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Ad Operations Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Proven experience (4+ years) managing digital campaigns in ad operations or ad trafficking role. * Proficiency in executing digital campaigns in ad-serving platforms, DSPs or Content Management ...

Trading Specialist

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Minimum of 3 years of experience in ad operations, campaign management, or programmatic trading (SSP, DSP, Exchange, or agency-side). * Previous experience in various DSPs required. * Strong problem ...

Account Executive

Schaumburg, IL ยท On-site

$90K/yr

Ready and able to work collaboratively with account manager, sales coordinator, and ad operations team in order to best grow and manage the business Benefits and Compensation: The salary range is $40 ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Regional Vice President, Business Development - North America

Adlook

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

North America is a top growth priority for Adlook, and we're looking for the leader to build it. As VP of Business Development, North America, you'll build and lead a team of Business Development Reps, own senior relationships with agencies and brands, and set the go-to-market strategy for the region.ย 

What You'll Do
  • Take an entrepreneurial approach to winning new business across North America, with the US as a focus market

  • Build and lead a team of Business Development Reps across the region

  • Own relationships with senior stakeholders at agencies and brands

  • Drive cross-functional projects to deliver against business expectations

  • Evangelize Adlook's values and USPs within the regional team and with clients

  • Mentor and lead the team

  • Define and execute the go-to-market strategy for North America, in partnership with global leadership

  • Represent Adlook at industry events, conferences, and client meetings to build brand presence in the region

Requirements
  • 10+ years in business development / sales within adtech, martech, or digital media - ideally with DSP, programmatic, or performance marketing exposure in a managerial role

  • Proven track record building and scaling a BD or sales team from the ground up

  • Established network of senior relationships at agencies and/or brands in the US market

  • Strong commercial acumen - comfortable owning a revenue number and building the plan to hit it

  • Experience operating in a high-growth, entrepreneurial environment with limited structure

  • Excellent stakeholder management skills, able to work cross-functionally with Product, Marketing, and Ad Operations

  • Based in the US (or willing to relocate), with flexibility to travel across North America

  • Fluent English; additional languages a plus

Why Adlook?
  • A real leadership mandate. This isn't inheriting a built-out org - it's building one. You'll shape the team, the strategy, and the North America playbook from close to zero.

  • Backed, not bootstrapped. As part of RTB House Group, you get the stability and resources of an established global player while still working with startup speed and autonomy.

  • A seat at the table. Direct visibility with senior leadership and a real say in how Adlook shows up commercially in the region.

  • Momentum. North America is a strategic growth priority right now - you're joining at the point where the impact of what you build is most visible.

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