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Wavemaker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Associate, Planning

New York, NY · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Wavemaker, part of WPP, positively provokes growth for clients by reshaping consumer decision-making and experiences through media, content, and technology. Our name is both our mission and our ...

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Wavemaker information

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How much do wavemaker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for wavemaker in the United States is $20.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wavemaker?

Wavemakers are professionals who work at Wavemaker, a global media agency that specializes in media planning, buying, and marketing strategy. They collaborate with clients to develop effective advertising campaigns, analyze consumer data, and optimize media investments across various platforms such as TV, digital, print, and social media. Wavemakers help brands connect with their target audiences by leveraging industry insights and innovative marketing solutions. Their work involves both creative and analytical skills to maximize campaign performance and deliver measurable results.

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

To thrive as a Wavemaker (Media Planner/Buyer), you need strong analytical abilities, marketing knowledge, and a relevant degree such as in marketing, communications, or business. Familiarity with media planning tools (like MediaOcean, Nielsen, or comScore), digital advertising platforms, and data analytics software is essential. Excellent communication, creativity, and adaptability help professionals build effective campaigns and maintain client relationships. These skills are crucial for developing impactful media strategies that drive results and meet client objectives in a competitive advertising environment.

How does a wavemaker typically collaborate with clients and internal teams during a media campaign?

As a Wavemaker, you will work closely with clients to understand their marketing objectives and translate them into effective media strategies. Collaboration with internal teams such as planners, buyers, and data analysts is essential to ensure campaigns are delivered on time and meet performance goals. Regular meetings, clear communication, and a client-focused mindset are key to navigating challenges and ensuring campaign success. This role also offers exposure to various media channels and innovative tools, fostering professional growth.

What is the difference between Wavemaker vs Media Planner?

AspectWavemakerMedia Planner
CredentialsBachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, or related field; certifications like Google Ads or Facebook BlueprintBachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, or communications; certifications like Google Ads or media planning courses
Work EnvironmentAgency or in-house marketing teams; collaborative, fast-pacedAdvertising agencies, media firms, or corporate marketing departments; analytical and strategic
Industry UsageGlobal media agency specializing in media strategy and buyingRole within marketing teams focusing on media strategy and placement

Wavemaker is a global media agency providing comprehensive media strategy and buying services, often working on large-scale campaigns. Media Planners develop media strategies, select channels, and schedule placements. While both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, Wavemaker offers broader agency services, whereas Media Planners focus specifically on planning and strategy execution within various organizations.

More about Wavemaker jobs

What cities are hiring for Wavemaker jobs?

Cities with the most Wavemaker job openings:

Infographic showing various Wavemaker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 50% Physical, 25% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,047 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

Senior Associate, Planning

WPP Media

New York, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


WPP Media rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 76 rated media


Job description

About WPP Media
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships - all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open - we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth.
WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.
For more information, visit wppmedia.com.
About WPP Media
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships - all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open - we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth.
WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.
For more information, visit wppmedia.com.
About OpenMind:
Wavemaker, part of WPP, positively provokes growth for clients by reshaping consumer decision-making and experiences through media, content, and technology. Our name is both our mission and our method. We do our best work for brave brands and people who relish being challenged to go further and faster, together.
Role Summary & Impact
As a Senior Associate, Planning, you will play a key role in developing media strategy and media plans, and make insightful recommendations consistent with the approved strategy. You will manage daily tasks for stewarding approved plans and train Associates in media fundamentals, policies/procedures, and computer systems.
Skills and Experience
  • Partner with the Manager in the development of communication plan options and recommendations.
  • Gather and analyze data to provide sound strategic, consumer-insights-driven media recommendations.
  • Deliver POVs/position papers on key client issues and/or client opportunities.
  • Ensure proper execution of communication plans: (Maintaining accurate budget control and flow of media activity, and proactively, consistently updating Manager and (if appropriate) client contact(s); Monitoring buys/schedules).
  • Prepare media authorizations per approved plans/project requests.
  • Train and developing Associate(s), as well as reviewing their work for accuracy.
  • Act with high integrity to maintain strong, collaborative, productive working relationships across all internal and external teams and partners.
  • Provide timely and accurate delivery of all work.

Skills and Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree in Marketing/Media/Communications; OR equivalent professional work experience.
  • At least 1+ year of related media planning/communications planning experience.
  • Strong understanding of media fundamentals, including media math, target audience development, and communication goals (reach/frequency).
  • Proficiency with systems/tools.
  • Strong quantitative skills, including analytical abilities and math proficiency.
  • Ability to work within a team, handle multiple assignments and meet tight deadlines.
  • Strongly business-minded, and extremely detail-oriented, with clear and proven organizational skills.
  • Digitally savvy, with specific proficiency at MS Suite: Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits
Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.
We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.
WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.
Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy) for more information on how we process the information you provide.
While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Openmind:
Openmind, part of WPP, is an integrated agency model drawing on talent from across WPP. It has been created to accelerate the European transformation for Nestlé's media function. Core to the solution is the advanced best data and technology capabilities, fuelled by WPP's investment in AI, to maximise the impact of Nestlé media investment.
The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, go to https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome for more details.
US Pay Range
$45,000-$90,000 USD
Please read our Privacy Notice for more information on how we process the information you provide.

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