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Programmatic Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Samba

Programmatic Account Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Direct experience working at or closely with agencies or brand-direct marketing teams is strongly preferred * Strong understanding of audience activation and programmatic buying across DSPs (e.g ...

Samba

Programmatic Account Manager

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $90K/yr

Direct experience working at or closely with agencies or brand-direct marketing teams is strongly preferred * Strong understanding of audience activation and programmatic buying across DSPs (e.g ...

Samba

Programmatic Account Manager

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $90K/yr

Direct experience working at or closely with agencies or brand-direct marketing teams is strongly preferred * Strong understanding of audience activation and programmatic buying across DSPs (e.g ...

Brill Media

Programmatic Media Buyer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

As the Programmatic Media Buyer, you will be working inside The Trade Desk and other top demand ... Direct experience with The Trade Desk * Experience working on lead generation and sales campaigns

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All JobsProgrammatic Director JobsProgrammatic Director Jobs in California

Programmatic Director information

See California salary details

$30.4K

$117.7K

$175.8K

How much do programmatic director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for programmatic director in California is $117,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,338.00 and $146,884.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Programmatic Director vs Media Buyer?

AspectProgrammatic DirectorMedia Buyer
ResponsibilitiesOversees programmatic advertising strategies, manages teams, and optimizes digital ad campaigns across platforms.Executes media plans by purchasing ad space, negotiating rates, and managing campaign placements.
Required SkillsData analysis, digital marketing, campaign management, leadershipNegotiation, media planning, digital advertising platforms
Work EnvironmentStrategic, managerial, often in an agency or corporate marketing teamOperational, hands-on, often in media agencies or advertising firms

The Programmatic Director focuses on strategic oversight and management of digital advertising campaigns using automation and data-driven techniques, while the Media Buyer handles the execution and purchasing of ad space. Both roles require digital marketing knowledge, but the Programmatic Director has a broader strategic scope and leadership responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Programmatic Director, you need deep expertise in digital marketing, data analysis, and campaign strategy, often supported by a degree in marketing or a related field. Familiarity with programmatic ad platforms (such as The Trade Desk, DV360), data management platforms (DMPs), and industry certifications like Google Ads or IAB Digital Media Buying & Planning are typically required. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills help drive teams and foster client relationships. These skills are crucial for efficiently managing large-scale digital campaigns, optimizing performance, and delivering measurable results for clients.

What are some of the main challenges a Programmatic Director faces when managing multi-channel advertising campaigns?

Programmatic Directors often encounter challenges such as ensuring seamless integration across multiple platforms, maintaining transparency in campaign performance, and staying updated with rapidly evolving ad technologies. Balancing client expectations with budget constraints and navigating complex data privacy regulations are also common hurdles. Effective communication and close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including data analysts, creative, and sales, are essential to overcoming these challenges and delivering successful campaign outcomes.

What is a Programmatic Director?

A Programmatic Director is a senior professional responsible for overseeing and optimizing programmatic advertising strategies within an organization. They manage teams and campaigns that use automated technology to buy and place digital advertisements in real time. Programmatic Directors analyze data, work with multiple platforms, and coordinate with clients or internal stakeholders to ensure marketing objectives are met efficiently. Their role is crucial in driving performance, maximizing ROI, and staying up to date with the latest trends in digital advertising.
What are the most commonly searched types of Programmatic jobs in California? The most popular types of Programmatic jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Programmatic Director jobs in California? For Programmatic Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Programmatic Director jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Programmatic Director jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Programmatic Director jobs? Cities in California with the most Programmatic Director job openings:
Programmatic Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Programmatic Director job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 54% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,666 per year, or $56.6 per hour.
Associate Director, Programmatic (Auto)

Associate Director, Programmatic (Auto)

Canvas Worldwide

El Segundo, CA • Hybrid

$125K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Canvas Worldwide dares to be the challenger the ad industry needs. Do you "Challenge the Comfortable?" Then you'll fit right in here at Canvas.
 
Recognized as one of Ad Age's "Best Places to Work" for three consecutive years, Canvas Worldwide is an independent media agency committed to providing creative solutions for brands that challenge the status quo. Our clients include Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, MGM, Zillow and McDonald's (to name a few...).
 
Our agency cultivates an environment where all are welcome to push outside their comfort zones to solve problems in new ways. We encourage the team to be its best by creating the most positive workplace experience for all. For instance, we outpace the industry on diversity and inclusion AND offer continuous training and workshops for career development. So, if you dare to challenge the comfortable... then keep reading.
Strategic Responsibilities
  • Work with Clients and Business leads to co-develop strategies that fully leverage programmatic media's potential.
  • Maintain strong knowledge in the sourcing, cultivation and evaluation the unique talent skillsets required to excel in the programmatic media management
  • Collaborate with Clients, the marketplace and Canvas internal teams on data-driven targeting and measurement strategies. Participate in partner evaluation and procurement processes in conjunction with Canvas data leads
  • Work with platform partners to develop strategic framework promoting innovation, intelligent utilization, efficient operation and constantly improving Canvas team member proficiency
  • Contribute to business development efforts crafting integrated strategies and leveraging expertise and capabilities of data-driven media
Leadership
  • Serve as mentor to programmatic team, delivering guidance on business challenges and helping to remove barriers to team excellence
  • Educate internal and external teams on the programmatic landscape
  • Support the programmatic team in their collaboration with Clients and other Canvas teams, ensuring the team's perspective and needs are reflecting in planning commitments
  • Continuously educate programmatic team members on the holistic media landscape and maintain currency with relevant marketplace developments
  • Work with direct investment teams to direct integrated approaches with programmatic to achieve client reach and frequency objectives
  • Work with platform partners and programmatic team members to ensure optimal campaign management operations
  • Leverage the empowerment of the leadership role to propose new ways of working that improve efficiency and team performance
Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience in programmatic media
  • 3+ years mentoring and developing staff
  • Strong presentation skills, ability to communicate to internal managers and clients
  • 2+ years working in TTD & DV360
  • Possess a strong and proven ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks with flexibility and communicate priorities to direct reports
  • High level proficiency and knowledge of Microsoft Office products as well as planning tools
  • Strong organizational and analytical skills
  • Proven ability to maintain strong internal, external, and client relationships
  • Bachelor's degree preferred
$125,000 - $130,000 a year
Salary and Benefits
Actual base salary is determined upon factors such as experience, qualifications, training, certifications, and internal equity. The Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Base salary is part of a total rewards package that includes highly competitive benefits like generous medical, dental, vision, pet insurance, commuter benefits, disability and life insurance coverage, 401(k) matching, up to 14 holidays per year, a "Do Good Day," and unlimited PTO.

Additional perks include employee social and wellness events, a DEI Council, auto purchase rebate program, monthly wellness allowance, and in-office amenities such as fresh kombucha and an in-house barista inside our beautiful, new vibrant El Segundo office.

In-Office Work Schedule
This is a hybrid role, requiring a minimum of 2 days in-office per week.

Canvas Worldwide is an Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

CA Applicants: Canvas Worldwide practices Fair Chance Hiring
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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