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Media Strategy Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Monks

Senior Manager, Media Strategy

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

About Media Strategy The Media Strategy department is the strategic heart of Monks' media offering: a unified team bringing together deep expertise in media strategy, media planning, and account ...

Monks

Senior Manager, Media Strategy

Chicago, IL · On-site

About Media Strategy The Media Strategy department is the strategic heart of Monks' media offering: a unified team bringing together deep expertise in media strategy, media planning, and account ...

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Media Strategy information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$33.5K

$96.6K

$152.5K

How much do media strategy jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for media strategy in Chicago, IL is $96,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,100.00 and $128,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is media strategy?

Media strategy refers to the planning and execution of how, when, and where to deliver advertising messages to a target audience for maximum impact. It involves selecting the right media channels, such as TV, digital, radio, or print, and determining the optimal timing and frequency for ads. The goal is to reach the intended audience efficiently within budget, boost brand awareness, and drive desired actions. Media strategists use data and research to inform their decisions, ensuring campaigns align with business objectives and market trends.

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

To thrive as a Media Strategist, you need a solid background in marketing, data analysis, and campaign planning, often supported by a degree in marketing, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with media planning tools, analytics platforms (such as Google Analytics), and digital advertising systems is typically required. Strong communication, creativity, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for collaborating with teams and clients while responding to fast-changing media landscapes. These skills are essential for developing effective media campaigns that reach target audiences and achieve business objectives.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in media strategy roles, and how can they be effectively addressed?

Media Strategy professionals often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly evolving digital platforms, allocating budgets efficiently across multiple channels, and measuring campaign effectiveness with accurate data. Staying current through ongoing education and industry research is key to navigating platform changes. Collaborating closely with analytics teams and leveraging advanced media planning tools can help ensure data-driven decisions. Open communication with creative, sales, and client teams also assists in aligning strategies to business goals.

What is the difference between Media Strategy vs Media Planning?

AspectMedia StrategyMedia Planning
FocusDeveloping overall media approach and objectivesExecuting specific media placements and schedules
SkillsMarket research, strategic thinking, brand positioningMedia buying, scheduling, negotiation
Work EnvironmentStrategic teams, client meetings, campaign developmentMedia buying agencies, digital platforms, ad operations
CredentialsMarketing or advertising degree, strategic certificationsMedia planning certifications, digital advertising experience

Media Strategy focuses on creating the overall approach and objectives for advertising campaigns, ensuring alignment with brand goals. Media Planning involves selecting specific media channels, negotiating placements, and executing the media buys. Both roles are essential in advertising, with strategy guiding planning and execution.

How much do media strategists make?

Media strategists typically earn a median annual salary of around $65,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior or specialized roles can pay over $100,000, especially in larger markets or with advanced skills in data analysis and digital tools.

What does a media strategist do?

A media strategist develops plans to promote brands or products through various media channels, including digital, print, and broadcast. They analyze target audiences, select appropriate platforms, and optimize campaigns using data and tools like analytics software to achieve marketing goals.

What does a media strategy do?

A media strategy involves planning and selecting the most effective channels and methods to reach target audiences through advertising and communication efforts. Media strategists analyze market data, set campaign goals, and use tools like media planning software to optimize media placements and budgets. Their work ensures that messaging aligns with brand objectives and maximizes return on investment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Media Strategy jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Media Strategy jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Media Strategy jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Media Strategy jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Media Strategy jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Media Strategy jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Media Strategy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Media Strategy job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,564 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Senior Manager, Media Strategy

Monks

Chicago, IL • Hybrid

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

About Monks

Monks is a new kind of agency, built from the ground up by award-winning creatives, top data scientists and cutting-edge media people willing to defect from the old agency model to create smarter work. Challenging convention, we bridge the gap between meaningful storytelling, data-led optimization and commerce. A spirit of curiosity, relentless creativity and data-informed decision making define our culture and people.

About Media Strategy

The Media Strategy department is the strategic heart of Monks' media offering: a unified team bringing together deep expertise in media strategy, media planning, and account management. We build integrated, full-funnel media strategies that connect brand storytelling to measurable business outcomes, powered by AI-enabled workflows and analytical rigor.

The Sr Manager, Media Strategy works on some of Monks' most important and valuable client relationships, driving day-to-day planning, insights and client service. The team you'll support demonstrates expertise in:

  • World-class ability to build client and platform relationships
  • An exceptional track record of managing and growing accounts
  • Fearless ability to tell data-driven stories and extract key insights
  • Building and presenting high-impact presentations to senior-level clients
  • Full-funnel understanding of the media landscape across Social, Search, Programmatic/Digital Investment, Holistic Video, OOH, and Direct Partnerships.
Responsibilities:
  • Manage cross-channel campaign planning efforts and partner closely with key stakeholders to deliver holistic, full-funnel recommendations.
  • Manage campaign logistics to ensure flawless execution.
  • Own daily and weekly client interaction: facilitate client calls and meetings, handle one-off requests and share campaign performance details.
  • Be the internal champion for your client's goals, coordinating closely with Activation, Investment and Data & Measurement teams on optimizations and performance.
  • Analyze data, craft insights and make recommendations internally and externally.
  • Use AI-enabled tools to accelerate research, audience insights, plan building and reporting.
  • Brainstorm and implement new ways to optimize client and business workflows.
  • Understand the full spectrum of services Monks offers and help grow new and existing engagements in a thoughtful, consultative way.
  • Package learnings into case studies, best practices and client-facing POVs with cross-functional teams.
  • Contribute to the culture of the Media Strategy department and the agency by being curious, thoughtful and fearless.
About YouThe essentials:
  • 3+ years of experience in media planning, digital media or client service, ideally within complex organizational structures.
  • A self-starter who manages multiple projects at once with very high standards for your work.
  • Experienced with syndicated media planning tools (e.g., MediaOcean Prisma, Comscore, GWI, Nielsen) to build audience-driven plans.
  • Comfortable with data analysis and eager to adopt AI-enabled ways of working.
  • Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking abilities.
  • Desire to grow as a leader and mentor to colleagues.
  • Not afraid to defect from the status quo in order to make our clients and company more successful.
  • BA or equivalent with emphasis on marketing, advertising, or business.

At Monks, we believe in fostering an environment where a diversity of perspectives can thrive. We proactively work to design hiring processes that promote equity and inclusion while mitigating bias. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage qualified applicants, from all backgrounds, who are excited to contribute to our mission.  

 #LI-OG1 #LI-Hybrid

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