Variable

The Variable is a forward-thinking advertising agency focused on driving ownable differentiation for our clients. We believe the strongest results happen when brand and performance work together, creating ideas that break through, spend that works harder, and outcomes that multiply. With a dedication to innovation and strategic partnership, we work as true client partners to deliver creative that inspires, strategies that perform, and results that matter.

POSITION SUMMARY

As Associate Media Director, you’ll take the lead on executing seamless omni-channel media campaigns across multiple client accounts. From uncovering insights to building smart frameworks, launching plans, and measuring results, you’ll own the full planning process and make sure everything ladders back to client business goals. On our team, we believe brand and performance don’t just coexist—they thrive together. You’ll be a champion of that belief, ensuring every strategy and campaign feels connected, purposeful, and impactful.

This role is built for someone who thrives at balancing strategy and execution. You’ll be the day-to-day client lead, presenting ideas with confidence, keeping campaigns on track, and making sure clients feel supported and inspired by the work. You’ll also play a hands-on role with the team, supervising and developing planners and supervisors while maintaining the high standards The Variable is known for.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead Media Strategy & Execution

• Oversee the development of integrated media plans that translate client objectives into clear, actionable strategies.
• Develop full-funnel media plans that balance brand and performance, with a strong emphasis on digital media (CTV, Programmatic, DOOH, Social, and Search)
• Provide in-depth campaign reporting and analysis, highlighting insights and opportunities for optimization.
• Translate media performance metrics such as CPC and CTR into actionable business insights
• Maintain efficient workflows and resource management to keep projects moving smoothly across multiple clients.
• Partner with analytics to develop in-flight testing frameworks
• Leverage AI-driven insights and tools to streamline campaign planning, improve targeting, and strengthen measurement.

Client Partnership

• Act as the day-to-day strategic lead for clients, presenting plans, reports, and recommendations with confidence and clarity.
• Build trusted relationships by being responsive, proactive, and focused on solving client challenges.
• Collaborate with creative, brand strategy, and analytics partners to deliver seamless, integrated solutions.
• Partner with Analytics to build comprehensive measurement strategies
• Identify organic growth opportunities within existing accounts, surfacing them in partnership with Media Directors.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and coach planners and supervisors, providing daily guidance, feedback, and professional development support.
• Ensure all work produced by the team meets agency and client expectations for quality and effectiveness.
• Model accountability, responsiveness, and curiosity to inspire high performance.
• Support the Media Director in setting priorities and managing the broader team’s workflow.

KEY TRAITS

• Client-First Partner: Strong at building trust and managing relationships in the day-to-day.
• Insight-Driven: Able to extract meaningful insights from campaign data and recommend next steps.
• Hands-On Leader: Invested in supporting and developing junior team members while ensuring quality work.
• Collaborative Connector: Works seamlessly across departments to deliver cohesive solutions.
• Curious Mind: You like to think about what’s possible, not just what is.
• Detail Oriented: You DO sweat the little things
• Digital Focus: You have a comprehensive understanding of the digital media ecosystem

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in media planning and measurement.
• Proven ability to manage omni-channel campaigns
• Experience leading client presentations and providing clear recommendations.
• Familiarity with key media tools and systems (e.g., MRI/Simmons, Comscore, Kantar, Prisma, Mediaocean, STRATA).
• Supervisory experience, with demonstrated success coaching junior staff.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Advertising, Media, Marketing, or related field preferred.

WE OFFER

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, with strong employer contributions
• 401(k) with a 4 percent employer match, immediately vested
• Monthly, non-taxable cell phone reimbursement
• Meaningful bonus opportunities, including client referrals, employee referrals, and a peer-to-peer bonus program that gives you $1,000 each year to recognize teammates doing great work
• Up to 14 weeks of paid parental and medical leave, plus a paid, part-time transition back to work, designed to support recovery, bonding, and balance for all parents
• Generous paid time off that increases with tenure, plus Me Time Off (MTO) for the real-life moments that don’t require a full PTO day
• Paid holidays and agency-wide closures, with additional flexibility built into our time-off approach
• Bereavement leave that recognizes loss in all its forms, including miscarriage
• Protected “Heads Down” time every Wednesday afternoon, reserved for deep focus and uninterrupted work
• Hybrid work model with intentional in-office collaboration and flexibility where it works best
• Mental health, financial wellness, and well-being resources to support you as a whole person

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are an EOE and proudly embrace diversity in all its forms. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your resume directly to Megan Streba, mstreba@thevariable.com

Please note: We appreciate your interest in this opportunity. While we review every application with care, we will only be reaching out to candidates whose experience aligns with the needs of the role.