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Associate Planning Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate Planning Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

The Associate Planning Director is an entry role into management and requires a mastery of Sr. Planner level duties and qualifications. The APD serves as Integrated Strategist supporting brands as a ...

Associate Planning Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

The Associate Planning Director is an entry role into management and requires a mastery of Sr. Planner level duties and qualifications. The APD serves as Integrated Strategist supporting brands as a ...

Associate Planner Step Range (1-6) - $71,604 - $92,568 Associate Planner Longevity Range (1-6) - ... Under the direction of the Planning Director, review permit and land use applications, prepare ...

Associate Planner

Snohomish, WA · On-site

$71K - $92K/yr

Associate Planner Step Range (1-6) - $71,604 - $92,568 Associate Planner Longevity Range (1-6) - ... Under the direction of the Planning Director, review permit and land use applications, prepare ...

If you are an internal associate, please login to Workday and apply through Jobs Hub. Job Purpose The Planning Director will support and promote the sale of Jackson's suite of investment products ...

Agency: Omd Job Function: Media Job Subfunction: Media Planning and Buying As ... days are directed by their agency or manager. Our objective is to increase this requirement ...

Media Planning and Buying As an Associate in Planning at Omnicom Media, you will play a ... days are directed by their agency or manager. Our objective is to increase this requirement ...

Agency: Omd Job Function: Media Job Subfunction: Media Planning and Buying As ... days are directed by their agency or manager. Our objective is to increase this requirement ...

Your Impact The Inventory Planning Director is responsible for leading the inventory planning ... Lowe's employs approximately 300,000 associates and operates over 1,750 home improvement stores ...

Media Planning and Buying As a Senior Associate in Planning at PHD, you will play a vital role in ... days are directed by their agency or manager. Our objective is to increase this requirement ...

Your Impact The Inventory Planning Director is responsible for leading the inventory planning ... Lowe's employs approximately 300,000 associates and operates over 1,750 home improvement stores ...

Job Summary Position Summary The Strategic Planning Director develops and executes strategic ... Associates at Canteen are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Planning Senior Associate Planning Company Overview: UM is a global media agency committed to ... days are directed by their agency or manager. Our objective is to increase this requirement ...

Job Summary Position Summary The Strategic Planning Director develops and executes strategic ... Associates at Canteen are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Job Summary Position Summary The Strategic Planning Director develops and executes strategic ... Associates at Canteen are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer ...

Planning Senior Associate Planning Company Overview: UM is a global media agency committed to ... days are directed by their agency or manager. Our objective is to increase this requirement ...

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Associate Planning Director information

See salary details

$30.5K

$102.7K

$173K

How much do associate planning director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate planning director in the United States is $102,728.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate planning director?

An Associate Planning Director is a mid-to-senior level professional typically found in advertising, marketing, or media agencies. They are responsible for developing strategic plans to guide campaigns and initiatives, ensuring alignment with client objectives and market trends. This role involves overseeing a team of planners, collaborating with creative and account teams, and presenting insights to clients. They play a crucial part in shaping brand strategies and optimizing campaign effectiveness.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate planning director?

To thrive as an Associate Planning Director, you need strong strategic thinking, data analysis, and communication skills, typically backed by a degree in marketing, business, or a related field. Proficiency with media planning tools (such as Comscore, Nielsen, or Google Analytics), presentation software, and often experience with project management platforms is essential. Leadership, collaboration, and creative problem-solving are standout soft skills for guiding teams and building client relationships. These capabilities are crucial for developing effective marketing strategies, ensuring campaign success, and fostering productive teamwork in a competitive environment.

What are some common challenges faced by an associate planning director and how can they be addressed?

As an Associate Planning Director, one of the main challenges is balancing strategic vision with day-to-day project management, ensuring that campaigns meet both client goals and internal timelines. Navigating complex stakeholder relationships and integrating feedback from multiple teams—such as creative, media, and account management—can also be demanding. To address these challenges, it's important to maintain clear communication, prioritize tasks effectively, and foster a collaborative team culture. Regular check-ins and leveraging project management tools can help keep projects on track and stakeholders aligned.

What is the difference between Associate Planning Director vs Planning Manager?

AspectAssociate Planning DirectorPlanning Manager
CredentialsBachelor's degree in urban planning, architecture, or related field; often advanced certificationsBachelor's degree; relevant certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, project oversight, collaboration with senior leadershipProject management, team coordination, client interaction
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large firms, government agencies, and consulting firmsCommon in architecture, urban planning, and development companies
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles with similar seniority and responsibilitiesRoles focused on project execution and team management

The Associate Planning Director typically holds a higher strategic role with more leadership responsibilities compared to a Planning Manager, who focuses more on project execution and team coordination. Both roles require relevant education and certifications, but the Associate Planning Director often engages in broader planning initiatives and interacts more with executive teams.

What cities are hiring for Associate Planning Director jobs?

Cities with the most Associate Planning Director job openings:

What states have the most Associate Planning Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Associate Planning Director jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Planning Director jobs?

For Associate Planning Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Associate Planning Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,728 per year, or $49.4 per hour.

Associate Planning Director

Chicago, IL • On-site

AbelsonTaylor Group
Marketing • 201 - 500 employees

$115K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support brands by leading planning-focused projects including market research, insight mining, audience narratives, customer journeys, and positioning development.

