Director, Paid Media Planning

Bully Pulpit International is an outcomes agency made up of strategists, data scientists, and artists. We come from politics, brands, and government and we communicate without barriers and measure what matters. We have more than 400 team members in six countries and thirteen offices — Berlin, Brussels, Chicago, D.C., London, Los Angeles, New York, Oslo, San Francisco, and Zürich.

We apply our unique expertise across strategic communications, public affairs, research, and digital marketing to create sophisticated and customized strategies that make change possible for both American and European clients.

The Impact You Will Make

In this position as Director, you will support the execution and management of paid media campaigns across numerous clients on the Paid Media team. The ideal contract candidate thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and is capable of working independently, while navigating multiple projects.

Starting Salary Range: $120,000 - $135,000 (+ annual bonus)

Expectation to work from one of our offices (Chicago, DC, NYC, SF, LA) at least 3 days a week (Fully Remote candidates will also be considered)

What the Day-to-Day Looks Like

Media Strategy & Execution

Independently run paid media accounts with a high level of accountability, managing the day-to-day operations of our largest clients while anticipating client issues, concerns, or feedback proactively.

Support in developing a strategic POV across clients, taking the lead on paid media strategy for clients or internal teams with limited paid experience.

Regularly present persuasion and awareness media strategy and reporting directly to clients, while confidently providing off-the-cuff strategic POV in high-stakes meetings.

Effectively delegate across the team to ensure that work is done efficiently, accurately, and to an exceptionally high quality, while maintaining a willingness to roll up your sleeves.

Collaboration & Workflow Management

Foster strong working relationships across all client teams, ensuring proper process implementation across the agency.

Identify areas for team-wide workflow and process improvements, and prioritize/staff projects accordingly with support from Senior and Managing Directors.

Collaborate closely with leads from Media Buying, Marketing Analytics, Insights, and Client Services to define and operationalize strategic goals across media measurement and testing.

POV & Industry Leadership

Bring new, relevant ideas on how to advance our media offering to senior leadership, secure the necessary buy-in, and operationalize these initiatives.

Contribute to agency new business through budgeting exercises, developing pitch decks, and actively participating in pitches.

Evaluate new vendor partnerships and media tech, identifying opportunities for test campaigns while staying abreast of market trends and competitor intel.

Team Management & Mentorship

Lead team with a focus on development, training, and quality of work, while serving as a key role model and mentor.

Work across the team to elevate the work product of junior members, actively attracting, retaining, and improving talent through effective management.

Requirements

What You Bring

• 8–12 years of relevant work experience in media strategy, planning, and direct/managed buying (agency experience preferred).
• A proven track record of independently running highly accountable, large-scale campaigns for corporate reputation, public affairs, or brand-focused B2B clients, with a focus on persuasion and awareness goals.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and navigate new digital systems, emerging media tech, and specialized proprietary tools with minimal downtime.
• Executive-level presence with a demonstrated ability to provide off-the-cuff strategic counsel, navigate complex client dynamics, and confidently pitch new business.
• Advanced understanding of cross-channel media measurement and testing frameworks.
• Excitement to contribute to our Democratic and progressive non-profit, advocacy, and political clients as they arise.
• Exceptional organizational and delegation skills, with the ability to elevate the work product of a broader team rather than just individual contributors.
• Expectation to work from one of our physical offices (DC, NYC, SF, CHI, LA) at least 3 days a week (unless hiring under a fully remote arrangement).