Associate Director, Integrated Planning & Strategy

DEPT

WHY DEPT®? We are a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we create what is next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further because standing still just is not in our DNA. We are drawn to people who stay curious, move with intent, and never stop inventing. Our culture runs on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done. It is how we work, how we grow, and how we make things that matter. At DEPT®, you will find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact for our clients, for each other, and for the world we are helping to build. THE ROLE: The Associate Director, Social & Content Strategy is a senior practitioner role within DEPT® 's integrated Strategy organization. You report to a Group Director of Strategy and work alongside discipline leads across brand strategy, communications planning, media strategy, and research. You track culture before it surfaces in a brief. You have strong opinions about what makes content work on a platform, and you have shaped bold creative campaigns that move brands forward. You bring craft to strategy: your briefs sharpen the problem, your frameworks drive execution, and your thinking gives creative teams somewhere real to go. You understand how audiences truly behave: how they form communities, participate in trends, and move between content and commerce. You use that understanding to build strategies that are specific enough to be actionable and ambitious enough to be interesting. You have developed fluency across the full social ecosystem: organic, earned, paid, and the creator economy. The best version of this role looks like a brief that unlocks a campaign, a content system that performs at volume without losing its point of view, and a creator strategy that feels native to a platform and right for a brand. You are equally at home in social strategy and digital strategy. You can build a channel strategy to inform creative production at scale and write a creative brief to anchor a major brand platform. You understand paid social as a strategic amplification layer and can contribute meaningfully to conversations about digital performance media, display, and DOOH without owning those channels. This role is for someone who brings strong independent output, earns client trust through the work itself, and actively develops the strategists around them. WHAT YOU'LL DO *       Develop integrated social and content strategies across organic, paid, owned, earned, and creator channels, building content ecosystems and channel strategies that connect at the portfolio level and perform at the platform level. *       Write creative briefs and social strategies that give creative teams a genuine problem to solve, framing the strategic challenge with precision, a clear point of view, and useful constraints. *       Build content frameworks, platform strategies, and always-on programming architectures that translate brand positioning into scalable, cross-channel programs. *       Build and maintain social listening programs, cultural trendspotting frameworks, and audience intelligence outputs grounded in behavioral and cultural data that inform strategic decisions. *       Contribute to digital strategy conversations that extend beyond social, including digital OOH, display, and digital performance media, with enough fluency to inform channel roles and creative requirements. *     Immerse yourself in each client's business and competitive landscape, developing a working understanding of category dynamics, commercial pressures, and brand context that connects business objectives directly to social and content strategy decisions. *       Collaborate with media strategists, comms planners, brand strategists, and creative teams to ensure content and cultural strategy integrates credibly into full-funnel thinking. *       Lead day-to-day client engagements, building trust with mid-to-senior stakeholders through the quality and consistency of your strategic output. *       Mentor junior and mid-level strategists, providing feedback on their work and creating the conditions for them to grow. You do not manage headcount; you develop people. WHAT YOU BRING *   5+ years demonstrated experience in social and content strategy built inside agency environments, with a track record of rigorous, deadline-driven work across brand-led campaigns and always-on programs.  *       Practitioner-level fluency in how modern social works: algorithmic distribution, paid amplification mechanics, creator ecosystems, commerce layers, and how AI-influenced search is reshaping content visibility and discovery. *       Brief-writing craft. Your briefs create useful constraints, build a clear point of view, and give creative teams problems worth solving. *       Experience developing audience intelligence that produces real outputs: culturally grounded personas, trend analyses that shape decisions, and social listening with enough rigor to move strategy. *       Working knowledge of digital strategy beyond social, including digital OOH, display, and performance media—sufficient to contribute to integrated channel planning conversations. *       The communication clarity to present strategic work confidently, hold a point of view under pressure, and build trust with senior clients and cross-functional partners. *       A mentorship orientation. You have helped junior strategists develop their thinking and approach that as a meaningful part of the job. WHAT DO WE OFFER? We are a collaborative, open-door, best-idea-wins environment that fosters personal and company growth and has fun doing it. Here is a snapshot of our  benefits package: * Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage * 401k plan, plus matching * PTO * Paid Company Holidays * Parental Leave WE SUPPORT YOU BEING YOU:  DEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is its best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process and workplace, regardless of anyone’s identity, background, beliefs, lifestyle or disabilities. So tell us about any accommodations you need. It’s totally confidential and only used to make sure you feel fully supported at every step.  