Associate Director, Programmatic

San Diego, CA, Denver, CO, Covington, KY, Charleston, SC, Nashville, TN, or United States (Remote) We are a global digital agency comprised of strategists, creatives, media experts, data scientists, and engineers driven by one common purpose — accelerate business growth through marketing and digital transformation. Named a top 3% Google Premier Partner and recognized by Inc. 5000 and Adweek’s 75 Fastest Growing Companies, we’re constantly looking for “A” players to join our team. The rapid growth is attributed to our strongest asset — our people. Our teams are highly collaborative and work closely with each client to set clear goals and objectives so that we can deliver exceptional results. Mindgruve is a place where every opinion is valued. Not only will you be empowered to contribute ideas, but you will also play a key role in the execution and driving success for brands across a variety of industries. Sound fun? Perfect — you’ll fit right in. The Associate Director, Programmatic owns integrated media strategy, planning, and buying across the programmatic team — serving as a senior client relationship lead, a cross-functional collaborator, and a mentor to the broader team. This role is responsible for vendor IO approvals, QBR ownership, new business contributions, and setting pillar-level goals, operating primarily across Amazon DSP, DV360, and The Trade Desk. What You'll Do Here: Integrated Strategy & Client Leadership (50%) Own integrated media strategy, planning, and buying across media teamsOwn and lead client/campaign strategy and KPI development for assigned accountsMaintain senior client relationships and act as a trusted programmatic advisorLead client reporting calls for high-priority accountsOwn and lead QBRs — narrative, performance, and forward-looking strategic recommendationsHandle makegood conversations with clients and partnersProvide insights on emerging technology, industry trends, and programmatic innovationOwn SME platform responsibilities — complete monthly and quarterly platform updates Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration (35%) Manage and mentor the programmatic team including day-to-day guidance and career developmentWork closely with account management, project management, creative, and development teamsEstablish and maintain project timelines across the programmatic pillarEstablish media team and pillar goals in partnership with Director-level leadershipQA insights produced by the team before client delivery Operations, Vendor & Business Development (15%) Approve all vendor IOs before distributionVet vendors and media tools for platform fit, performance, and strategic valueContribute to new business pitches and RFP responsesDevelop industry POVs for agency thought leadership and client educationPerform other related duties and projects as assignedPerform other related duties and projects as assigned We Need a Person With: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business, or a related field; advanced degree a plus7-9 years of progressive experience in programmatic advertising or digital mediaProven experience managing a programmatic team and owning senior client relationshipsDeep expertise across Amazon DSP, DV360, and The Trade Desk requiredExperience contributing to new business pitches and agency growth initiatives preferredExpert-level knowledge of programmatic platforms, ad tech ecosystem, and measurement solutionsStrong leadership, mentorship, and organizational management capabilitiesExecutive presence with excellent client communication and presentation skillsStrategic thinker capable of connecting media performance to client business outcomesStrong cross-functional collaborator across creative, analytics, and account teamsStrong customer service skillsHighly organized and detail oriented, with the ability to handle multiple simultaneouslyExcellent communication skills, including verbal and writtenProfessional demeanor with the ability to interface with poise and confidence with leadership and clients Ability to ensure confidentiality with business matters and employee privacyTravel is required for this role, approximately 15% each year Compensation: Salary: $105,000 - $120,000 (Pay range is based on a market reference point and potential job offers may vary based on the skills, education, experience and geographic location of the individual candidate. The compensation range reflects base rate only.) Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Additionally, for eligible full-time employees, we offer a competitive benefits package including medical insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance; a flexible spending account; voluntary life and accident plans; and a 401(k) retirement plan with matching. We have six office locations in the US: San Diego, California, Los Angeles, California, Covington, Kentucky, Denver, Colorado, Nashville, Tennessee and Charleston, South Carolina. We're seeking local candidates (or those open to relocation) who are able to work collaboratively with us in one of our office's; however, based on business needs and unique job functions, some roles may be eligible for remote work. (Bonus points if you’re bilingual in Spanish and/or Portuguese.) Mindgruve is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.