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Critical Media Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Create and present media specific documents such as media plans, objectives and strategies decks ... Parse through large datasets to provide critical thinking and analysis, as well as draw conclusions ...

Create and present media specific documents such as media plans, objectives and strategies decks ... Parse through large datasets to provide critical thinking and analysis, as well as draw conclusions ...

Media Buyer

Northbrook, IL ยท On-site

$26 - $36/hr

In this role, you should be an effective negotiator, critical thinker and able to establish trust and build rapport with media professionals. If you're knowledgeable about current media channels and ...

In this role, you should be an effective negotiator, critical thinker and able to establish trust and build rapport with media professionals. If you're knowledgeable about current media channels and ...

Multi Media Sales Representative

Hiawatha, IA ยท On-site

$74K - $91K/yr

... critical thinking and communication skills and a proven sales track record. Self-driven problem ... NRG Media provides medical, dental and vision offerings, 2 Employee Assistance Program options ...

Multi Media Sales Representative

Hiawatha, IA ยท On-site

$74K - $91K/yr

... critical thinking and communication skills and a proven sales track record. Self-driven problem ... NRG Media provides medical, dental and vision offerings, 2 Employee Assistance Program options ...

Media Specialist

Annapolis Junction, MD ยท On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Quevera is seeking a highly skilled Media Specialist with an active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph to support mission-critical programs. In this role, you will develop engaging digital media ...

The media specialist collaborates with classroom teachers to develop lessons that promote critical thinking, information literacy, social skills, and cultural competencies. INFORMATION SPECIALIST:

The media specialist collaborates with classroom teachers to develop lessons that promote critical thinking, information literacy, social skills, and cultural competencies. INFORMATION SPECIALIST:

... and critical learnings. Who You Are * An individual with outstanding verbal and written ... Adept at using media research and planning tools to determine audience size and determine audience ...

Media Planner

Boston, MA ยท On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The Media Planner plays a critical role in bringing that philosophy to life. In this role, you will support the development and execution of integrated, insight-driven media plans that align with ...

The Media Planner plays a critical role in bringing that philosophy to life. In this role, you will support the development and execution of integrated, insight-driven media plans that align with ...

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Critical Media information

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$56.5K

$120.2K

$129K

How much do critical media jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for critical media in the United States is $120,163.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,000.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are critical media jobs?

Critical media jobs involve analyzing, evaluating, and interpreting media content through a critical lens. Professionals in this field examine the ways media shapes public perception, influences culture, and reflects societal values. They often work in academia, journalism, research, or media literacy organizations, focusing on issues like representation, bias, and power dynamics in media. These roles require strong analytical and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of media theory and cultural studies.

What is the difference between Critical Media vs Media Analyst?

AspectCritical MediaMedia Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in media, communications, or related field; experience in media analysisBachelor's degree in media, communications, statistics, or related field; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentMedia companies, PR firms, advertising agenciesMedia agencies, market research firms, corporate communications
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for media monitoring, content analysis, and strategic planningUsed for analyzing media data, audience metrics, and campaign performance

Critical Media professionals focus on monitoring and analyzing media content to inform strategies, while Media Analysts interpret media data and audience insights to evaluate campaign effectiveness. Both roles require media-related credentials and often work within similar environments, but their core functions differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Critical Media Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Critical Media Specialist, you need strong analytical abilities, media literacy, and a background in communications, media studies, or a related field. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, content management systems, and data analysis platforms is typically required. Exceptional critical thinking, written communication, and attention to detail help you stand out in this role. These skills ensure accurate analysis of media content and effective communication of insights, which are vital for shaping media strategies and understanding public discourse.

How does a Critical Media professional typically collaborate with cross-functional teams within an organization?

Critical Media professionals often work closely with departments like communications, public relations, marketing, and research to analyze media content and develop insights. Collaboration involves sharing findings on media trends, public sentiment, and representation, which inform campaign strategies or organizational messaging. Regular meetings and presentations are common, as is the need to adapt research approaches based on stakeholder feedback. This interdisciplinary teamwork helps ensure that media analyses are actionable and aligned with broader organizational goals.
More about Critical Media jobs
Infographic showing various Critical Media job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,163 per year, or $57.8 per hour.
Media Planner, Paid Social

Media Planner, Paid Social

Horizon Media

New York, NY โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Description

Who We Are
Horizon Next is one of the industry's most innovative and data-driven marketing organizations and sits at the intersection of three constantly changing landscapes: people, data, and media. Our business provides strategic leadership to accelerate growth for our clients through brand strategy, media planning and investment, and best in class analytics across all channels. As the leader in innovative business solutions, we are always pushing ourselves to understand what's next: our next innovation, our next advancement in analytics, the market's next media evolution, and your next breakthrough idea. Horizon Next operates with the single goal that tomorrow must outperform today.