  • Coordinate the integration of multiple disciplines such as Engagement, Media, Marketing Intelligence, and Social to support strategic efforts.

  • Lead insight, positioning, and messaging workshops, and author and lead inspiring creative briefs and briefings.


Job description

Summary 

At AbelsonTaylor Group, work that makes you feel good isn't just what we do—it's who we are. We believe that when you feel good about your work, and where you work, you bring your best self to it. That's why we create an environment where creativity thrives, teamwork flourishes, and inclusivity is more than just a value—it's a way of life.

Here, you'll help propel brands that inspire health and brighter futures, all while finding the support, inspiration, and growth opportunities to reach your own potential. Together, we dream boldly, collaborate deeply, and make a meaningful difference—one idea at a time.

Now, we are on an unstoppable mission for an Associate Planning Director to join our team. The Associate Planning Director is an entry role into management and requires a mastery of Sr. Planner level duties and qualifications. The APD serves as Integrated Strategist supporting brands as a core team member, coordinating strategic efforts across the Integrated Strategy dept: Planning, Engagement, Media, Marketing Intelligence, Social. The APD provides high level Planning skills and a broad understanding of the role the other disciplines play, adeptly bringing in subject matter experts to support projects as needed.   

Ready to make a difference and be part of something extraordinary? Join us on this journey toward a healthier, happier world! Apply now!  

What You'll Do 
  • Target Identification: Deep understanding of target attitudes, beliefs, and behavior; creative approaches to presenting target learnings. 
  • Insight Mining: Expertise and creativity in ways to uncover and utilize target insights. 
  • Market Research: Expertise in various qualitative and quantitative methodologies, ability to identify knowledge gaps, and develop an annual learning plan utilizing market research to fill gaps and drive the business. 
  • Storytelling & Creative Inspiration: Excellent verbal, writing, and presentation skills. 
  • Pharma-Proficiency: High-level knowledge of multiple therapeutic areas, with in-depth knowledge of therapeutic areas for brands led. 
  • New Business Pitches: Act as the Planning lead on new business pitches. 
  • Planning Projects: Lead planning-focused projects on supported brands, including market research, insight mining, audience narratives, customer journeys, and positioning development. 
  • Integrated Strategist: Seamlessly coordinate the integration of multiple disciplines, including Engagement, Media, Marketing Intelligence, and Social. 
  • Workshops: Lead insight, positioning, and messaging workshops. 
  • Creative Briefs: Author inspiring creative briefs, approaching brand challenges from fresh perspectives. 
  • Creative Briefings: Lead inspiring creative briefings. 
  • Creative Evaluation: Evaluate creative output through the lens of the target audience. 
  • Thought Leadership: Contribute to thought leadership departmental initiatives, introducing novel approaches. 
Team Management and Mentorship
  • Leadership Skills: Lead by example, maintaining composure and professionalism in challenging situations, serving as a role model for junior team members. 
  • Hire, Coach, and Develop Team Members: Assign projects to balance workloads and challenge team members' skills, ensuring projects showcase the agency's capabilities. 
  • Provide Regular Feedback: Offer both formal and informal feedback to direct reports to help grow their creative sensibilities and progress in their craft. 
  • Perform Team Evaluations: Participate in performance reviews for any direct reports and provide coaching to create growth plans for team members as needed. 
  • Team Motivation: Foster team motivation and maintain a positive attitude that inspires others 
  • Infuse Psychological Safety into Teams: Facilitate participation, inclusion, and diversity of perspectives on your team and throughout the agency 
What Makes You A Great Fit
  • Experience: 7-9 years prior agency experience. 
  • Education: Bachelor's degree (preference for social sciences, marketing, communication, or sciences). 
  • Pharmaceutical Experience: Pharmaceutical experience is a plus. 
  • Curiosity: Must be innately curious about human behavior. 
  • Interest in Health & Wellness: Must have an interest in health and wellness. 
Benefits and Perks:
  • Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
  • 401k with Company match of 50% on the first 6%
  • Adoption Assistance – Up to $2,500 of financial assistance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
  • Short-Term Disability providing 100% of salary coverage
  • Paid Parental Leave for birth and non-birth parents (4 weeks)
  • Summer Fridays
  • Flexible Time Off (FTO)
  • 11 Holidays and End of Year Office Closure
  • Company provided Learning and Development opportunities
  • Free lunch Wednesdays
  • Wellness Program

Compensation Range: $115,000.00 - $140,000.00. The starting salary offer will depend on the candidate's skills, qualifications, and experience. The company reserves the right to adjust this pay range at any time. 

 

At AbelsonTaylor Group (ATG), we love science, art, and data. Since our beginnings in 1981, ATG has been singularly focused on health, wellness, and pharma products – not sneakers, beer, or cars (though we like those things, too). Besides being passionate about our purpose, we are dedicated to our people and their professional growth and fulfillment. We value a diverse and inclusive workforce and strive to bring together people with unique skills and varied backgrounds to work toward common goals. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without discrimination regarding age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This position follows a hybrid schedule, requiring employees to be onsite Tuesday-Thursday each week in our Chicago office. We make reasonable accommodations for employees and applicants with disabilities who require schedule accommodations.

We are an E-Verify employer

https://www.abelsontaylorgroup.com/pdfs/IER_RightToWorkPoster_Eng_Es.pdf 
https://www.abelsontaylorgroup.com/pdfs/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_Eng_Es.pdf