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Associate Media Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hive

Associate, Media & Sports

San Francisco, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

Associate, Media & Sports We are looking for talented candidates to join our Enterprise Analytics ... The work you do here will have a noticeable and direct impact on the development of the company.

Hive

Associate, Media & Sports

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Associate, Media & Sports We are looking for talented candidates to join our Enterprise Analytics ... The work you do here will have a noticeable and direct impact on the development of the company.

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All JobsAssociate Media JobsAssociate Media Director JobsAssociate Media Director Jobs in California

Associate Media Director information

See California salary details

$66.1K

$104.3K

$141.1K

How much do associate media director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate media director in California is $104,270.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,900.00 and $121,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate media director?

Associate Media Directors are mid-to-senior level professionals in advertising or marketing agencies responsible for overseeing the planning, implementation, and optimization of media campaigns. They manage a team of media planners and buyers, develop media strategies, and ensure campaigns meet client objectives and budgets. Associate Media Directors also liaise with clients, analyze campaign performance, and provide recommendations for improvement. Their role is crucial in ensuring that advertising reaches the right audience through the most effective channels.

How does an associate media director typically collaborate with creative and account teams to develop media strategies?

An Associate Media Director works closely with both creative and account teams to ensure that media strategies align with campaign objectives and client goals. This collaboration often involves participating in brainstorming sessions, sharing consumer insights, and providing guidance on media channel selection. Regular meetings are held to review campaign performance and adjust tactics as needed. By maintaining open communication and a collaborative spirit, the Associate Media Director ensures campaigns are integrated, effective, and deliver measurable results.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate media director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Media Director, you need a strong background in media strategy, campaign planning, and analytics, typically supported by a degree in marketing, communications, or a related field. Proficiency in media buying platforms, analytics tools like Google Analytics, and media planning software such as Mediaocean or Strata is essential. Leadership, collaboration, and strong communication skills are crucial for managing teams and client relationships effectively. These skills ensure successful campaign execution, optimal media investments, and alignment with client objectives in a competitive media landscape.

What is the difference between Associate Media Director vs Media Planner?

AspectAssociate Media DirectorMedia Planner
CredentialsBachelor's degree, experience in media buying and strategyBachelor's degree, often entry-level or mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing campaigns, managing teamsResearch, selecting media channels, executing campaigns
Industry UsageAdvertising agencies, media companies, marketing departmentsAdvertising agencies, media buying firms, marketing teams

The Associate Media Director typically holds a more senior role, focusing on strategic oversight and team management, while the Media Planner concentrates on research and selecting media channels. Both roles require media knowledge, but the Associate Media Director has broader responsibilities and leadership duties within the media department.

What are popular job titles related to Associate Media Director jobs in California?

For Associate Media Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Media Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Media Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Associate Media Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Associate Media Director job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Media Director jobs in CA?

For Associate Media Director jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Associate Media Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Media Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,270 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

Associate Media Director (Pharma Required)

El Segundo, CA • On-site, Remote

Moontide Agency LLC
Marketing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Moontide Agency LLCexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Associate Media Director

At Moontide, the Associate Media Director (Pharma Required) is a seasoned media executive who works directly with the Media Director. AMDs participate in the strategic and tactical development of media plans and create and foster strong relationships with clients and internally within the agency. They have mastery of all media channels, digital and traditional, take the lead in managing all media components of their accounts and contribute to the professional development of their team.


Who is Moontide?

 Moontide is a fully integrated, full-service agency based in Southern California. With an entrepreneurial spirit and an independent mindset, we're free to think, create, and operate without traditional constraints-and that kind of freedom empowers us to do our best work. We create campaigns that can't be ignored and deliver results that can't be denied. We're passionate about growth, both for our clients and ourselves, and we believe in a balanced approach-shooting for the moon while staying grounded. At Moontide, we thrive on collaboration, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We celebrate optimism, challenge mediocrity, and know how to have a good time along the way.

 Technical

  • Manage budgets and project workflow

  • Proficient in using syndicated research MRI/Simmons to identify actionable media targets

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and media management platforms and reporting/research platforms (Strata, MediaOcean, CM360, ComScore)

  • Excellent quantitative skills, including analytical abilities and math proficiency

Human Skills

  • Highly organized, self-starter with excellent writing, presentation, and verbal communication skills

  • Strong multi-tasking abilities

  • "Owning It," which means gracefully solving whatever problems or challenges present themselves along the way without having to be asked.

  • Ability to work well with team members and independently

  • Seasoned relationship expert with clients and internally within agency

  • Highly professional, positive attitude

  • Meticulous attention to detail

  • A leader and mentor

 Got what it takes? 

  • Minimum 5-7 years in integrated media planning and strategy; experience in pharma preferred  

  • Sophisticated understanding of integrated media strategy

  • A creative thinker who brings new ideas and ways of working to help foster account and agency growth

  • Comfortable providing and receiving constructive feedback and opportunities for growth

  • Ability to interpret and take action on measurement/analytics

  • Strong understanding of attribution, measurement, and conversion-based KPIs (CPA, ROAS, CAC)

  • Strong team leader with people management skills

  • Comfortable working with buyers, analysts, and partner agencies

  • Flexible and able to succeed in a fast-paced environment juggling multiple projects 

  • U.S. citizen or legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required; sponsorship is not offered

What We Offer

  • Professional development opportunities and mentorship 

  • Top-notch tools and human capital to support you

  • Medical, dental, vision FSA, and life insurance

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • Paid Holidays, sick leave, and unlimited PTO

  • Lunch-and-learns and happy hours

  • Charitable donation matching and opportunities to support philanthropy initiatives

  • A hybrid WFH + in-office model for roles based out of our El Segundo, CA office

Apply