DEPT® participates in E-Verify, meaning your Form I-9 information will be sent to the federal government to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.  We are a B Corp-certified company passionate about purpose-driven work.  Our hope is that you can feel good about the contributions DEPT® is making to the world and we always have an open door for your ideas in making the world a better place.  DEPT® is a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, our 4,000+ specialists deliver growth invention across Brand & Media, Experience, Commerce, CRM, and Technology & Data. We’re 50|50 tech and marketing, partner-led, and first to move. Clients include Google, Lufthansa, Coach, eBay, and OpenAI. Learn more about DEPT®   DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine.  We also encourage you  to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us. Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here. #LI-Remote The anticipated salary range for this position is listed below. Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, expertise, physical location, and organizational impact. This is based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling. Keep in mind, we’re flexible. US Remote Range $85,000—$115,000 USD

DEPT

WHY DEPT®? We are a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we create what is next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further because standing still just is not in our DNA. We are drawn to people who stay curious, move with intent, and never stop inventing. Our culture runs on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done. It is how we work, how we grow, and how we make things that matter. At DEPT®, you will find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact for our clients, for each other, and for the world we are helping to build. THE ROLE: The Associate Director, Programmatic is responsible for leading activation excellence and team performance for one of our largest enterprise clients. Working in close partnership with the Director and Group Director, this role ensures that account and campaign strategies are translated into high-quality execution, operational rigor, and measurable client outcomes. This role serves as the senior day-to-day leader for the account-dedicated programmatic team, overseeing Managers and Associates across a distributed team structure while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The Associate Director is expected to be both a strong people leader and a hands-on programmatic expert, capable of guiding execution, troubleshooting complex challenges, and maintaining best-in-class activation standards. WHAT YOU’LL DO: * Lead and mentor a team of Managers and Associates across U.S.-based, nearshore, and offshore teams, fostering professional growth, accountability, and a high-performing team culture. * Oversee activation excellence across campaigns, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and adherence to platform and account best practices. * Serve as the primary escalation point for campaign execution, platform troubleshooting, measurement challenges, and operational issues, partnering with internal teams to drive timely resolution. * Lead campaign architecture, optimization frameworks, and testing execution while driving performance narratives that ensure high-quality execution and continuous improvement. * Partner closely with the Director to translate strategic recommendations into actionable activation plans that drive client performance and business objectives. * Contribute programmatic expertise and performance insights to support ongoing strategic development, innovation, and testing initiatives. * Support client engagements by providing programmatic subject matter expertise, performance insights, and activation updates, while partnering with senior team members on strategic discussions. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Integrated Media Strategy & Planning, Ad Operations, Data Science & Analytics, and Project Management to deliver seamless campaign execution and measurement. * Drive operational consistency, documentation, workflow improvements, and quality assurance processes across the programmatic team. * Promote DEPT®'s values while creating an inclusive, collaborative environment that supports learning, innovation, and growth. WHAT YOU BRING: * 5–7 years of programmatic experience, within an agency on fast-paced, agile, enterprise account(s). * Advanced proficiency across leading programmatic platforms including The Trade Desk, DV360, Amazon DSP, Google Ads, and CM360. Deep experience with YouTube activation, measurement, and optimization is required. * Confident mastery of campaign activation, optimization, measurement, troubleshooting, and quality assurance across complex programmatic campaigns. * A “Better Together” spirit, demonstrated through a passion for collaboration, mentorship, and developing future leaders. Proven experience leading and developing teams, with the ability to coach, influence, and create opportunities for others to grow. * Experience operating as a senior contributor within enterprise accounts, embodying a true “self-starter” mindset. Demonstrated ability to build trust, stay organized, maintain exceptional attention to detail, fluidly manage changing deliverables and deadlines, and communicate effectively across stakeholders. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate performance data into actionable recommendations and clear business insights. * A "get sh*t done" mentality when it comes to troubleshooting technical issues or navigating industry shifts. * Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution, comfortably moving between high-level recommendations, story-led presentations, and detailed campaign reviews. * A collaborative, curious, and solutions-oriented approach aligned with DEPT®'s values and culture. WHAT DO WE OFFER? * Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage * 401K plan, plus matching * PTO * Paid Company Holidays * Parental Leave WE SUPPORT YOU BEING YOU:  DEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is its best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process and workplace, regardless of anyone’s identity, background, beliefs, lifestyle, or disabilities. So tell us about any accommodations you need. It’s totally confidential and only used to make sure you feel fully supported at every step.  DEPT® participates in E-Verify, meaning your Form I-9 information will be sent to the federal government to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.  We are a B Corp-certified company passionate about purpose-driven work.  Our hope is that you can feel good about the contributions DEPT® is making to the world and we always have an open door for your ideas in making the world a better place.  DEPT® is a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, our 4,000+ specialists deliver growth invention across Brand & Media, Experience, Commerce, CRM, and Technology & Data. We’re 50|50 tech and marketing, partner-led, and first to move. Clients include Google, Lufthansa, Coach, eBay, and OpenAI. Learn more about DEPT® DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine.  We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us. Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here. #LI-remote The anticipated salary range for this position is listed below. Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, expertise, physical location, and organizational impact. This is based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling. Keep in mind, we’re flexible. US Remote Range $96,200—$130,000 USD

DEPT

WHY DEPT®? We are pioneers at heart. What this means, is that we are always leaning forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency, with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. That’s why we hire curious, self-driven, talented people who never stop innovating. Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care. Meaning, that with people across 20+ countries, we’re big enough to provide you with the best tools, global opportunities, and benefits that help you thrive. While acting small by investing in you, your growth, your team, and giving you the autonomy to solve our clients' problems, no matter where you are in the world.  About You The Associate Director, Programmatic is responsible for leading the deployment function for one of our largest enterprise clients, ensuring programmatic strategies are translated into flawlessly executed campaigns at scale. Working in close partnership with our Strategy/Performance team in programmatic, Ad Ops, and Delivery teams, this role oversees the people, processes, and operational standards required to build, launch, optimize, and maintain complex enterprise media programs. This role serves as the senior day-to-day leader for the deployment team, overseeing Managers and Associates across a distributed team structure while fostering a culture of accountability, precision, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The Associate Director is expected to be both a strong people leader and a hands-on programmatic expert, capable of driving deployment excellence, establishing scalable operational frameworks, and maintaining best-in-class quality standards across all campaigns. This role is also responsible for identifying, developing, and scaling AI-enabled workflows that improve deployment efficiency, quality assurance, operational consistency, and team productivity. Success in this role requires a deep understanding of campaign architecture, platform implementation, quality assurance, launch management, and optimization execution. The Associate Director will act as the primary owner of deployment governance, ensuring media is built correctly, launched efficiently, and optimized accurately across all platforms within the programmatic ecosystem. You’ll be responsible for: * Lead and mentor a team of Managers and Associates across U.S.