Data & Strategy Operations Specialist
About the role
We’re looking for a Data & Strategy Operations Specialist to help stand up, implement, and operationalize our Data Management Platform (DMP) and contextual targeting solutions from the ground up. This is a high-impact individual contributor role, ideal for someone who thrives in ambiguity, enjoys building systems from scratch, and knows how to turn complex data into commercial outcomes. You’ll report directly to Derek Klimkowski and work closely with Commercial, Product, Tech, and Data partners across regions.
This role is for you if you’re a builder at heart, have helped implement or operate a DMP, CDP, or audience data solution before, and are excited by the challenge of taking something from zero to one. You’re equally comfortable going deep into technical details and stepping back to think strategically about monetization, scale, and market impact. Sports experience is a plus, but curiosity, ownership, and an execution mindset are essential.
Responsibilities
- Own the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and optimization of Better Collective’s DMP and contextual targeting solutions.
- Act as the primary point of contact with our DMP vendor and the internal go-to expert for audience data capabilities.
- Build, analyze, and scale audience segments using first-party, contextual, and partner data.
- Profile and segment advertising inventory to ensure scale, brand suitability, and commercial viability.
- Collaborate with data providers and aggregators to strengthen and expand our data offering.
- Work closely with Sales, RevOps, Media Planning, and Account Management teams to support data-driven media sales.
- Help translate data and platform capabilities into clear commercial insights for internal stakeholders.
- Support FanReach product development by providing actionable insights and operational feedback.
- Ensure data practices align with privacy and compliance standards (GDPR, CCPA, etc.).
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience working with DMPs, CDPs, or audience data platforms, either at a DMP/vendor, an agency, or a publisher/brand-side data team.
- Hands-on experience implementing or operating data platforms (not just strategy).
- Strong understanding of first-party data, identity resolution, and activation across digital channels.
- Experience with contextual targeting and brand suitability frameworks.
- Comfortable working independently in a role with no direct reports, owning outcomes end-to-end.
- Strong communication skills, able to explain complex data concepts clearly to non-technical audiences.
- Organized, proactive, and confident working in environments without historical playbooks.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience in sports media, iGaming, or performance advertising.
- Global or multi-market experience (US, LATAM, EMEA).
- Familiarity with programmatic, direct sales, and data licensing models.
- Experience working with Google Ad Manager (GAM), with a solid understanding of analytics and the ability to apply data insights (e.g., Google Analytics, campaign and performance metrics) to inform strategy and decision-making.
Meet Your Manager & Team
You’ll report to Derek Klimkowski, a strategic leader focused on building scalable, data-driven commercial products. Derek values ownership, clarity, and collaboration, and will partner closely with you while giving you the autonomy to build and execute. You’ll also collaborate with Commercial leadership, Product, Tech, and Data teams across regions.
Benefits
- Full health benefits (medical, dental, vision).
- PTO.
- 401(k) with employer match.
- Life & disability insurance.
- Extended paid parental leave.
- Pet insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program with mental health resources.
Growth & Culture
- Collaborative environment with open communication and trust.
- Global exposure, working with teams across regions and markets.
- Real ownership & impact: your work directly shapes how the brand shows up every day.
- Room to grow, with support for learning and new challenges.
- Balance & flexibility, whenever possible.
- A culture that’s informal, supportive, and fun—expect memes, good coffee, and lively Slack channels.