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Media Associate Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Omnicom

Associate, Earned Media

Chicago, IL · On-site

Associate, Earned Media, Consumer Brand Practice Weber Shandwick is seeking an Associate, Earned Media to join our Integrated Media team in the Central Region. As an Associate, you will support ...

Omnicom

Associate, Earned Media

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

Earned Media Associate, Earned Media (Brand) Weber Shandwick has an exciting opportunity for an Associate to join our team. This opportunity is perfect for a strategic, creative and organized ...

Omnicom

Associate, Integrated Media Planning

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45K/mo

The Associate, Integrated Media Planning assists in the coordination and execution of media plans under the guidance of a Senior Associate. As an entry level role, the Associate is responsible for ...

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All JobsMedia Associate JobsMedia Associate Jobs in Illinois

Media Associate information

See Illinois salary details

$32K

$51K

$73.6K

How much do media associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for media associate in Illinois is $50,961.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,200.00 and $58,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Media Associate, you need a solid understanding of media planning and buying, analytical skills, and a relevant degree in marketing, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with digital advertising platforms, media management tools, and analytics software is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you coordinate campaigns and collaborate with clients and team members. These skills ensure that media strategies are executed efficiently, budgets are optimized, and campaign goals are achieved.

How does a media associate typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

As a Media Associate, you'll frequently work with cross-functional teams such as marketing, creative, and analytics. Your main responsibilities often include coordinating media campaigns, ensuring brand messaging aligns across platforms, and sharing performance insights with stakeholders. Collaboration is key, as you'll need to communicate media plans, gather feedback, and adjust strategies based on input from various departments. This teamwork not only enhances campaign effectiveness but also gives you valuable exposure to different aspects of the business, fostering professional growth.

What is a media associate?

A media associate works in the media department of a company. In this career, you perform specialized tasks including managing social media content. Other duties include interacting with a community of users via the company’s social accounts. This is often an entry-level job, but most employers require educational qualifications such as a bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field. Experience and skills with a specific type of media, such as social media or online advertising, are valuable to employers as well.

What is the difference between Media Associate vs Media Coordinator?

AspectMedia AssociateMedia Coordinator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related fieldBachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related field
Work EnvironmentAdvertising agencies, media firms, corporate marketing teamsAdvertising agencies, media planning firms, corporate marketing teams
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in marketing and media industries for entry to mid-level rolesOften used interchangeably with Media Associate, focusing on media planning and coordination

The main difference between a Media Associate and a Media Coordinator lies in their specific responsibilities. Media Associates typically focus on executing media campaigns, analyzing media data, and supporting media buying activities. Media Coordinators often handle scheduling, liaising with media vendors, and coordinating campaign logistics. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are used within the same industry environments, but Media Associates tend to have a more analytical and strategic focus, while Media Coordinators emphasize coordination and communication tasks.

More about Media Associate jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Media jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Media jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Media Associate jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Media Associate job openings:

Media Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Media Associate job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,961 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Digital Media Associate

City of Des Plaines, IL

Des Plaines, IL • On-site

$71K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Expected Starting Salary: $71,664
Salary Range: $71,664 - $98,200
POSITION SUMMARY
The Digital Media Associate is responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring the City's digital platforms, including social media and the website, and for leading the digital promotion of City events. This includes campaign planning, content creation, email marketing, social media promotion, paid advertising, and post-event analytics. The ideal candidate will create engaging and appropriate content for both internal and external audiences and possess strong knowledge of online advertising.
The Digital Media Associate is expected to be responsive to requests, exercise independent judgment, and appropriately manage confidential and sensitive information. These job duties directly impact the City's brand, reputation, image, and overall customer service. This position is expected to meet the City's standards for quality and excellence.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED
Works under the general supervision of the Director of Communications.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Leads the City's social media program, including strategy development, content creation, editorial calendar management, audience engagement, and performance optimization to increase reach and engagement; supports departmental social media channels (e.g., Police, Fire) by providing guidance and content assistance.
  • Assists with the dissemination of time-sensitive alerts, emergency information, and urgent public communications through the City's digital channels.
  • Works with the Director of Communications and Media Services staff to identify social media goals and key performance indicators; monitors trends and performance and produces regular reports.
  • Leads digital marketing and promotion of City events, including campaign planning, content creation, email marketing, social media promotion, paid advertising (e.g., Meta and Google), and post-event analytics.
  • Plans, creates, and maintains website content to support City services and promote events; ensures content is timely, accurate, and user-focused.
  • Manages and executes email marketing campaigns, including newsletters, City-wide communications, and event promotions, as well as content creation, list management, segmentation, and performance tracking.
  • Researches, understands, and stays apprised of WCAG/ADA accessibility best practices and solutions to provide high-quality ADA-compliant visual materials.
  • Engages with multiple stakeholders, ranging from customers to staff, contracted staff, department or division managers, executive leadership, and elected officials.
  • Staff and attend press and City-sponsored events.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
  • The desired candidate would have a bachelor's degree in Communications, Media Production, Graphic Design, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related degree or equivalent experience.
  • Two years of experience in Public Relations, Digital Media, Marketing, or Communications, preferably in a government environment.
  • Graphic design skills, including the ability to design and edit graphics for social media posts, are desirable.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
  • Demonstrated knowledge of acceptable standards and best practices for social and digital media.
  • Ability to perform website management with a strong perspective on best practices for optimizing content.
  • Familiarity with web accessibility and usability guidelines.
  • Ability to set goals, achieve, and report measurable results.
  • Experience with content management systems and email marketing platforms preferred.
  • Plans, organizes, and schedules work independently and maintains work effectiveness with frequent changes in workload and priority of assignments, and under pressure of deadlines.
  • Ability to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in the performance of the work assignments.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
  • Ability to respond to requests for information in a timely and customer service-oriented manner and use discretion with sensitive or confidential information or inquiries.
  • Possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop and maintain positive and professional relationships.
  • Ability to maintain an optimistic, professional, and credible attitude. Ability to succeed in a team environment and the ability to manage competing priorities.
  • This exempt position must have the ability to work the hours City Hall is open and will be required to attend City-sponsored events outside regular hours.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS
State of Illinois Class "D" Driver's License with a clean driving record or the ability to obtain one.
EQUIPMENT USED
Requires the frequent use of computers, software programs, electronic devices to communicate, phones, an automobile, and various office equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMAND
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Specific hearing abilities required by this job include the ability to hear in large rooms during presentations.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a variety of settings, including public events, public facilities, parks, schools, public streets and rights-of-way, commercial buildings, and office settings.
Unlock a World of Benefits!
  • Generous Time Off: Enjoy 10 paid vacation days and 12 paid sick days, with personal time after just 5 years of service.
  • 11 Paid Holidays to relax and recharge.
  • Comprehensive Healthcare: We've got you covered with medical, dental, and optical insurance options tailored to fit your needs-offering low deductibles, low premiums, and an overall low cost to you and your family. Click here to learn more.
  • Financial Security: Benefit from a $70,000 employer-paid life insurance policy.
  • Retirement Ready: Join the Illinois Municipal Employee Retirement Fund System (IMRF) and build a solid foundation for your future.
  • Invest in Yourself: Take advantage of our Tuition Reimbursement Program to further your education.
  • More Perks: Employees can also tap into a Retirement Health Savings Account, Transportation Spending Account, 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, Roth IRA, and optional life insurance.

Work with the City of Des Plaines and enjoy a career that not only supports you now but invests in your future!

Apply