Freelance Associate Director, Programmatic

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. 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 Freelance Associate Director, Programmatic is responsible for leading activation excellence and team performance for a portfolio of enterprise DEPT® clients. Working in close partnership with the 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 assigned 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 a strong people leader, hands-on programmatic expert, and a confident client presence, 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 clients & 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 Group 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. * 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. 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 $100—$110 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 Our Freelance Associate Director, Programmatic is responsible for leading successful Programmatic campaigns through media buying sophistication and operational excellence within our retail vertical. This position is responsible for leading and mentoring a team of Account Managers and Coordinators. While DEPT® is a remote-first company, this role requires candidates to be located in either the Mountain or Pacific time zones. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES   * Own and manage campaign performance across key Retail Media Networks including Amazon DSP, Walmart DSP, and Target DSP * Hands-on campaign trading and optimization with a high level of efficiency and attention to detail * Manage reporting and performance tracking through Q4 and key promotional periods * Monitor and optimize and build upon currently active retail DSP program, ensuring Q4 performance goals are met * Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently in a lean environment * A self-starter who takes full ownership of their book of business with minimal oversight * Collaborate with internal teams to provide data-driven recommendations and programmatic insights QUALIFICATIONS    * 5+ years of Programmatic media experience, preferably in Display/Video Programmatic trading expertise in retail DSPs such as Walmart, Target and Best Buy * Fluent in a variety of DSPs (TTD & DV360 preferred) * Strong problem solving, strategic mindset and communication skills * Cross functional experience interfacing with planning, adops and data analytics teams * While DEPT® is a remote-first company, this role requires candidates to be located in either the Mountain or Pacific time zones. Additional things that will impress us: * Deep experience in Amazon DSP, Walmart Connect, Target Roundel and other retail ad tech * Standard reporting and insight writing The anticipated hourly rate for this position is $120.00 - $130.00. Hourly range is based on a number 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 $120—$130 USD

WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management

ALLGEMEINE INFORMATIONEN Die WHU sucht für das interne Creative Media Unit am Standort Vallendar oder Düsseldorf ab sofort in Vollzeit eine/n Video Project Manager (w/m/d).  Das Creative Media Unit konzipiert, organisiert und produziert als Teil des WHU Marketings Inhalte für die Bereiche Marketing und Sales. Dazu arbeiten wir sowohl mit internen, als auch mit externen Partnern zusammen. Unsere Inhalte richten sich für diese Zwecke an eine Vielfalt sehr diverser Zielgruppen. Die Stelle ist zunächst auf ein Jahr befristet, kann anschließend jedoch verlängert oder entfristet werden. IHRE AUFGABEN * Entwicklung von Videoformaten auf inhaltlicher und visueller Ebene  * Briefing und Konzeption in Zusammenarbeit mit Stakeholdern, bspw. Lehrstühlen * Planung und Durchführung von Videoprojekten von Idee bis Abnahme  * Bewahren der Übersicht bei gleichzeitig laufenden Projekten * Kommunikation und Planung mit unseren externen Freelancern und Agenturen  * Bei Bedarf Filmen und Editieren von Videoinhalten IHR PROFIL * Abgeschlossenes Studium oder vergleichbare Ausbildung/Qualifikation im Bereich Medien (idealerweise mit audiovisuellem Schwerpunkt) * Einschlägige Erfahrung in der Erstellung von Videos und Animationen, sowie Kenntnisse in der Adobe Suite  * Erfahrung mit redaktioneller Arbeit und/oder Produktionsleitung sind von Vorteil * Kreative, offene Persönlichkeit mit einer „Denker und Macher“-Mentalität * Ein Gefühl für Design, Trends und technologische Entwicklung * Gute Kommunikationsfähigkeiten in Englisch WAS WIR BIETEN * Ein abwechslungsreiches und internationales Arbeitsumfeld * Ein aufgeschlossenes, kollegiales und motiviertes Team * Möglichkeiten, die WHU aktiv mitzugestalten und gemeinsam weiterzuentwickeln * Flache Hierarchien und kurze Entscheidungswege * Attraktive Fort- und Weiterbildungsangebote * Flexible Arbeitszeitmodelle inklusive Home-Office Möglichkeit * Exklusive betriebliche Sozialleistungen * Umweltfreundliche Mobilitätsangebote (z.B. JobTicket, JobRad, e-Mobilität) * Attraktive Fitness- und Gesundheitsangebote   Die WHU fördert die Chancengleichheit und ermutigt Frauen und Männer jedes kulturellen und ethnischen Hintergrunds sowie Menschen mit Behinderungen, sich für die Stelle zu bewerben. Wir glauben an die Vorteile von Diversität und unterstützen ein lebendiges, internationales und inspirierendes Umfeld. KONTAKT Für Fragen vorab kontaktieren Sie bitte: Lucas Hein Associate Director Creative Media E-Mail: lucas.hein@whu.edu