Director, Planner

About Us

We are DAC—a global full-funnel performance media agency dedicated to delivering transformative results. With expertise spanning SEO, paid media, creative production, analytics, and local optimization, we combine the brightest minds with innovative technology to deliver seamless, forward-thinking strategies. Powered by AI, data, and creative ingenuity, we deliver integrated campaigns that engage customers at every touchpoint—from global audiences to individual store locations.

About the Role

The Director, Planner will have the unique responsibility of helping to further define and integrate our upper funnel media offering (both linear/traditional and digital) within our award-winning digital performance marketing agency. As a leader within the media team, this individual will provide strategic leadership for their accounts while demonstrating a deep knowledge of each channel to provide value to clients and mentor a team of subject matter experts.

Responsibilities

• Use 3rd party research tools such as MRI Simmons, Pathmatics, Kantar, GWI, Neilsen, and iSpot, as well as analytics data such as GA4 and client-owned CRM data, to identify and define key audiences, media channel insights, and objectives.
• Work hand-in-hand with Strategic Insights, Client Strategy, Media, and Content Strategy & Creative teams to create truly integrated, full-funnel media plans.
• Work with Media leads, Strategy, and Proove teams to establish a Full Funnel Media measurement framework.
• Partner with Strategic Insights, Media, and Proove Intelligence (analytics) teams to ensure media plans are data-driven with defined objectives and properly measured—including bringing forth appropriate solutions for awareness, brand lift, consideration, and other “upper-funnel” measurement.
• Lead annual and ongoing planning cycles, including tactical development, optimization recommendations, quarterly business reviews, and strategic roadmaps.
• Research and vet new upper funnel (traditional and/or digital) media opportunities, and work with Account, Strategy, and Media teams to define and present new campaign ideas to clients.
• Act as a client-facing subject matter expert for clients that have significant upper-funnel buys alongside Account management, Media, and Strategy team members.
• Act as a mentor for junior team members to guide them in their career development.
• Lead and develop media planning talent through coaching, performance management, goal setting, and support for recruiting and retention.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the clients’ businesses and the customer journey.
• Liaise with partners/vendors to plan and execute as required (e.g., local cable buying agency).
• Support internal training initiatives including authoring materials and leading training sessions on key traditional/linear/ATL channels and upper funnel media tactics, including planning, buying, measurement, and “lingo.”
• Build relationships with key publishers, platforms, networks, and partners.
• Create sales/pitch and marketing materials.
• Assist in the development of new business pitch materials; attend and present in pitches.
• Provide thought leadership where applicable, including within DAC’s owned content as well as conferences and events.
• Demonstrate expert-level knowledge of the role different channels and tactics play in integrated media plans.
• Responsible for demonstrating an understanding of consumer behaviors within media, and a working knowledge of media relevant to the client’s business including TV (linear, local, and digital/streaming), digital including social, search and programmatic, experiential, audio/radio, print, OOH, and partnerships.
• Stay up to date with the industry, including trends and new vendors.

Requirements

• 8+ years of relevant experience in media planning/buying. While planning is the more critical element of the role, an in-depth understanding of buying is also required.
• Proven existing relationships with vendors, platforms, and publishers.
• Demonstrable comfort in traditional and digital media.
• Effective and impactful communication at all levels.
• Demonstrable experience with enterprise-level client campaigns.
• Experience across multiple industry verticals is preferred.
• Demonstrable presentation skills (creation of materials and in-room presentation).
• Solid knowledge of tactics, vendors, methodologies, and industry trends and topics.
• A growth mindset for expanding opportunities within the client base.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive health benefits.
• Generous PTO, wellness initiatives, and parental leave.
• Retirement saving plans.
• Opportunities for continued learning and professional development.
• A supportive, collaborative, and casual work environment.

Pay

The projected compensation range for this position is $155,000 to $180,000.

Schedule

This role requires three days in-office. Remote work is not available for this position.