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Programmatic Trader Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Programmatic Trader

Washington, DC · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Plan, build, launch, and manage full‑funnel programmatic ad trading campaigns across display, online video, connected TV, digital audio, digital out‑of‑home, and native formats within DSPs such ...

Sr. Programmatic Trader

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K - $125K/yr

Sr. Programmatic Trader Neptune Ops LLC Washington, District of Columbia, United States About this position About Neptune Ops LLC Neptune Ops is the AI-native influence operating system. We build and ...

Programmatic Trading Associate We're looking for a Programmatic Trading Associate to join our team for the 2026 Election Cycle! The Programmatic Trading Associate is responsible for implementing and ...

Manager, Trade Compliance

Reston, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Review proposals, contracts and/or purchase orders and participates in technical programmatic ... Other trade compliance-related duties, as assigned Qualifications * At least 10 years of trade ...

Manager, Trade Compliance

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$104K - $166K/yr

Review proposals, contracts and/or purchase orders and participates in technical programmatic ... Other trade compliance-related duties, as assigned Qualifications * At least 10 years of trade ...

Manager, Trade Compliance

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$104K - $166K/yr

Review proposals, contracts and/or purchase orders and participates in technical programmatic ... Other trade compliance-related duties, as assigned Qualifications * At least 10 years of trade ...

Manager, Trade Compliance

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$104K - $166K/yr

Review proposals, contracts and/or purchase orders and participates in technical programmatic ... Other trade compliance-related duties, as assigned Qualifications * At least 10 years of trade ...

Manager, Trade Compliance

Reston, VA · On-site

$104K - $166K/yr

Review proposals, contracts and/or purchase orders and participates in technical programmatic ... Other trade compliance-related duties, as assigned Qualifications * At least 10 years of trade ...

Manager, Trade Compliance

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$104K - $166K/yr

Review proposals, contracts and/or purchase orders and participates in technical programmatic ... Other trade compliance-related duties, as assigned Qualifications * At least 10 years of trade ...

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Showing results 1-20

Programmatic Trader information

See Washington, DC salary details

$40.8K

$99.9K

$278.2K

How much do programmatic trader jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for programmatic trader in Washington, DC is $99,911.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,300.00 and $108,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a programmatic trader?

Programmatic traders are professionals who use automated technology and algorithms to buy and sell digital advertising space in real time. They analyze data and set up campaigns across various platforms, optimizing bids and targeting to reach specific audiences efficiently. Their role involves monitoring ad performance, adjusting strategies, and ensuring that campaigns meet the desired goals within budget constraints. Programmatic traders often work closely with digital marketing teams and use demand-side platforms (DSPs) to manage large-scale advertising efforts.

What does a programmatic trader do?

As a programmatic trader, your job is to help optimize a marketing campaign by conducting an analysis of ad performance across various platforms. In this role, you perform analysis to decide when and where to display online ads. You may also help manage an advertising budget and interact directly with people at various levels of the company. Aside from managing ad purchases, a programmatic trader may help develop realistic expectations about ad performance while looking for ways to improve the overall effectiveness of ad buys. A programmatic trader often helps select target audiences for each campaign.

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

To thrive as a Programmatic Trader, you need a solid understanding of digital advertising, data analysis, and campaign optimization, typically supported by a degree in marketing, business, or a related field. Experience with demand-side platforms (DSPs), ad servers, and analytics tools such as Google DV360, The Trade Desk, or Adobe Analytics is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help professionals excel in managing campaigns and collaborating with clients and internal teams. These skills and tools are crucial for driving efficient, data-driven ad performance and achieving clients' marketing objectives in a competitive digital landscape.

What are some common challenges faced by programmatic traders in optimizing campaigns, and how can they be addressed?

Programmatic Traders often encounter challenges such as fluctuating inventory quality, rapidly changing bidding landscapes, and tight campaign performance targets. Staying on top of these requires a strong analytical approach, frequent campaign monitoring, and proactive communication with account managers and clients. Utilizing advanced data analytics tools and regularly testing different bidding strategies can help address these issues. Additionally, collaborating closely with creative, data, and sales teams ensures alignment on campaign objectives and helps overcome obstacles more effectively.

