Associate Director, Integrated Planning & Strategy

About the role

The Associate Director is a pivotal leadership role responsible for steering the strategic direction of our most ambitious accounts. You will be responsible for designing how brands show up across the entire consumer ecosystem—not just where they advertise. This role defines the connection architecture between audiences, culture, content, commerce, and channels to unlock sustainable growth.

Responsibilities

• Architect full-funnel ecosystems that integrate paid, owned, earned, and shared touchpoints to deliver cohesive and connected consumer experiences.
• Partner with clients as a strategic growth advisor, identifying opportunity space, shaping business challenges, and unlocking new opportunities beyond media investment.
• Define end-to-end connections strategies grounded in audience, cultural, and behavioral insights—linking communications, content, and commerce into a unified system.
• Orchestrate the interplay between brand building and performance, ensuring immediate impact while compounding long-term brand equity.
• Lead cross-functional teams (Strategy, Creative, Media, Data, Technology) to develop experience-led solutions, not just channel plans.
• Translate data and insights into clear narratives and actionable frameworks that influence senior stakeholders and drive decision-making.
• Establish holistic measurement approaches that connect exposure, engagement, and outcomes—moving beyond siloed channel attribution to true effectiveness storytelling.
• Drive innovation in how we connect with audiences, continuously evolving frameworks, tools, and approaches to stay ahead of changing behaviors and platforms.
• Play a leading role in new business and thought leadership, articulating a differentiated vision for integrated strategy and connections planning.
• Mentor and elevate a team of strategists, fostering systems thinking, curiosity, and strategic rigor in their work.

Requirements

• 5-7 years of experience in omni-channel media strategy and planning, with a proven track record of leading large-scale accounts.
• A strong passion for critical thinking, problem solving, and a deep understanding of how businesses, brands, and customers interact.
• Experience in "Connections Planning" or Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC), with a deep understanding of how content and media intersect.
• Expert-level proficiency with media research and audience profiling tools (GWI, MRI, ComScore, Pathmatics, etc.).
• Demonstrated success in managing 360-degree sponsorship or tentpole campaign planning.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence senior clients and navigate complex multi-agency (IAT) environments.
• A data-driven mindset paired with creative intuition—you know how to back up big ideas with hard numbers.
• Proven experience in managing and growing direct reports, building a culture of excellence and curiosity.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or related field.
• Proven experience in leading high-profile, complex projects.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams including Strategy, Creative, Media, Data, and Technology.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical and data-driven approach.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Experience with media planning and buying tools.
• Knowledge of digital marketing trends and technologies.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including base salary, bonus, and benefits.
• Flexible work arrangements including remote work options.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company match.
• Employee assistance program.
• Professional development opportunities and training.
• Regular team-building activities and social events.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and tools.

Pay

The anticipated salary range for this position is listed below. Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, expertise, physical location, and organizational impact. This is based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling.

• US Remote Range: $96,000 - $120,000 USD

Schedule

DEPT® offers a flexible schedule to accommodate the needs of our employees. Remote work is available for US-based candidates.