-based, nearshore, and offshore teams, fostering professional growth, accountability, and a high-performing team culture. * Partner closely with the Strategy/Performance and Ad Ops teams to translate strategy into execution and ensure optimizations are implemented accurately and efficiently. * Own the successful deployment lifecycle across all campaigns within your team's remit, overseeing campaign build, trafficking, QA, launch, optimization implementation, and post-launch validation to ensure accurate, efficient, and high-quality execution. * Lead campaign architecture and account structure development, establishing scalable frameworks that support performance, reporting, optimization, and operational excellence. * Serve as the senior escalation point for deployment challenges, launch risks, tracking discrepancies, platform troubleshooting, and operational issues while maintaining governance standards, quality assurance processes, and deployment best practices across the account. * Identify, test, and operationalize AI-powered solutions that streamline campaign deployment, quality assurance, project management, documentation, and optimization workflows across the team. * Lead internal project management across programmatic deployment efforts, developing deployment roadmaps, launch calendars, implementation checklists, and operational documentation that support timely, scalable, and error-free delivery. * Collaborate effectively across functional departments, including Ad Operations, Data Science & Analytics, Integrated Media Strategy & Planning, Project Management, and other media craft teams to deliver seamless campaign execution. * Continuously identify, build, and scale process improvements, automation, and AI-enabled workflows that enhance deployment velocity, quality assurance, documentation, operational efficiency, and overall team effectiveness. * Promote DEPT®'s values while creating an inclusive, collaborative environment that supports learning, innovation, and growth. You’ll need:  * 5–7 years of programmatic media experience within an agency environment, including experience supporting large, complex, enterprise-level clients. * Advanced proficiency across leading programmatic platforms, including The Trade Desk, DV360, Amazon DSP, and Google Ads. Deep expertise in Google Ads and YouTube is required for this role.  * Deep expertise in campaign architecture, account structure development, media deployment, quality assurance, trafficking, launch management, and optimization implementation. * Proven experience leading and developing teams, with the ability to coach, influence, and create opportunities for others to grow. * Extensive experience managing complex deployment workflows across multiple stakeholders, timelines, and workstreams while maintaining exceptional attention to detail. * Strong understanding of project management principles, operational planning, launch governance, and process development within enterprise media environments. * Confident mastery of campaign troubleshooting, measurement validation, tracking verification, and quality assurance across complex programmatic campaigns. * Demonstrated ability to build trust, stay organized, manage competing priorities, and deliver high-quality work in fast-paced, evolving environments. * A "get sh*t done" mentality when it comes to solving operational challenges, removing blockers, and driving execution forward. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify risks, improve processes, and translate technical details into actionable recommendations. * A collaborative, curious, and solutions-oriented approach aligned with DEPT®'s values and culture. to have: Additional things that will impress us:  * Trello or Project Management experience * Natural curiosity around AI and automation, with a demonstrated ability to identify opportunities to transform operational workflows through practical application of emerging technologies. WHAT DO WE OFFER? We are a collaborative, open-door, best-idea-wins environment that fosters personal and company growth and has fun doing it. Here is a snapshot of our  benefits package: * Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage * 401k plan, plus matching * PTO * Paid Company Holidays * Parental Leave The anticipated salary range for this position is $XX,000 - $XX,000. Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, expertise, physical location, and organizational impact. This is based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling. Keep in mind, we're flexible.  WE SUPPORT YOU BEING YOU:  DEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is its best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process and workplace, regardless of anyone’s identity, background, beliefs, lifestyle or disabilities. So tell us about any accommodations you need. It’s totally confidential and only used to make sure you feel fully supported at every step.  DEPT® participates in E-Verify, meaning your Form I-9 information will be sent to the federal government to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.  We are a B Corp-certified company passionate about purpose-driven work.  Our hope is that you can feel good about the contributions DEPT® is making to the world and we always have an open door for your ideas in making the world a better place.  DEPT® is a pioneering technology and marketing services company that creates integrated end-to-end digital experiences for brands such as Google, KFC, Philips, Audi, Twitch, Patagonia, eBay and more. Its team of 2,500+ digital specialists across 30+ locations on 5 continents delivers pioneering work on a global scale with a boutique culture.  Learn more about DEPT®   DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine.  We also encourage you  to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us. Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here. #LI-Remote The anticipated salary range for this position is listed below. Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, expertise, physical location, and organizational impact. This is based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling. Keep in mind, we’re flexible. US Remote Range $96,200—$130,000 USD