What is the difference between Programmatic Trader vs Digital Media Buyer?

AspectProgrammatic TraderDigital Media Buyer
CredentialsRelevant marketing, advertising, or data analysis experience; certifications like IAB or Google AdsSimilar credentials; often holds certifications in digital advertising platforms
Work EnvironmentData-driven, real-time bidding platforms, programmatic ad exchangesAd campaign planning, negotiations, direct media placements
Industry UsagePrimarily in digital advertising agencies, media firms, and tech companiesUsed across advertising agencies, brands, and media outlets

Programmatic Traders focus on automated, data-driven ad buying through technology platforms, while Digital Media Buyers often handle manual negotiations and direct placements. Both roles require digital advertising knowledge, but Programmatic Traders specialize in real-time bidding and automation, making their skills more tech-centric.

What are popular job titles related to Programmatic Trader jobs in Washington, DC?

For Programmatic Trader jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Programmatic Trader jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Programmatic Trader jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Programmatic Trader job openings in Washington, DC as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,911 per year, or $48 per hour.

Programmatic Trader

Washington, DC • On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Programmatic TraderNeptune Ops LLC Washington, DC, District of Columbia, United StatesAbout this position

About Neptune Ops LLC

Neptune Ops is the AI-native influence operating system. We build and deploy the most advanced digital tools to drive outcomes in public affairs, enterprise, and other precision advertising campaigns across the country. We help our clients avoid the pitfalls of technology disruptions, and capitalize on the opportunities created by these changes.

As our company continues to grow, you’ll be the critical link between our media trading desk and our clients combining hands‑on programmatic execution with exceptional client service to drive measurable results. This role owns day to day trading execution and optimization for a book of client accounts and serves as a primary point of contact for those clients and internal stakeholders on campaign status, performance, and strategy from planning through delivery.

What you\'ll do:

  • Plan, build, launch, and manage full‑funnel programmatic ad trading campaigns across display, online video, connected TV, digital audio, digital out‑of‑home, and native formats within DSPs such as Basis, Simpli.fi, Amazon DSP, and Trade Desk
  • Own campaign trading operations end-to-end including platform setup, tagging, QA, pacing, reporting, and optimization to ensure accurate delivery against KPIs and budget
  • Build and manage audience segmentation and targeting strategies to advance client advocacy objectives
  • Serve as a primary day‑to‑day point of contact for assigned client accounts, accurately communicating campaign status, performance, and recommendations directly to clients via phone, email, and other channels
  • Prepare and present performance reports and dashboards directly to clients, translating data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations
  • Manage campaign budgets, billing reconciliation, and pacing to ensure accurate, on‑time delivery
  • Collaborate with creative and content teams to ensure assets align with campaign strategy and are deployed accurately and on schedule
  • Monitor DSP platform updates, industry trends, and AI‑driven marketing developments, applying new capabilities to improve client campaign performance
  • Conduct audience and market research using leading AI models and other tools to inform trading strategy
  • Manage all aspects of client digital advocacy campaigns, including strategy, execution, and reporting
  • Provide guidance and QA support to Jr. Programmatic Traders on trading execution and client‑ready reporting
  • Any and all other duties as may be required of the position

What we\'re looking for:

  • Bachelor\'s degree and 2+ years of experience in digital/programmatic advertising with direct client-facing responsibilities, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Proven track record independently running and optimizing programmatic advertising campaigns (Basis, StackAdapt, Simpli.fi, Amazon DSP, Trade Desk, or related)
  • Demonstrated experience communicating directly with clients presenting performance data, fielding questions, and making strategic recommendations
  • Experience with Canva, design, or related creative tools
  • Comfort and prior experience using project management tools such as Asana
  • Strong analytical and spreadsheet skills for budgeting, pacing, and campaign data analysis
  • Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple client accounts and campaigns simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment
  • Demonstrated ability to apply AI tools across trading, research, and reporting workflows
  • Understanding of and interest in federal and state political environments and political advertising compliance
  • Must be located in (or willing to relocate to) the Washington, DC metro area and able to work in person in our Washington, DC office at least three days per week

This is a hybrid, full‑time benefits eligible position located in our Washington, DC office. Neptune Ops provides a robust suite of benefits including: discretionary time off, health, dental, vision, mental health, pet, and legal insurance as well as 401(k) match, sick time, holiday pay, and paid time off for bereavement and jury duty. The anticipated base salary range for this position is $80,000-95,000. Base compensation is determined by many factors including: geography, the candidate\'s skills, experience, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for our annual discretionary bonus program.

