Director, Analytics

Novus is seeking a Director, Analytics to serve as the senior analytical lead for one large client engagement with capacity to flex into one or two smaller-client engagements as bandwidth allows. This role carries direct accountability for measurement strategy, framework adherence, learning-agenda execution, and analytical delivery across the assigned account, alongside leadership of a small analytical team.

Reporting to the VP, Analytics & Data Science, the Director will translate measurement priorities into client-ready deliverables, develop a small team of senior analysts, and partner with planning, investment, and client services to embed measurement into the operating rhythm of the account. This is a senior, client-facing role suited to an analytically rigorous practitioner with the judgment to manage client relationships with authority and the discipline to uphold methodology across all delivered work.

Account Leadership & Client Partnership

• Serve as the senior analytical lead for the assigned tentpole client account, owning the measurement relationship end-to-end from strategic framing through reporting and recommendations.
• Own the measurement framework, learning agenda, and measurement plan for the account; ensure alignment with client business priorities as the year progresses.
• Lead monthly/quarterly business reviews, measurement planning sessions, and executive-level presentations on behalf of the account.
• Translate complex measurement findings into clear, actionable strategic guidance, including:
  • Channel and budget recommendations grounded in MMM, attribution, and incrementality results
  • Performance narratives that connect media activity to client business outcomes
  • Forward-looking views on measurement priorities and learning-agenda items
• Apply the full breadth of Novus's analytical capabilities — reporting, attribution, media mix modeling, incrementality, and brand lift — calibrated to the scope of the engagement

Measurement Delivery & Methodological Rigor

• Lead end-to-end delivery of measurement work across the account, including MMM partnership management, incrementality and lift testing, attribution analysis, performance reporting, and bespoke analytical engagements.
• Operate across both proprietary and open-source methodologies; select the appropriate approach for each client question.
• Maintain quality-assurance and methodological rigor across all team outputs; ensure analytical work is defensible to client-side stakeholders.

People Leadership & Cross-Functional Integration

• Manage and develop a small team of senior analysts — typically one to two direct reports; maintain accountability for output quality, professional growth, and career progression.
• Lead hiring and onboarding of new team members as the account scales; cultivate a team culture defined by analytical rigor, ownership, and intellectual curiosity.
• Partner with investment, planning, and client services teams to integrate measurement into the account's planning cycle.
• Remain current on the measurement landscape and actively shape how Novus adopts and integrates new methods, platforms, and best practices across the practice.

• Demonstrated track record leading client analytics for a major account within an agency, consultancy, or in-house media environment.
• Deep working command of marketing measurement methodologies — media mix modeling, multi-touch attribution, incrementality testing, lift studies, and performance reporting — and the ability to articulate how these approaches complement one another.
• Demonstrated ability to lead client analytics relationships end-to-end; comfortable serving as the senior analytical voice in quarterly business reviews, planning sessions, and executive-level presentations.
• People-management experience overseeing one to three direct reports, including hiring, performance management, and structured career development.
• Fluency in the digital advertising ecosystem — including data sources, measurement concepts, and taxonomy — across paid social, paid search, programmatic, direct mail, out-of-home, and linear and streaming television.
• SQL proficiency and working command of Python or R for analysis, automation, and data pipeline support.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate methodology for both technical and executive audiences and calibrate register and depth accordingly.
• An AI-integrated working style: demonstrated routine use of modern AI coding and productivity tools to accelerate analysis, documentation, and team output.
• Bachelor's or advanced degree in mathematics, statistics, economics, marketing analytics, computer science, or a related quantitative discipline — or equivalent professional experience.
• Seven to ten years of professional experience in marketing analytics, marketing science, or a closely related field, including at least one to two years in a direct people-management capacity.
• Prior agency-side or media measurement experience is valued but not required.

Preferred

• Direct experience with MMM platforms such as Arima Data, OptiMine, Meridian, Analytic Partners, or comparable solutions.
• Familiarity with Snowflake or other cloud data warehouse platforms and modern data stack tooling.
• Experience leading analytics for a large telco, connectivity, or other subscription-based account.
• Industry background in retail, CPG, financial services, or other data-intensive verticals.
• Exposure to privacy-preserving measurement approaches including data clean rooms, modeled conversions, and aggregated signal methodologies.

This is a senior, client-facing role with substantive scope. The Director will hold direct ownership of one of Novus's largest accounts, lead a small team of analysts, and operate as a close partner to the VP, Analytics & Data Science. The role is designed for someone who leads with conviction, holds a high bar for analytical rigor, and steps into ambiguity rather than away from it.

Please Note: This is a hybrid position requiring a combination of in-office work at our Chicago location and remote work from home. The specific schedule will be finalized upon hire.  We are only looking for candidates in/around the Chicago Metro Area and do not offer relocation assistance.

NOVUS is an independent local media planning and buying agency. We are focused on local media of all types including video, audio, OOH, digital, and print. We have carved out a unique position in the marketplace; with comprehensive data sets, proprietary tools and some of the best strategists in the industry, NOVUS builds and executes plans that achieve remarkable results.

NOVUS provides a collaborative work environment, with career advancement potential and offers an array of benefits as well as considerable time off allowances. Additionally, as a mid-sized agency, team members have direct exposure to senior management on a regular basis and they get the opportunity to work on a range of assignments with significant responsibilities. By joining one of the premier media companies in the industry, you'll be part of a team that is passionate, engaged, forward-thinking and seizing opportunities daily.

We are committed to providing salary ranges for all open positions. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations. The salary range for this position is: $160,000 - $180,000. This range reflects the base salary for this position.

NOVUS offers a full array of health care and wellness benefits, which currently includes medical, prescription, dental, vision, life and accidental death & dismemberment insurances, short and long-term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, a health savings account, legal services, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program. Eligible employees are those that are full-time salaried or part-time salaried employees working 30 hours per week or more, as well as those whose eligibility is required by applicable state law.  A group retirement savings plan is also available to all salaried employees.  While the Company continually seeks to improve upon and add to its current benefits suite, it believes you will find the benefit programs as comprehensive as any in the industry.

Novus Media is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against and applicant or employee of the Company, on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, marital or family status, age, gender identity or expression, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.  Our agency is committed to creating a workplace where every employee feels welcomed, respected, and valued. We embrace diversity in all its forms, and we strongly encourage people from a variety of backgrounds to apply.