We’re seeking an Associate Director, Paid Media to lead and grow a portfolio of client relationships while managing a team of channel experts. You’ll bring hands-on activation experience in at least one paid channel, sharp strategic thinking, and the ability to present complex media solutions with clarity and confidence. This is a high-impact, client-facing leadership role designed for someone ready to shape omnichannel strategy across a range of industries and business models.
This NYC based role has a competitive salary range of $105,000 - $120,000, depending on experience, with annual compensation reviews based on performance. Potential bi-annual bonus pay is based on company and individual performance.
Key Responsibilities- Lead strategic direction across multiple paid media clients, including search, social, programmatic, video, and emerging platforms.
- Own client relationships: Act as the senior day-to-day lead, guiding client conversations, delivering presentations, and ensuring media strategy aligns with their business objectives.
- Activate & Optimize: Maintain deep hands-on-keyboard expertise in at least one performance channel (SEM, paid social, programmatic, or others) and oversee executional excellence across all channels.
- Manage a team: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of media managers and specialists, ensuring growth, performance, and collaboration across accounts.
- Drive innovation: Translate client goals into cutting-edge media solutions, leveraging 1st party data, automation, and AI where applicable.
- Reporting & Insights: Oversee analytics, testing strategies, and performance reporting. Present clear, compelling narratives to internal and external stakeholders.
- Collaborate cross-functionally: Partner with creative, data science, influencer, and SEO teams to deliver holistic marketing programs.
- 5–7+ years of digital media experience, ideally in an agency setting.
- In-depth expertise in at least one paid channel (Search, Social, Programmatic, Retail Media, etc.).
- Proven success managing and growing multiple client accounts simultaneously.
- Strong people management skills — experience leading and developing junior to mid-level team members.
- Exceptional presentation and communication skills; comfortable leading meetings with senior-level clients.
- A strategic mindset with strong attention to detail, timelines, and KPIs.
- Experience with tools like Google Ads, Meta Ads Manager, DV360, SA360, or other media platforms and dashboards.
Proprietary AI That Actually Works: Kanopy AI is our custom-built intelligence platform—real-time campaign optimization, media mix modeling, natural language analytics, and algorithm enrichment that gives our clients (and our sellers) a genuine edge. This isn’t a buzzword; it’s operational.
7x Crain’s Best Places to Work: A people-first culture with a 12-month average time to promotion, a 4-day workweek, and genuine investment in career development.
Certified Minority-Owned Business: 48% BIPOC representation across the agency, 60% female representation—a team that reflects the diverse markets we serve.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary of $105,000 - $120,000 depending on experience, plus performance-based bonus structure
- Regular performance reviews with quarterly growth path check-ins
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and mental health benefits (One Medical, Talkspace, KindBody, Health Advocate)
- 15–24 days PTO/year depending on seniority, plus birthday off, 7 sick/safe days, and up to 12 weeks paid parental leave
- New MacBook Pro and access to cutting-edge AI tools across the agency
- Sun-drenched penthouse Acceleration Hub on 5th Avenue in Flatiron—with commuter benefits and Citibike membership
- Dog-friendly office, regular team events (Field Day, Ski Club, Golf League, holiday celebrations), and a culture built around ownership and ambition
Location: This role is based at our NYC headquarters. You must reside or be willing to relocate within commuting distance.
Skills Required
- 5-7+ years of digital media experience
- In-depth expertise in at least one paid channel
- Proven success managing multiple client accounts
- Strong people management skills
- Exceptional presentation and communication skills
- Experience with performance marketing tools
Direct Agents Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Direct Agents and has not been reviewed or approved by Direct Agents.
-
Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time off is positioned as relatively expansive, including PTO that scales by level/tenure, separate sick/safe leave, a paid birthday day, volunteering time, and seasonal schedule perks like Summer Fridays. Company-wide closure days such as Wellness Reset Days and quarterly self-care days are also described as part of the time-off approach.
-
Healthcare Strength — Medical/dental/vision and mental health benefits are described, including access to services like One Medical, Talkspace, KindBody, and Health Advocate. Employer-verified listings also include items like mental health care, supplemental life insurance, and FSA.
-
Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave is described in job-posting benefits language, with maternity/paternity leave also appearing in employer-verified benefit listings. This indicates at least some formal family-leave coverage within the overall benefits package.
Direct Agents Insights
What We Do
Direct Agents is an independent, minority-owned digital marketing agency that specializes in performance-driven customer acquisition solutions. Founded by first-generation immigrants, Direct Agents celebrates its 19th year in business this year. Our agency goes beyond the standard marketing toolbox through innovation in Paid Media, Enterprise SEO, Strategy, Amazon, Creative, Inclusive Marketing Strategy, Analytics, & Paid Social. Direct Agents is built to help clients achieve success through a diverse and passionate group of experts based in NYC, LA, and beyond. We’re breaking the industry mold and leading with a diverse mindset. Here at Direct Agents, diversity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s in our DNA. • 5x Winner of Crain’s Best Places to Work (2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018) • 42% Diversity • 57% Female / Male ratio • ‘WoDA’ is Direct Agents’ women powered employee resource group which works to pave the path to leadership for all women through monthly workshops • ‘State of the World’ helps provide an open forum to discuss the social movements of our time and how we can have an impact on them • Team and company-wide bonding events (ask us about our puppy breaks!) • Opportunities to get involved with the community through mentorship and pro bono marketing services • A work family that is as committed to its work as it is to having fun Our culture offers more than just happy hours; we're fueled by excellence, collaboration, and growth opportunities. At Direct Agents, you are empowered to create your own career journey through cross-channel learning opportunities and mentorship. If you’re looking for a new role with space to directly influence the business and company culture, visit our Careers page and apply to become a “Shaper of Change!” To learn more about our services visit www.directagents.com or email [email protected].
.png){kind=logo}