At Horizon Next, we understand the value that different perspectives can bring to our clients and culture, so we strive for an environment where our employees feel welcomed, safe and empowered. We value YOU and believe that your authentic voice and unique perspective allows us to create a more rewarding culture, and experience, together.

Our simple recipe for success? We hire talented people (thinkers, doers, dreamers, makers), challenge them and give them every opportunity to grow.


What You'll Do
Campaign Management & Execution - 45%

  • Lead RFP creation and review of social partners, compile proposal analysis, and drive partner negotiations
  • Manage buys from set-up to keyword selection, through to targeting buckets, optimization, and pacing/ reporting
  • Determine set-up, including testing methodologies, reporting requirements, and optimization requirements, for ensuring full impact and efficiency of each campaign
  • Lead the monitoring and reporting of campaign performance and proactively communicate any issues to internal team and client, when necessary
  • Oversee trafficking and site tagging, follow through to ensure sites are enabled, and functioning properly, QA'ing all pixels
  • Issue specs documents and ensure all materials are received from creative agency
  • Work alongside Digital team on post campaign reconciliation and billing

Social Media Strategy - 10%

  • Take part in developing strategic social plans in tandem with the Digital & Business Solutions teams
  • Integrate social insights into overall planning process, integrating data, research, and analytics into recommendations
  • Work alongside other Horizon Next teams (Business Solutions, Investment, etc.) towards 360 partnerships, incorporating relevant extensions
  • Participate in team brainstorms to kick off plan and consideration set development
  • Monitor trends, tools, opportunities and emerging opportunities within paid social media
  • Create and present media specific documents such as media plans, objectives and strategies decks, and other related functions

Reporting & Analysis - 30%

  • Combine data analysis and client feedback to pull together recommendations and optimizations; configure, operate, and optimize campaigns to meet client objectives
  • Provide active voice in optimization strategies, proactively communicating challenges and opportunities to both internal teams and clients
  • Use data during and after campaigns to optimize and draw greater conclusions about clients' business goals and objectives
  • Parse through large datasets to provide critical thinking and analysis, as well as draw conclusions and discover actionable implications
  • Collaborate with Horizon Next Analytics & Business Intelligence teams to aggregate data and ensure standardization across Next accounts
  • Responsible for providing data for dashboards/Excel trackers, as needed by account, ensuring accuracy and validity of data shown

Relationship Management - 10%

  • Ensures collaboration with key partners during planning process, including Partners, Creative Agencies and Business Solutions team
  • Collaborate with Supervisor to identify problems and recommend solutions
  • Keep Supervisor updated on the status and timing of deliverables
  • Engage and effectively interact with other Horizon Next departments, i.e. Business Solutions, Traffic, Operations
  • Apply knowledge of current/previous clients' specific business and industry to enhance and further relationships

Mentorship - 5%

  • Contribute to other junior team member(s) development (train Assistant Planners, onboard new Planners)

Who You Are

  • A strong writer and presenter
  • A left and right brain thinker - a data powered strategist
  • An independent worker with strong time management and organization skills
  • A problem solver with foresight and the ability to develop creative solutions
  • Detail oriented with commitment to follow through
  • Nimble and flexible to succeed in a fast-paced environment
  • A strong team player, willing to roll up your sleeves
  • Interested in the social landscape and a desire to innovate and keep up with trends
  • A supporter of and advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion


Preferred Skills & Experience

  • 1+ years previous paid social media experience
  • Basic knowledge of advanced analytics and performance media
  • Familiarity with marketing principles, analytics and concepts
  • Strong Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint skills
  • Experience buying ads on Facebook and Instagram is crucial, additional platforms preferred

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations

This role does not require certificates, licenses or registrations

Physical Activity and Work Environment

This role does not require any physical activity

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

#HN

#LI-JC2

#LI-HYBRID

Horizon Media is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

Salary Range

$64,350.00 - $85,000.00

A successful applicant's actual base salary may vary based on factors such as individual's skill sets, experience, training, education, licensure/certifications, and qualifications for the role. As an organization, we take an aptitude and competency-based hiring approach. We provide a competitive total rewards package including a discretionary bonus and a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, company paid holidays and unlimited paid time off (PTO), mental health and wellness resources, pet insurance, childcare resources, identity theft insurance, fertility assistance programs, and fitness reimbursement.