Paid Media Director (Freelance)

Director, Paid Media (Contract)

At Highwire, the Director, Paid Media (Contract) will provide strategic leadership and expertise across integrated paid media programs for B2B clients. Experience working with B2B technology and/or healthcare clients is required for this role. The ideal candidate brings deep industry knowledge and a proven ability to develop and lead data-driven media strategies that advance client business objectives, strengthen market positioning, and deliver measurable impact.

Working at the intersection of paid media, integrated communications, and demand generation, the Director will serve as a senior strategic advisor to clients and internal teams, translating business priorities into comprehensive media strategies that connect brand awareness, audience engagement, pipeline development, and lead generation.

The Director will bring deep expertise in paid media strategy, performance measurement, and digital advertising innovation, while providing strategic oversight across client programs, strengthening cross-functional collaboration, and mentoring team members. As a contract engagement, this role will focus on delivering immediate strategic value, driving campaign performance, and advancing key client priorities throughout the engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Paid Media Strategy & Leadership
• Develop and lead integrated paid media strategies aligned with client business objectives, marketing priorities, and broader communications programs.
• Oversee multi-channel paid media programs across paid search, paid social, programmatic display and video, native advertising, sponsored publisher content, retargeting, and account-based marketing (ABM) platforms.
• Guide media planning, audience segmentation, budget allocation, forecasting, and investment recommendations to maximize campaign effectiveness and return on investment.
• Identify emerging platforms, technologies, targeting capabilities, and media opportunities that strengthen client programs and improve performance.
• Establish best practices for campaign planning, execution, measurement, optimization, and reporting.
• Provide strategic oversight to ensure campaigns are delivered efficiently, consistently, and to a high standard.
• Integrated Marketing & Demand Generation
• Integrate paid media into broader marketing and communications strategies to support brand awareness, audience engagement, demand generation, and pipeline growth.
• Advise clients and internal teams on full-funnel media strategies that connect audience insights, content, messaging, and conversion objectives.
• Partner with account leadership and cross-functional teams across communications, content, digital, and marketing to deliver cohesive integrated programs.
• Develop strategies to amplify content, reach priority audiences, support ABM initiatives, and accelerate lead generation.
• Identify opportunities to improve the connection between media performance and downstream business outcomes, including lead quality, conversion rates, and pipeline contribution.
• Performance, Analytics & Optimization
• Establish campaign measurement frameworks, performance benchmarks, and KPIs aligned with client business objectives.
• Oversee performance analysis across paid media platforms and analytics tools, including Google Analytics and platform-specific reporting systems.
• Translate campaign data into actionable insights, strategic recommendations, and clear client-facing performance narratives.
• Identify opportunities to improve audience targeting, creative effectiveness, conversion pathways, and budget allocation.
• Guide testing and experimentation strategies to improve performance and inform future media investment decisions.
• Lead performance reviews and communicate campaign effectiveness, key learnings, and optimization recommendations to client stakeholders.
• Client Leadership & Collaboration
• Serve as a senior strategic partner to clients, providing guidance on media strategy, investment decisions, campaign performance, and emerging opportunities.
• Lead strategic planning discussions, client presentations, and performance reviews that demonstrate the value and impact of paid media.
• Partner with account leadership to ensure media programs align with broader client objectives, account strategies, and business priorities.
• Build strong working relationships across client and internal teams, fostering collaboration and alignment on program goals.
• Proactively identify challenges, recommend solutions, and ensure timely delivery of strategic priorities throughout the contract engagement.
• Team Leadership & Knowledge Transfer
• Provide strategic direction, mentorship, and day-to-day guidance to paid media team members as needed.
• Support team development in media planning, analytics, client communication, and performance optimization.
• Establish clear processes and practical recommendations that strengthen campaign execution and operational efficiency.
• Share industry insights, platform developments, and emerging best practices across teams.
• Document key strategies, workflows, and recommendations to support continuity and knowledge transfer throughout the engagement.
• Data Privacy & Compliance
• Ensure paid media programs adhere to applicable data privacy regulations, platform policies, advertising standards, and client requirements.
• Apply best practices for responsible audience targeting, consent-based data practices, and the secure handling of personally identifiable information (PII).
• Advise teams on evolving privacy requirements and their implications for campaign targeting, measurement, and performance.
• Success Factors
• 8+ years of experience in digital marketing, paid media, or performance marketing, with demonstrated expertise in developing and leading integrated paid media strategies.
• Required: Agency experience working with B2B technology and/or healthcare clients. Candidates must have direct experience supporting at least one of these industries.
• Proven ability to lead complex, multi-channel paid media programs and translate business objectives into actionable media strategies.
• Strong expertise across paid search, paid social, programmatic display and video, native advertising, sponsored content, retargeting, and ABM platforms.
• Experience developing full-funnel media programs that support brand awareness, engagement, demand generation, and lead generation.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to connect media performance to business outcomes through measurement, testing, and optimization.
• Demonstrated experience advising clients, presenting strategic recommendations, and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Experience mentoring team members and providing strategic oversight across multiple client programs.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands and deliver results in a fast-paced agency environment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to quickly assess existing programs, identify opportunities, and deliver value within a defined contract engagement.
• A strategic, solutions-oriented mindset with a passion for media innovation, continuous improvement, and measurable client impact.

