Media Director

Chicago, IL

Posted: 09/09/2026 Industry: Advertising Job Number: BT26.9.9.1 Pay Rate: $160k - $180k Remote Friendly: Hybrid Experience: 5+ years agency experience in analytics

Job Description

Media Director – (hybrid 2 days a week in office)

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable developing upper-funnel brand strategies and connecting those investments to lower-funnel business performance. They thrive in ambiguous environments, confidently guide clients through changing business priorities, and inspire cross-functional teams to deliver thoughtful, measurable solutions.

This leader will serve as a trusted advisor to clients while mentoring teams, driving strategic thinking, and helping shape the future of media within the agency.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead integrated media strategy across all channels, ensuring media investments align with client business objectives. 
  • Develop omnichannel media plans spanning awareness, consideration, and conversion.
  • Partner directly with senior client stakeholders, serving as a strategic consultant and trusted business advisor.
  • Translate business challenges into actionable media recommendations supported by data and insights.
  • Guide clients through evolving priorities by recommending strategic pivots as market conditions and business goals change.
  • Lead and mentor media teams while fostering collaboration across planning, buying, analytics, strategy, creative, and account management.
  • Present strategic recommendations, campaign performance, and business insights to executive-level clients.
  • Build measurement frameworks that connect media investment to business outcomes, including leads, demand generation, and customer acquisition.
  • Collaborate on new business opportunities and contribute to agency growth initiatives.
  • Promote a culture of continuous learning, innovation, accountability, and strategic curiosity.

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of progressive media strategy and planning experience within an agency environment.
  • Proven success leading integrated media programs across channels.
  • Strong understanding of how upper- and mid-funnel media influences lower-funnel performance and measurable business outcomes.
  • Experience advising clients on evolving marketing strategies in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience managing direct reports while leading cross-functional teams.
  • Excellent presentation, communication, and executive relationship-building skills.
  • Ability to navigate ambiguity, solve complex business problems, and make informed strategic recommendations.
  • Experience partnering with analytics teams to develop measurement frameworks and optimize performance.

Preferred Experience

  • Candidates with experience in one or more of the following industries are highly desirable:

Retail, Financial Services, Insurance, Digital Commerce, Secondary Marketplace businesses (e.g., ticketing, resale marketplaces, automotive marketplaces, or similar business models)

  • Experience connecting digital with  offline media—including television, audio, radio, podcasts, influencers, partnerships, streaming, and out-of-home—to measurable digital business outcomes is especially valuable.

Leadership Profile

  • The successful candidate will demonstrate:
  • Executive presence with a collaborative leadership style.
  • Confidence without ego.
  • Intellectual curiosity and a forward-looking perspective on the future of media.
  • Comfort working in environments that require agility rather than rigid processes.
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to connect marketing strategy to measurable business growth.

#LI-BT1

Meet Your Recruiter

Bettina Thorn
Sr. Recruiter

Established in 1998, ad+one is comprised of hand-picked recruitment professionals with over 30+ years of combined recruiting experience serving the advertising and media agency industry nationwide. We pride ourselves on having access to hard-to-find talent and the hottest job opportunities in the industry. Our focus is on positions in Account Management/Client Services (digital/traditional) as well as Media (digital/traditional), Search Marketing (PPC/SEO), Programmatic, Paid and Earned Social Media and Big Data/Analytics. 

Send an email reminder to:

Share This Job:

Related Jobs:

Login to save this search and get notified of similar positions.

About Chicago, IL

Unlock your potential in the bustling job market around Chicago, Illinois! Dive into a world of endless possibilities and growth opportunities in the Windy City and its vibrant suburbs. From iconic landmarks like the Willis Tower and Navy Pier to the world-class cuisine of deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, this area is rich in culture and charm. Immerse yourself in the thriving arts scene at the Art Institute of Chicago or enjoy a night out at the renowned Second City comedy club. With top-notch theaters, professional sports teams like the Cubs and the Bears, and lush green spaces like Millennium Park, Chicago offers an unbeatable lifestyle for career-driven individuals. Explore our job listings today and discover why Chicago is the perfect place to kickstart your career journey!