Neptune Ops is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

About Neptune Ops LLC

Neptune Ops is the AI-native influence operating system. We build and deploy the most advanced digital tools to drive outcomes in public affairs, enterprise, and other precision advertising campaigns across the country. We help our clients avoid the pitfalls of technology disruptions, and capitalize on the opportunities created by these changes.

As our company continues to grow, you’ll be the critical link between our media trading desk and our clients combining hands‑on programmatic execution with exceptional client service to drive measurable results. This role owns day to day trading execution and optimization for a book of client accounts and serves as a primary point of contact for those clients and internal stakeholders on campaign status, performance, and strategy from planning through delivery.

What you\'ll do:

  • Plan, build, launch, and manage full‑funnel programmatic ad trading campaigns across display, online video, connected TV, digital audio, digital out‑of‑home, and native formats within DSPs such as Basis, Simpli.fi, Amazon DSP, and Trade Desk
  • Own campaign trading operations end-to-end including platform setup, tagging, QA, pacing, reporting, and optimization to ensure accurate delivery against KPIs and budget
  • Build and manage audience segmentation and targeting strategies to advance client advocacy objectives
  • Serve as a primary day‑to‑day point of contact for assigned client accounts, accurately communicating campaign status, performance, and recommendations directly to clients via phone, email, and other channels
  • Prepare and present performance reports and dashboards directly to clients, translating data into clear, actionable insights and recommendations
  • Manage campaign budgets, billing reconciliation, and pacing to ensure accurate, on‑time delivery
  • Collaborate with creative and content teams to ensure assets align with campaign strategy and are deployed accurately and on schedule
  • Monitor DSP platform updates, industry trends, and AI‑driven marketing developments, applying new capabilities to improve client campaign performance
  • Conduct audience and market research using leading AI models and other tools to inform trading strategy
  • Manage all aspects of client digital advocacy campaigns, including strategy, execution, and reporting
  • Provide guidance and QA support to Jr. Programmatic Traders on trading execution and client‑ready reporting
  • Any and all other duties as may be required of the position

What we\'re looking for:

  • Bachelor\'s degree and 2+ years of experience in digital/programmatic advertising with direct client‑facing responsibilities, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Proven track record independently running and optimizing programmatic advertising campaigns (Basis, StackAdapt, Simpli.fi, Amazon DSP, Trade Desk, or related)
  • Demonstrated experience communicating directly with clients presenting performance data, fielding questions, and making strategic recommendations
  • Experience with Canva, design, or related creative tools
  • Comfort and prior experience using project management tools such as Asana
  • Strong analytical and spreadsheet skills for budgeting, pacing, and campaign data analysis
  • Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple client accounts and campaigns simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment
  • Demonstrated ability to apply AI tools across trading, research, and reporting workflows
  • Understanding of and interest in federal and state political environments and political advertising compliance
  • Must be located in (or willing to relocate to) the Washington, DC metro area and able to work in person in our Washington, DC office at least three days per week

This is a hybrid, full‑time benefits eligible position located in our Washington, DC office. Neptune Ops provides a robust suite of benefits including: discretionary time off, health, dental, vision, mental health, pet, and legal insurance as well as 401(k) match, sick time, holiday pay, and paid time off for bereavement and jury duty. The anticipated base salary range for this position is $80,000-95,000. Base compensation is determined by many factors including: geography, the candidate\'s skills, experience, and internal equity. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for our annual discretionary bonus program.

Neptune Ops is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The pay range for this role is:
80,000 - 90,000 USD per year(Northwest Washington, DC)

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