The salary range for this position is $115 an hour, with the final offer based on a combination of factors, including education, relevant experience, skills, prior training, internal equity, and local geographic market data. This role also includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, generous paid time off, and additional perks designed to support your overall well-being and growth.

About Highwire

Highwire is a strategic marketing communications agency at the intersection of innovation and industry. We partner with ambitious companies and established brands to navigate complexity, lead markets, and grow with purpose. With integrated expertise in strategic marketing and communications, corporate reputation, creative, and insights, we cut through the noise to deliver bold ideas and measurable impact across B2B technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, energy, professional and financial services, and more.

At Highwire, we believe that storytelling fuels transformation. We know that the most impactful stories represent all voices and perspectives. As a values-driven agency, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone—regardless of age, race/ethnicity, size, shape, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and different abilities–can feel safe, celebrated and worthy.

We ensure that every Highwire Walker has the requisite support to soar in their careers. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging is foundational and embedded in our business and culture. We aspire to change our industry and build a better future for all.

Our people-first culture is driven by four core values:

Team Empowerment

Growth Mindset

Inclusion Always

Fierce Distinction

We’re looking for individuals with big ideas, strong opinions, and the energy to bring them to life. If you thrive in an environment that values personal accountability, high standards, and boundless motivation, this is the opportunity for you. Be part of our award-winning culture and contribute to an exciting and growing business where you can make a real impact.

Highwire. Above all.

Our people-first culture is reflected in the meaningful benefits, flexibility, and support we offer:

• Competitive salary with merit-based opportunities for growth
• Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle
• Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks
• Early log-off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options
• Paid parental leave benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Annual Growth Mindset stipend for books, events, or learning experiences
• Monthly technology reimbursement
• Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health
• 501c3 donation matching program
• Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Monthly recognition and team celebrations
• Employee referral and new business referral bonuses
• Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings
• Dog-friendly office environment
• A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work
• Location & Work Environment

Highwire offers both remote and hybrid work options, depending on where you live.

Hybrid:

Candidates located within commuting distance of our New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule, with three in-office days per week.

Remote:

We hire for fully remote roles in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C..

Please note: We are only able to consider candidates who reside in one of the locations listed above at the time of hire.

Join the Highwire team

If you’re inspired by the opportunity to shape meaningful stories and grow alongside a team that values innovation, accountability, and inclusion, apply below to start the conversation.

Please note: This posting may be used to build our talent pipeline, connect with top professionals in the industry, or extend reach across multiple locations. We welcome all interested candidates to apply and explore opportunities at Highwire!