Associate Media Planner

The Variable is a forward-thinking advertising agency committed to driving ownable differentiation for our clients. With a focus on innovation and strategic partnership, we aim to be true client partners, achieving measurable and meaningful results. We’re looking for an Associate Media Planner who is curious, detail-oriented, and ready to dive into the world of media—someone who’s eager to learn the craft, sharpen their skills, and make an impact from day one.

POSITION SUMMARY

As Associate Media Planner, you’ll be an essential part of the media team, supporting the day-to-day details that keep campaigns running smoothly. On our team, we believe that brand and performance don’t just coexist—they thrive together. You’ll bring that belief to life by learning how to connect budgets, flowcharts, and reporting into media plans that actually drive business results.

This role is built for someone who thrives in the details, asks smart questions, and wants to grow quickly. You’ll gain hands-on experience in campaign planning, execution, and measurement, working closely with teammates across departments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Media Planning & Execution

• Assist in building media plans by conducting research, updating flowcharts, and supporting plan documentation.
• Learn how to steward campaigns across digital (search, social, programmatic) and traditional channels.
• Monitor campaign pacing and delivery, flagging issues and helping with adjustments.
• Traffic creative assets and manage campaign specs to ensure everything launches on time and correctly.
• Support campaign reporting and post-analysis by gathering data and building reports.
• Learn and apply AI-enabled tools to assist with media research and reporting.

Campaign & Partner Support

• Handle administrative tasks like billing, budget tracking, and insertion order preparation.
• Keep campaign records organized and up-to-date.
• Help coordinate with vendors and partners to support campaign delivery.
• Stay curious about media trends, platforms, and tools, sharing insights that can spark smarter solutions.

Team Collaboration & Growth

• Provide reliable support to Planners and Supervisors, keeping them updated and flagging potential issues.
• Jump into brainstorms and team discussions with ideas and fresh perspectives.
• Be proactive about your own development, asking questions, seeking feedback, and building your expertise every day.
• Contribute to a collaborative, positive team culture where everyone helps each other succeed.

KEY TRAITS

• Detail-Oriented Learner: Organized and accurate, with a drive to keep building new skills.
• Curious & Eager: Excited to explore, ask questions, and grow within the craft of media planning.
• Collaborative Teammate: Works well with peers, managers, and partners to get things done.
• Analytical Mindset: Comfortable with numbers, reporting, and using data to uncover insights.
• Reliable & Accountable: Dependable in managing details and following through on tasks.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Around 1 year of experience (internship or entry-level) in media planning, buying, or related field.
• Familiarity with media channels, especially digital (search, social, programmatic), with exposure to traditional media a plus.
• Strong Excel skills and comfort working with spreadsheets for organization and calculations.
• Highly organized, detail-focused, and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Advertising, Media, Marketing, or related field preferred.

WE OFFER

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, with strong employer contributions
• 401(k) with a 4 percent employer match, immediately vested
• Monthly, non-taxable cell phone reimbursement
• Meaningful bonus opportunities, including client referrals, employee referrals, and a peer-to-peer bonus program that gives you $1,000 each year to recognize teammates doing great work
• Up to 14 weeks of paid parental and medical leave, plus a paid, part-time transition back to work, designed to support recovery, bonding, and balance for all parents
• Generous paid time off that increases with tenure, plus Me Time Off (MTO) for the real-life moments that don’t require a full PTO day
• Paid holidays and agency-wide closures, with additional flexibility built into our time-off approach
• Bereavement leave that recognizes loss in all its forms, including miscarriage
• Protected “Heads Down” time every Wednesday afternoon, reserved for deep focus and uninterrupted work
• Hybrid work model with intentional in-office collaboration and flexibility where it works best
• Mental health, financial wellness, and well-being resources to support you as a whole person

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are an EOE and proudly embrace diversity in all its forms. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume directly to Megan Streba, mstreba@thevariable.com

Please note: We appreciate your interest in this opportunity. While we review every application with care, we will only be reaching out to candidates whose experience aligns with the needs of the role.