Associate Director, Programmatic

We are a global digital agency comprised of strategists, creatives, media experts, data scientists, and engineers driven by one common purpose — accelerate business growth through marketing and digital transformation. Named a top 3% Google Premier Partner and recognized by Inc. 5000 and Adweek's 75 Fastest Growing Companies, we're constantly looking for "A" players to join our team.

The rapid growth is attributed to our strongest asset — our people. Our teams are highly collaborative and work closely with each client to set clear goals and objectives so that we can deliver exceptional results. Mindgruve is a place where every opinion is valued. Not only will you be empowered to contribute ideas, but you will also play a key role in the execution and driving success for brands across a variety of industries. Sound fun? Perfect — you'll fit right in.

The Associate Director, Programmatic owns integrated media strategy, planning, and buying across the programmatic team — serving as a senior client relationship lead, a cross-functional collaborator, and a mentor to the broader team. This role is responsible for vendor IO approvals, QBR ownership, new business contributions, and setting pillar-level goals, operating primarily across Amazon DSP, DV360, and The Trade Desk.

What You'll Do Here:

Integrated Strategy & Client Leadership (50%)

Own integrated media strategy, planning, and buying across media teams

Own and lead client/campaign strategy and KPI development for assigned accounts

Maintain senior client relationships and act as a trusted programmatic advisor

Lead client reporting calls for high-priority accounts

Own and lead QBRs — narrative, performance, and forward-looking strategic recommendations

Handle makegood conversations with clients and partners

Provide insights on emerging technology, industry trends, and programmatic innovation

Own SME platform responsibilities — complete monthly and quarterly platform updates

Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration (35%)

Manage and mentor the programmatic team including day-to-day guidance and career development

Work closely with account management, project management, creative, and development teams

Establish and maintain project timelines across the programmatic pillar

Establish media team and pillar goals in partnership with Director-level leadership

QA insights produced by the team before client delivery

Operations, Vendor & Business Development (15%)

Approve all vendor IOs before distribution

Vet vendors and media tools for platform fit, performance, and strategic value

Contribute to new business pitches and RFP responses

Develop industry POVs for agency thought leadership and client education

Perform other related duties and projects as assigned

Perform other related duties and projects as assigned

We Need a Person With:

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business, or a related field; advanced degree a plus

7-9 years of progressive experience in programmatic advertising or digital media

Proven experience managing a programmatic team and owning senior client relationships

Deep expertise across Amazon DSP, DV360, and The Trade Desk required

Experience contributing to new business pitches and agency growth initiatives preferred

Expert-level knowledge of programmatic platforms, ad tech ecosystem, and measurement solutions

Strong leadership, mentorship, and organizational management capabilities

Executive presence with excellent client communication and presentation skills

Strategic thinker capable of connecting media performance to client business outcomes

Strong cross-functional collaborator across creative, analytics, and account teams

Strong customer service skills

Highly organized and detail oriented, with the ability to handle multiple simultaneously

Excellent communication skills, including verbal and written

Professional demeanor with the ability to interface with poise and confidence with leadership and clients

Ability to ensure confidentiality with business matters and employee privacy

Travel is required for this role, approximately 15% each year

Compensation:

Salary: $105,000 - $120,000 (Pay range is based on a market reference point and potential job offers may vary based on the skills, education, experience and geographic location of the individual candidate. The compensation range reflects base rate only.)

Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Additionally, for eligible full-time employees, we offer a competitive benefits package including medical insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance; a flexible spending account; voluntary life and accident plans; and a 401(k) retirement plan with matching. We have six office locations in the US: San Diego, California, Los Angeles, California, Covington, Kentucky, Denver, Colorado, Nashville, Tennessee and Charleston, South Carolina. We're seeking local candidates (or those open to relocation) who are able to work collaboratively with us in one of our office's; however, based on business needs and unique job functions, some roles may be eligible for remote work. (Bonus points if you're bilingual in Spanish and/or Portuguese.)

Mindgruve is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.