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Programmatic Advertising Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optimal

Sr. Programmatic Advertising Manager

Austin, TX · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Oversee the development of programmatic advertising specialists and interface with various internal teams such as our business intelligence, business development, PPC, SEO, and creative teams.

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Programmatic Advertising Specialist information

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$83K

$117K

How much do programmatic advertising specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for programmatic advertising specialist in the United States is $82,994.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Programmatic Advertising Specialist vs Digital Media Buyer?

AspectProgrammatic Advertising SpecialistDigital Media Buyer
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., IAB certifications), digital marketing experienceAdvertising or marketing background, media buying certifications
Work EnvironmentOnline platforms, ad exchanges, programmatic ad platformsMedia agencies, advertising departments, digital marketing teams
Industry UsageUsed across digital advertising, e-commerce, and media companiesCommon in advertising agencies, brands, and media outlets
Search/Comparison IntentHigh overlap in skills and job functions, often compared

The Programmatic Advertising Specialist focuses on using automated platforms and data-driven strategies to buy digital ads efficiently. In contrast, a Digital Media Buyer handles broader media purchasing, including direct negotiations and traditional media. While both roles require digital marketing knowledge, the specialist emphasizes programmatic tools and data analytics, making them more technical. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers target the right skills and opportunities in digital advertising.

How does a Programmatic Advertising Specialist collaborate with other teams to optimize campaign performance?

A Programmatic Advertising Specialist works closely with creative, analytics, and account management teams to ensure campaigns are effective and aligned with client goals. They provide detailed feedback to creative teams on ad performance, coordinate with analysts to interpret data and identify opportunities for optimization, and communicate with account managers to relay campaign insights to clients. Regular cross-team meetings and clear communication are key to adapting strategies quickly and maximizing ROI.

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

To thrive as a Programmatic Advertising Specialist, you need a strong understanding of digital marketing, data analysis, and programmatic ad buying, typically supported by a degree in marketing, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with demand-side platforms (DSPs), ad exchanges, and analytics tools like Google DV360, The Trade Desk, and Google Analytics is essential. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help professionals optimize campaigns and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills ensure efficient ad spend, campaign success, and the ability to adapt to the fast-evolving digital advertising landscape.

What does a Programmatic Advertising Specialist do?

A Programmatic Advertising Specialist is responsible for planning, executing, and optimizing automated digital advertising campaigns. They use software and algorithms to buy ad space in real time, targeting specific audiences based on data insights. Their work involves analyzing performance metrics, adjusting strategies for better ROI, and collaborating with clients or internal teams to meet campaign goals. They also stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to ensure campaigns remain effective.
More about Programmatic Advertising Specialist jobs
What cities are hiring for Programmatic Advertising Specialist jobs? Cities with the most Programmatic Advertising Specialist job openings:
What states have the most Programmatic Advertising Specialist jobs? States with the most job openings for Programmatic Advertising Specialist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Programmatic Advertising Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Programmatic Advertising Specialist jobs are:
Programmatic Advertising Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Programmatic Advertising Specialist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 98% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,994 per year, or $39.9 per hour.
Sr. Programmatic Advertising Manager

Sr. Programmatic Advertising Manager

Optimal

Austin, TX • On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

About The Role
Optimal is looking for an ambitious senior programmatic advertising manager with at least 3 years of hands-on programmatic media management experience to join our team! The Sr. Programmatic Advertising Manager will play an active role in dictating & executing programmatic strategy across various programmatic platforms including DV360, TheTradeDesk, Beeswax & Stackadapt. The ideal candidate for this role exhibits a true passion for programmatic media, has hands-on experience managing programmatic ad campaigns, and exhibits a strong familiarity with programmatic media buying and ad serving platforms.
At Optimal, we are actively looking to scale standout candidates - those who are ready for significant opportunities and hungry to take on meaningful responsibilities that drive real business results for our clients. New employees that grow the fastest at our company are strategic problem solvers who are proactively looking to improve with innovative ideas but are also relentless at following through.
Who Are We?
Optimal is a performance marketing agency on a mission, bringing together the best data, technology, and people to achieve our clients' marketing goals. Brand, campaign, or cause: we maximize performance at every moment. Our team is leading the digital media charge in connecting consumers with the products and services that will help them live healthier, happier lives. We strive to make a difference for our clients, the individuals we reach, and the world around us.
Everyone at Optimal has the opportunity to learn, grow, and progress. Through our proprietary training programs, we provide our team members with the personal and professional development they need to achieve advancement at any stage in their careers.
We're always looking for exceptional people to join our team. If this sounds like you, please apply!
Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities:
  • Programmatic Strategy - Work with key clients to plan and allocate budgets across top performing programmatic channels. Identify opportunities to test new channels, ad types, & audiences across the programmatic media landscape. Build strategic recommendations by analyzing historical performance, competitors, and industry trends.
  • Campaign Management & Optimization - Manage programmatic advertising campaigns on an ongoing basis, conducting performance analysis & proactively adjust campaigns to ensure client KPI's are met and, when possible, exceeded.
  • Budget Allocation & Pacing - Manage monthly programmatic advertising budgets with high media spend and make informed decisions about the best use of client dollars based on your experience and industry knowledge. Track daily budget pacing and adjust media spend to ensure client budgets are adhered to. Use performance analysis to make decisions on budget allocation and execute budget changes accordingly.
  • Reporting & Analysis - Perform deep-dive analysis into performance trends through platforms like DV360, Campaign Manager 360, TheTradeDesk, Stackadapt, Microsoft PBI, & Adobe Analytics. Write client reports and present analysis and strategic recommendations during weekly, monthly and quarterly meetings.
  • Collaboration and Team Management - Work closely with the Associate Director of Programmatic Media and leadership team to develop & recommend new account strategies & optimizations. Oversee the development of programmatic advertising specialists and interface with various internal teams such as our business intelligence, business development, PPC, SEO, and creative teams.
  • Creative Ideation - Guide the creative team and test variations of creative assets needed to determine highest-performing creative and ad copy.
  • Innovation - Identify and test new programmatic opportunities, including platforms, inventory sources, channels, audiences, etc. to improve performance and drive innovation.
  • Work with Industry Experts and Vendors - Enhance agency relationships with programmatic vendors to fully use their capabilities and recommend strategies and solutions that best meet our business needs.

Minimum Qualifications & Skill Requirements:
  • 4-year Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, advertising, economics, finance, analytics, or a related field. Relevant experience also applicable.
  • 3+ years of experience in the programmatic ecosystem, using one or more Demand Side Platforms (DSP's)
  • Significant experience using ad-serving platforms such as DV360, The Trade Desk, Beeswax, or StackAdapt
  • Hands-on trafficking experience in an ad server - Campaign Manager 360 or similar
  • Experience leading & executing programmatic media strategy for clients
  • Best-in-class written and verbal communication skills and client relationship skills.

Optimal is proud to offer the following:
  • Open leave (paid time off)
  • Paid Leave for new parents
  • Health insurance (including dental and vision)
  • Flex Spending Plan
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 401K with company matching
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Rewards and recognition programs

Office Hours
This role is based out of our Austin office. Our Austin team works on a hybrid basis, with three days per week working in the office and two days per week working from home. Work hours are consistently 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday - Friday, with the expectation that evening and weekend work will be required as necessary.
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