Vice President Programmatic Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Company Description
With a history that dates back over 80 years, Starcom is a global communications planning and media leader. We are an agency still grounded in our founding principle that people are at center of all we do. Each day, we apply this belief to harness the transformative power of data and technology to inspire and move people and business forward. With more than 7,000 employees in over 100 offices around the world, Starcom partners with the world's leading marketers and brands, including Bank of America, Best Buy, Kellogg Company, McDonald's, Novartis, Samsung, Visa and more.
Overview
We are seeking a visionary SVP, Programmatic to lead our programmatic media practice-one of the most advanced and data-driven buying operations in the U.S. As the head of the programmatic department, you will shape the strategic roadmap, drive innovation, and ensure operational excellence across programmatic buying, optimization, data strategy, and technology integration. You will serve as a leader with a point of view both internally and externally, transforming how programmatic drives business impact for our clients. The SVP also serves as the escalation point of contact for clients and internal teams and will work in close partnership with clients, media partners, and strategy and investment teams.
While providing senior-level thought leadership on audience strategies and campaign optimization, the SVP builds strong relationships and establishes clear lines of communication with agency partners and the client services team alike.
Responsibilities

• Define and execute the long-term vision and strategy for our programmatic buying capabilities.
• Manage, train, and develop direct a large team of programmatic experts, based in our offices across the US.
• Collaborate with Business Development and Client Leads to grow programmatic revenue through new business and organic growth.
• Proactive & consistent communication with client & liaise with strategy, planning, analytics, data architecture, etc. to run point on all programmatic media
• Champion our culture of innovation, accountability, and excellence.
• Demonstrate collaborative, confident, and persuasive client management skills
• Understand and effectively communicate the Programmatic team's value proposition, technology, and processes as related to the growth of current and prospective agency accounts
• Participate in forecasting exercises for senior management
• Embrace and encourage a culture based on teamwork, collaboration, and intellectual curiosity
• Lead strategic programmatic innovation efforts and beta program participation with platform partners.
• Develop, maintain standard methodologies and processes for Starcom's Programmatic practice
• Build programmatic career training plans and foster an environment of mentorship, cross-functional collaboration, and continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher preferred, preferably in marketing, advertising, business, engineering, statistics, economics, sociology, or equivalent
• 12+ years of experience in programmatic media with increasing levels of responsibility
• 10+ years of people management experience
• Deep understanding of DSPs, SSPs, ad verification, data providers, and identity solutions
• Proven experience managing large, matrixed teams across multiple accounts and verticals
• Knowledge of AI/ML in media buying, predictive analytics, and audience modeling
• Experience within a major agency holding company or independent agency known for programmatic excellence
• Exceptional critical thinking, client communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Strong project management, analytics, organizational, and communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Additional Information
Starcom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment decisions are made without regard to actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, medical condition as defined by applicable state law, genetic information, marital status, military service and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.
The Power of One starts with our people! To do powerful things, we offer powerful resources. Our best-in-class wellness and benefits offerings include:

• Paid Family Care for parents and caregivers for 12 weeks or more
• Monetary assistance and support for Adoption, Surrogacy and Fertility
• Monetary assistance and support for pet adoption
• Employee Assistance Programs and Health/Wellness/Comfort reimbursements to help you invest in your future and work/life balance
• Tuition Assistance
• Paid time off that includes Flexible Time off Vacation, Annual Sick Days, Volunteer Days, Holiday and Identity days, and more
• Matching Gifts programs
• Flexible working arrangements
• 'Work Your World' Program encouraging employees to work from anywhere Publicis Groupe has an office for up to 6 weeks a year (based upon eligibility)
• Business Resource Groups that support multiple affinities and alliances

The benefits offerings listed are available to U.S. based employees, are reviewed on an annual basis, and are governed by the terms of the applicable plan documents.
Compensation Range: $176,700 - $263,655 annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 09/17/2025.
If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact USMSTACompliance@publicis.com. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
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Compensation Range: USD $176,700.00 - USD $263,655.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. This role may also be eligible for bonus or incentive compensation. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 9/29/2025.