Media Planner / Buyer

Under the direction of the Manager, Media, the Media Planner/Buyer is responsible for researching, developing, purchasing, executing, and delivering integrated media plans for casino properties and related enterprise clients across both traditional and digital channels. This includes managing ad placements across TV, radio, digital platforms, print, and out-of-home media while ensuring effective use of advertising metrics and strong negotiation practices. Prepares ongoing media plans and flowcharts, conducting market research to identify target audiences, and recommending cost-efficient media strategies. The Media Planner/Buyer collaborates with internal teams, agency partners, and vendors to support media objectives and execution. Additionally, the position monitors budgets, verifies placement accuracy, maintains quality control, and produces monthly performance recap reports.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Partners with the media manager and other marketing leaders to identify media objectives and strategies; media plan budget, flight schedules, reach and frequency goals and recommends media strategies; identifies media classes, recommended day­parts and program types, includes general timing of media, weight and expected reach and frequency delivery.
2.    Assists in the development of the budget allocation; explores pricing, prepares cost analysis for varying media mix scenarios, provides rationale and support research for planning decisions; formulates cost estimates, calculations and negotiates media buys; stays current with market cost fluctuations. Prepares post-buy evaluations.
3.    Analyzes media habits and usage of target audience and recommends media selections and rationale; researches, evaluates, analyzes qualitative/quantitative data and indices, inter /intra media comparisons and provides innovative media solutions that reach target audience effectively and efficiently.
4.    Leverages business relationship network; finds and evaluates media opportunities, meets with sales representatives, managers and owners to deliver one of a kind, first to market and latest in the medium's technology opportunities.
5.    Prepares supportive materials; computation of rates, circulation analysis, closing dates, ratings and related information. Collects and evaluates media kits, and keeps them accessible for review. Helps oversees media contracts; develops pricing and service standards, explores alternative vendors.
Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

 EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in advertising, business, marketing or related analytical field required.

• Minimum two (2) years of experience across traditional and digital media (TV, radio, print, online, and out-of-home), preferably in an agency setting, with expertise in strategic media planning, KPI development, campaign evaluation (including attribution), and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite—particularly Excel (pivot tables) and PowerPoint (slide master).

• Related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

• Advanced proficiency in media advertising ratings metrics, data analysis, and media buying and research platforms, including strong experience with Nielsen TV/Radio and Scarborough data. Skilled in using Freewheel (Strata) to conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis—such as station rankings, multi-demo analysis, AQH/CUME audience composition, daypart/program evaluation, and multi-market reach/frequency reporting. Additionally experienced with Nielsen Scarborough via Prime Lingo to perform qualitative research, including target profiling, multimedia ranking, and cross-tab analysis.

• Strong analytical problem-solving abilities with experience working with large datasets; demonstrates high accuracy and attention to detail.

• Demonstrated skill in negotiation, persuasion, and stakeholder influence; effectively navigates discussions to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes while maintaining professionalism.

• Proficient in qualitative and quantitative research; able to synthesize complex data into actionable insights and identify key trends.

• Applies sound judgment, industry knowledge, and creativity to plan, execute, and achieve objectives with flexibility and independence.

• Proactively expands knowledge to remain current with industry trends, tools, and emerging technologies.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS

• At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license.

• Google Analytics certification

• Driving Responsibilities: Role requires regular commuting between locations. A valid driver's license and vehicle insurance with minimum liability limits is required. Role will not operate or drive Tribe-owned vehicles or patron vehicles.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING CONDITIONS – ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and working environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Primary work environment is in a climate-controlled office setting.

• Work requires travel to attend meetings, trade shows, and conferences.

• Incumbents may be required to work evening, weekend and holiday shifts.

• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.

• Strength sufficient to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects and/or move up to 40 pounds occasionally.

• Sedentary work: involves sitting most of the time. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.

• Physical activities that apply to the essential functions of the position are balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

• Hearing sufficient to hear conversational levels in person, via videoconference and over the telephone.

• Speech sufficient to make oneself heard and understood in person, in front of groups, in meetings, via videoconference and over the telephone.

• Visual acuity that meets the requirements of the position: The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading and visual inspection of employees, visitors or facility.

• Mobility sufficient to safely move in an office environment, walk, stoop, bend and kneel, and enter, exit and operate a motor vehicle in the course of travel to promotional events, meetings, conferences, trade shows and San Manuel properties.

• Endurance sufficient to sit, walk and stand for extended periods, and maintain efficiency throughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours.

• The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles including secondhand smoke.

Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with all applicable laws.

As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees. Join our team today!