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Ad Operations Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ad Operations Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$94K - $124K/yr

Ad Operations Manager Location : Chicago, IL preferred (or remote for extremely well-qualified candidates) Office : 3 days/week in South Loop office About Tavern Research Tavern Research is a ...

About the Role The Ad Operations & Automation Lead is the technical subject matter expert within Client Services. You will own complex escalations, manage our offshore Ad Ops team, and drive ...

About the Role The Ad Operations & Automation Lead is the technical subject matter expert within Client Services. You will own complex escalations, manage our offshore Ad Ops team, and drive ...

Train Retail Media Sponsored Ad and Programmatic Specialists in best practices and operational processes. * Inspire your direct reports to reach their quarterly, annual, and long-term goals. * Foster ...

DV360, The Trade Desk, Yahoo) Experience and understanding in working with Ad Operations and Trafficking teams At least 6-8 Years of relative media experience; proficiency in digital or ad operations ...

DV360, The Trade Desk, Yahoo) Experience and understanding in working with Ad Operations and Trafficking teams At least 6-8 Years of relative media experience; proficiency in digital or ad operations ...

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Showing results 1-20

Ad Operations information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$60.8K

$67K

$71.6K

How much do ad operations jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for ad operations in Chicago, IL is $66,959.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,400.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is ad operations?

Ad Operations, often abbreviated as Ad Ops, refers to the team and processes responsible for managing, delivering, and optimizing digital advertising campaigns. This includes setting up ad campaigns, trafficking creatives, monitoring performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring ads run smoothly across digital platforms. Ad Operations professionals work closely with sales, marketing, and technical teams to maximize ad revenue and campaign effectiveness. Their expertise ensures that ads reach the right audience while meeting both client and publisher goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ad operations professional, and why are they important?

To excel in Ad Operations, you need analytical skills, attention to detail, and a background in digital marketing or advertising, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with ad servers (like Google Ad Manager), programmatic platforms, and analytics tools is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills help you manage campaigns and collaborate with cross-functional teams effectively. These abilities are essential to ensure accurate campaign execution, optimize performance, and deliver results for clients and stakeholders.

What are some common challenges faced in ad operations, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals in Ad Operations often encounter challenges such as tight campaign deadlines, frequent changes in client requirements, and the need to troubleshoot issues across multiple ad platforms. Effective communication with sales, creative, and technical teams is key to managing these challenges, as is staying organized and detail-oriented. Proactively learning about new ad technologies and maintaining up-to-date documentation can also help streamline workflows and minimize errors.

What is the difference between Ad Operations vs Media Planner?

AspectAd OperationsMedia Planner
Primary RoleManage ad campaigns, trafficking, and optimizationDevelop media strategies, select channels, and plan ad placements
Skills & CertificationsAd tech tools, campaign management, analyticsMarket research, media buying, strategic planning
Work EnvironmentDigital advertising teams, ad tech platformsMarketing agencies, media departments
Industry UsageAdvertising, digital mediaAdvertising, marketing, media agencies

Ad Operations focuses on executing and optimizing ad campaigns using technical tools, while Media Planners develop strategies to reach target audiences through media channels. Both roles are essential in digital advertising but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ad Operations jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Ad Operations jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Ad Operations job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,959 per year, or $32.2 per hour.

Ad Operations Specialist - AdTech Ops

Optimize Partners

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Our client, a fast growing adtech company & provider of ad verification software, is looking to hire an AdTech Operations Specialist to assist with company wide adtech compliance initiatives. 

Responsibilities:

  • Provide ad operations and/or adtech operations expertise
  • Execute and help implement an adtech compliance program
  • Assess and document the company risk & exposure as it relates to it's adtech product capabilities

Qualifications:

  • 2+ years of Adtech OR Ad Operations experience
  • Experience and understanding of the digital ad ecosystem (i.e. ad buyers/ad sellers, etc.)
  • An interest in regulatory ad compliance
  • Good verbal & written skills
  • A crossfunctional & collaborative team player

What to Expect, If Hired

  • Health, Vision and Dental Insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan, with Employer match
  • Paid Time Off