough, we spend our days building brands that endure, inspire, and elevate the all-important work of colleges and universities in shaping our future. Recognized as a leader in higher-ed marketing, we’re a fully remote team of about 65 employees coast to coast—strategists, creatives, analysts, and storytellers who love what we do and who we do it for.

We’re looking for an Associate Director, Media to lead strategy, development, and execution of integrated media campaigns that drive measurable impact for our clients. Reporting to the Director, Media, the ideal candidate is both a big-picture thinker and a precision-driven operator: fluent in digital, social, and traditional media; confident presenting to clients; and energized by connecting the dots between audience data, creative storytelling, and performance results.

Requirements

• Campaign Leadership & Execution – Lead the planning, execution, and optimization of multi-channel media campaigns (digital, social, search, and traditional) that meet pacing, performance, and budget goals.
• Cross-Team Collaboration – Partner with creative, strategy, and analytics teams to ensure integration and consistent storytelling across all channels.
• Client Service & Presentation – Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, delivering clear, persuasive media recommendations, performance insights, and campaign wrap-ups that demonstrate strategic value.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management – Maintain strong relationships with media partners and platforms; evaluate new opportunities and emerging trends that advance our clients’ goals.
• Leadership & Mentorship – Guide and support junior team members, foster collaboration, and contribute to evolving media processes and best practices across the agency.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in media planning, buying, or activation across digital and traditional channels.
• Strong understanding of programmatic, social, search, and offline media ecosystems.
• Proven experience leading large, integrated campaigns and collaborating cross-functionally with creative and strategy teams.
• Hands-on experience managing campaigns in Meta Ads Manager, Google Ads, and demand-side platforms (DSPs).
• Strong analytical mindset and familiarity with campaign measurement tools and reporting frameworks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively.
• Highly organized, deadline-driven, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, remote environment.
• Bachelor’s degree and/or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.

Salary, Benefits & Perks

• Salary starts at $100,000.00 and will be commensurate with experience.
• SimpsonScarborough offers a full benefits package, including nationwide health coverage, dental, vision, employer paid life insurance & short-term disability, flexible time off (FTO), and additional voluntary benefits such as pet insurance, identity and legal protection, hospital indemnity, additional life coverage, critical illness and accident insurance, paid parental leave, and a 401(k) with employer contribution after waiting period.
• Perks include flexible work model including, and an annual stipend for remote working and professional development, two (2) weeklong agency-wide refresh weeks (summer and winter office closures), and a day off for your birthday.

At SimpsonScarborough, we believe diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are central to our core values, cultural norms, and critical to our long-term success. We believe this work is a continual effort that requires consistency, intentionality, vulnerability and accountability for ourselves and others. Through our efforts we strive to make impact in our work, in our workplace and in our industry.

SimpsonScarborough is an equal opportunity employer. We have a strict anti-harassment policy and a no tolerance non-discrimination policy. We welcome employees of all backgrounds regardless of nationality, race, religion, gender identity, veteran status, and all characteristics protected by state and federal law.

Beware of fraudulent job offers. SimpsonScarborough will never ask you for personal information or for interviews through unofficial channels. Please report any suspicious activity to PeopleAndCulture@simpsonscarborough.com.

Salary : $100,000