Director, Planner

Move Your Career Forward with DAC as a Director, Planner

Who We Are 

We are DAC—a global full-funnel performance media agency dedicated to delivering transformative results. With expertise spanning SEO, paid media, creative production, analytics, and local optimization, we combine the brightest minds with innovative technology to deliver seamless, forward-thinking strategies. Powered by AI, data, and creative ingenuity, we deliver integrated campaigns that engage customers at every touchpoint—from global audiences to individual store locations. 

Position Summary 

The Director, Planner will have the unique responsibility of helping to further define and integrate our upper funnel media offering (both linear/traditional and digital) within our award-winning digital performance marketing agency. As a leader within the media team, this individual will provide strategic leadership for their accounts while still demonstrating a deep knowledge of each channel in order to provide value to clients and teach/train a team of subject matter experts.

What You’ll Do

• Use 3rd party research tools such as MRI Simmons, Pathmatics, Kantar, GWI, Neilsen and iSpot, as well as analytics data such as GA4 and client-owned CRM data, to identify and define key audiences, media channel insights, and objectives
• Work hand-in-hand with Strategic Insights, Client Strategy, Media, and Content Strategy & Creative (where applicable) teams to create truly integrated, full-funnel media plans
• Work with Media leads, Strategy and Proove teams to establish Full Funnel Media measurement framework
• Partner with Strategic Insights, Media and Proove Intelligence (analytics) teams to ensure media plans are data-driven with defined objectives, and properly measured -- including bringing forth appropriate solutions for awareness, brand lift, consideration and other “upper-funnel” measurement
• Lead annual and ongoing planning cycles, including tactical development, optimization recommendations, quarterly business reviews and strategic roadmaps
• Research and vet new upper funnel (traditional and/or digital) media opportunities, and work with Account, Strategy and Media teams to define and present new campaign ideas to clients
• Act as a client-facing subject matter expert for clients that have significant upper-funnel buys alongside Account management, Media and Strategy team members
• Act as a mentor for junior team members to guide them in their career development
• Lead and develop media planning talent through coaching, performance management, goal setting and support for recruiting and retention.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the clients’ businesses and the customer journey
• Liaise with partners/vendors to plan and execute as required (e.g., local cable buying agency)
• Support internal training initiatives including authoring materials and leading training sessions on key traditional/linear/ATL channels and upper funnel media tactics, including planning, buying, measurement, and “lingo”
• Build relationships with key publishers, platforms, networks and partners
• Create sales/pitch and marketing materials
• Assist in development of new business pitch materials; attend and present in pitches
• Provide thought leadership where applicable, including within DAC’s owned content as well as conferences and events
• Demonstrate expert-level knowledge of the role different channels and tactics play in integrated media plans
• Responsible for demonstrating an understanding of consumer behaviors within media, and a working knowledge of media relevant to the client’s business including TV (linear, local, and digital/streaming), digital including social, search and programmatic, experiential, audio/radio, print, OOH, and partnerships
• Stay up to date with the industry, including trends, new vendors, etc.

What You Bring

• 8+ years of relevant experience in media planning/buying. While planning is the more critical element of the role, an in-depth understanding of buying is also required
• Proven existing relationships with vendors, platforms and publishers
• Form relationships internally with key stakeholders
• Demonstratable comfort in traditional and digital media
• Effective and impactful communication at all levels
• Demonstrable experience with enterprise-level client campaigns
• Experience across multiple industry verticals is preferred
• Demonstrable presentation skills (creation of materials and in-room presentation)
• Solid knowledge of tactics, vendors, methodologies, and industry trends and topics
• A growth mindset for expanding opportunities within the client base

What You’ll Get

• Professional Growth: Work with top-tier clients and cutting-edge tools in the performance marketing industry.
• Collaborative Culture: Be part of a global organization that values curiosity, transparency, and innovation.
• Competitive Benefits:
  • Competitive salary and comprehensive health benefits.
  • Generous PTO, wellness initiatives and parental leave.
  • Retirement saving plans.
  • Opportunities for continued learning and professional development.
  • A supportive, collaborative, and casual work environment.

How We Work 

This role requires three days in-office. Remote work is not available for this position. 

This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this position. The actual duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may vary based on assignment or group. DAC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, provincial, state, or municipal law. If you require an accommodation in any aspect of the selection process, please reach out to [email protected].

At DAC we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, vision, dental, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and employee assistance support. Full-time employees are eligible to participate in the DAC benefit programs. 

Salary at DAC is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $155,000 to $180,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of DAC’s total compensation package for employees.