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Media Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Garrett Popcorn Shops

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Retail Media Associate

Aurora, IL · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

The Retail Media Associate is responsible for the day-to-day execution, optimization, and performance of retail media campaigns across key retail media networks. This role will serve as the internal ...

DAC Group

Associate Vice President, Media

Chicago, IL · On-site

Move Your Career Forward with DAC as an Associate Vice President, Media Who We Are We are DAC-a global full-funnel performance media agency dedicated to delivering transformative results. With ...

AbelsonTaylor Group

Associate Media Director

Chicago, IL · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Now, we are on an unstoppable mission for an Associate Media Director to join our team. Ready to make a difference and be part of something extraordinary? Join us on this journey toward a healthier ...

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All JobsMedia Associate JobsMedia Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

Media Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$34K

$54.2K

$78.4K

How much do media associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for media associate in Chicago, IL is $54,217.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,800.00 and $62,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

Media Associate roles typically do not reach $150,000 annually; higher salaries in media often come from executive positions such as Media Director, Content Strategist, or Senior Media Planner, especially in large organizations or with extensive experience and specialized skills like data analysis or digital advertising. These roles may require advanced certifications, a strong portfolio, and leadership responsibilities.

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.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Gen Z faces challenges in securing jobs due to high competition, limited work experience, and evolving employer expectations for digital skills and adaptability. Many roles now require proficiency with social media, content creation, and remote collaboration tools, which can be barriers for those lacking relevant experience or training.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

Media Associate roles are unlikely to disappear entirely by 2030 but may evolve due to automation and digital tools like AI content generation. Jobs heavily reliant on manual data entry or traditional print media are at higher risk of obsolescence, while roles requiring strategic thinking and multimedia skills will remain essential. Adaptability and proficiency with new technologies will be key for future media professionals.

What are Media Associates?

Media Associates are entry-level professionals who assist in the planning, buying, and monitoring of advertising campaigns across various media channels such as digital, television, radio, and print. They support media planners and buyers by conducting research, compiling performance reports, and helping manage budgets. Media Associates play a key role in ensuring that campaigns reach the right audience efficiently and within budget, often using analytics tools to track results and optimize strategies. This role is typically found in advertising agencies or in-house marketing teams and offers a foundational path for growth in media and advertising.

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 does a media associate do?

A media associate is responsible for managing and executing media campaigns, including social media, digital advertising, and content distribution. They analyze audience engagement, coordinate with creative teams, and use tools like media planning software to optimize outreach and brand visibility.

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Media jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Media Associate jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Media Associate job openings:
Media Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Media Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,217 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Retail Media Associate

Garrett Popcorn Shops

Aurora, IL • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

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Job description

The Retail Media Associate is responsible for the day-to-day execution, optimization, and performance of retail media campaigns across key retail media networks. This role will serve as the internal expert on retailer advertising platforms, helping drive digital penetration, sales growth, and return on advertising investment through strategic campaign management and data-driven optimization.

Reporting to the Director of Digital Marketing, the Retail Media Associate will work cross-functionally with Marketing, Sales, Creative, Ecommerce, agency partners, and retailer contacts to execute best-in-class retail media programs that support business objectives and retailer growth initiatives.

Principal Duties:

·         Execute, manage, and optimize retail media campaigns across retailer advertising platforms to support brand and sales objectives.

·         Monitor campaign performance, analyze key metrics, and provide actionable recommendations to improve efficiency, return on investment, and digital penetration.

·         Develop and present regular performance reports, dashboards, and insights to internal stakeholders and leadership.

·         Partner cross-functionally with Brand Marketing, Sales, Shopper Marketing, Creative, Ecommerce, and external agency partners to ensure successful campaign execution.

·         Manage campaign timelines, creative asset coordination, budgets, and retailer requirements to ensure on-time, accurate campaign launches.

·         Assist with retail media budget management, forecasting, spend tracking, and financial reconciliation while identifying opportunities to maximize media investment.

·         Stay informed on retail media trends, platform capabilities, competitive activity, and emerging technologies to identify new opportunities and recommend best practices.

·         Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of retail media processes, standards, and strategic initiatives that support organizational growth.

Essential Functions

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Passion for data-driven marketing and continuous optimization.
  • Ability to manage multiple campaigns and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Proactive, curious, and eager to learn new retail media technologies.
  • Strong collaborator who builds effective relationships across teams.
  • Self-starter with a desire to become a subject matter expert in the rapidly evolving retail media landscape.

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Advertising, Communications, or related field.
  • 1–3 years of experience in retail media, digital marketing, paid media, ecommerce, shopper marketing, or CPG marketing.
  • Experience working with one or more retail media platforms such as Walmart Connect, Albertsons Media Collective, Target Roundel, Kroger Precision Marketing, Instacart Ads, or Amazon Ads.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret campaign data and make optimization recommendations.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

  • Experience working within a CPG company, retailer, or digital marketing agency.
  • Familiarity with retail media measurement and attribution.
  • Experience with web analytics platforms and dashboard reporting tools.
  • Knowledge of ecommerce and omnichannel marketing strategies.

Compensation

·         The anticipated salary range for this position is $65,000 - $75,000. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a few factors, including your job-related knowledge, skills, qualifications and experience.  Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance; Employer paid Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Employer paid life insurance and eligibility to participate in the company 401(k) plan with annual discretionary match.   This position is eligible for the Garrett Hybrid and/or Remote Work Arrangement.

Company Description

At Garrett Popcorn Shops, we've maintained our dedication to fresh, delicious Popcorn since we first opened at 10 West Madison Street in Chicago. We continue to use only the highest quality ingredients from local producers as we handcraft our gourmet Popcorn in old-fashioned copper kettles. We strive to deliver the same Popcorn today that customers first talked about in 1949.