Media Performance Senior Specialist

About the role

The Media Performance Senior Specialist is an experienced media professional who will manage all key National In Market (NIM) campaigns and strategically align these plans with Dealers Tier 3 media efforts to maximize media effectiveness and support annual retail sales goals. This role serves as the main point of contact for performance media teams with agencies and key media vendors like Google and Meta. The specialist will stay current on emerging trends and technologies in the digital media landscape, ensuring Volkswagen remains prepared to adapt to these changes.

This position supports the Manager - Media and Dealer Ops with a core focus on helping Volkswagen dealers maximize local advertising efforts through coordination and implementation of Dealer Operations Marketing Programs. The ability to operate and optimize cross-tier within these programs is essential. The role involves close collaboration with internal stakeholders such as the Content team, Network, Incentives, Analytics, and IT Security to develop data strategies, customer journeys, tracking, and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Performance Media Strategy and Execution
  • Work closely with the content team and creative agencies on asset needs and planning to execute effective media plans.
  • Manage implementation and launch of always-on performance media campaigns.
  • Support Seasonal Sales campaign strategies and reporting.
  • Understand business and market needs and develop incremental media plans across programmatic, social, and search to support sales goals.
  • Review media reporting and campaign performance, working with the media agency on in-campaign optimizations.
  • Ensure full-funnel strategic alignment across Tier 1 and Tier 3 performance media tactics and channels.
  • Collaborate with key media vendors (e.g., Meta, Google, Yahoo, The TradeDesk) to drive innovation and maximize efficiency.
• Analytics and Data
  • Manage all aspects of media measurement and campaign tagging, ensuring alignment between Analytics Agency and Media Agency.
  • Serve as the lead for monthly executive and director-level media reporting.
  • Lead privacy readiness efforts to prepare for a tag-less future by developing 1st Party Data and Media Strategy with Data Privacy, Legal, and IT Security.
  • Work with Digital Operations colleagues to implement new MarTech tools (e.g., CDP or data connectivity platform), develop use cases, and ensure adoption with the Media Agency.
  • Partner with the Digital Analytics team to improve customer journey and campaign tracking capabilities, align media and website analytics, and develop measurement frameworks.
  • Develop a yearly learning agenda and testing opportunities with the media agency to deliver against business objectives.
• Dealer Marketing Program and Regional Support
  • Play a key support role in the management and evolution of growing Dealer marketing programs, including planning, budget maintenance, implementation, and issue resolution at regional and dealer levels.
  • Review, approve, and roll out program enhancements and guideline updates.
• Agency and Vendor Management
  • Serve as the main point of contact for Search, Social, Programmatic buying teams, and the Marketing Sciences team at the media agency.
  • Work closely with media partners to develop the Annual U.S. Joint Business Plan and leverage alpha, beta, testing, measurement, research, and added-value opportunities.
  • Lead ongoing conversations for Tier 3 media packages and NIM campaigns.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Business, or a related major; MBA or Master’s degree is a plus.
• 7-10 years of project management experience; 3-5 years of agency or client-side experience recommended.
• Automotive experience preferred.
• Strong organizational skills, analytical mindset, and attention to detail.
• Budget management experience.
• Exceptional creativity and ability to think outside the box.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Proven project management skills, including the ability to manage cross-functional teams.
• Ability to multi-task and work in a rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to distill complex concepts into clear, concise presentations.
• Self-initiative and ownership of role, including proactive problem-solving and implementation of recommendations.
• Collaborative team player with the ability to identify dependencies and key stakeholders.
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated project leadership (ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously).
• Excellent understanding of digital advertising, internet technologies, website design, and related disciplines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and knowledge of Project.
• Direct dealer experience in OEM field organization or agency, or automotive dealership/provider experience.
• Familiarity with creative and production processes.
• Proven account management skills.

Schedule

• On-site presence at HQ office is required 3 times per week.
• Domestic travel for field and dealer training, dealer and agency meetings a few times per year.