Strategist/Media Buyer & Planner

The Strategist - Media Buyer/Planner is a hybrid role that functions as an integral part of both our Client Solutions and Media teams. This position is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive media strategies while managing key client relationships. As a bridge between these two critical departments, this role requires a strategic leader who can independently drive media planning initiatives while collaborating closely with broader agency teams. Success in this role depends on expert media knowledge, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to seamlessly manage multiple campaigns across diverse client portfolios.

This position is ideal for a candidate who thrives in fast-paced environments, possesses strong leadership capabilities, and is passionate about leveraging media strategies to drive measurable results for clients.

• Research, develop, and execute strategic media plans across multiple channels including television, radio, outdoor, print, and digital media
• Generate initial rating estimates utilizing Nielsen data through STRATA/FreeWheel
• Negotiate media rates, special time parameters, value-added sponsorships and promotions
• Analyze media performance and provide recommendations for optimization
• Approve makegoods when needed and evaluate if alternative placements deliver equivalent value
• Stay current on marketing and media industry trends through proactive research

• Serve as a primary liaison for assigned clients
• Lead daily client communications and orchestrate weekly status calls
• Present media plans and performance results to clients with clear rationales
• Collaborate with clients to align media strategies with overarching business objectives and KPIs

• Coordinate across all agency solution lines, covering Paid, Earned, and Owned tactics
• Oversee billing processes, including invoicing, settlements, and reconciliations
• Manage campaign and sales tracking to ensure targets are met
• Deliver insightful reporting and analytics on media performance
• Implement and maintain project management systems to effectively document and monitor progress

• Mentor junior media team members in television, radio, and digital buying practices
• Maintain effective collaboration between Client Solutions and Media teams
• Foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovative thinking

• In-depth understanding of traditional and digital media planning and buying principles
• Strong negotiation skills with media vendors to secure optimal rates and placements
• Proficiency with media research tools including Nielsen, Scarborough, and STRATA
• Experience in developing comprehensive market-specific media strategies
• Exceptional project management skills with ability to handle multiple campaigns simultaneously
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective client and team interactions
• Strong analytical abilities to evaluate media performance and provide data-driven recommendations
• Experience with budget management and expense reporting
• Ability to thrive under pressure and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Live entertainment/ticketing event experience highly preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications or related field
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in media planning and buying
• Experience managing client relationships and presenting media strategies
• Familiarity with entertainment, culture, or lifestyle marketing preferred

• Location: Chicago, with possible remote or hybrid work arrangement options
• Benefits: This position will be eligible to participate in the standard benefits offered to full-time employees of Allied Global Marketing (medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability and life insurance as well as 401k and Flexible PTO). In addition, we offer 10 company paid holidays.  
• Salary: The annual salary range for this full-time position is $50,000-$60,000.