Vice President, Paid Media

About the Role

Zeno Chicago is looking for a digital paid media expert to drive existing client business and help build Chicago’s quickly growing paid media practice within the digital team. The VP, Paid Media will be responsible for leading the strategy and overseeing execution of paid media programs across paid social, paid search, direct and programmatic display and media partnerships.

This role is for an entrepreneurial candidate with a vision for the future of paid media and the role this discipline can play in both the digital and larger communications sphere. They should be excited by the opportunity to create a new and unique direction for the digital team - helping grow existing clients and new business across consumer, corporate and B2B accounts.

As a VP, Paid Media, you’ll be responsible for developing integrated media strategies to support both ongoing brand storytelling and key campaign tentpole moments. The candidate should have experience across B2C and B2B work, including lead gen campaigns. This candidate should be an expert at developing strategies that leverage market, category and audience insights to uncover and point to a unique path forward for our clients. Additionally, they should have strong presentation skills and client counsel, being able to answer tough questions in the room.

In addition to strategy-building, as a VP, Paid Media, you’ll be expected to drive execution from start to finish. This candidate should have a hands‑on approach to mentoring junior teammates and driving the team collectively towards success.

The VP, Paid Media should also be highly analytical. They will work closely with our analytics team to ensure we’re constantly syncing up on results and ongoing optimization opportunities. Data should be at the center of everything we do - from strategy to execution to measurement.

This role will help oversee a growing team of paid media specialists and be expected to cultivate additional talent. The VP, Paid Media will report into the SVP, Paid Media (Paid Media COE lead) and be a leader on the Chicago ZDX digital team.

Responsibilities

• Drive the strategic direction, preparation, and presentation of comprehensive omnichannel media plan recommendations, including but not limited to Digital (Paid Social, SEM, Programmatic Display, Video), OOH, Print, Radio, TV, and Emerging Media.
• Ensure accountability of media performance by establishing rigorous evaluation standards, proactively recommending strategic optimizations, and overseeing execution and pacing to align with client objectives.
• Oversee and ensure the accuracy of critical tactical components of media plans, including flowcharts, budget summaries, and ad tracking mechanisms.
• Develop and articulate high‑level strategic points of view on media partner offerings and emerging technologies relevant to client business goals.
• Lead thought leadership initiatives and deliver insightful presentations evaluating innovative media opportunities, industry trends, and strategic areas of interest to senior‑level clients.
• Direct strategic initiatives for paid publisher partnerships, including overseeing the RFP process, aligning proposals to client objectives, assessing content and audience relevancy, and delivering executive‑level recommendations.
• Provide senior‑level strategic oversight for client relationships, maintaining deep understanding of client business objectives, industry dynamics, products and services, key customer segments, and competitive landscape.
• Oversee financial management and stewardship of media budgets, ensuring compliance, accuracy, effective billing practices, and prompt resolution of financial discrepancies.

Qualifications

Pay range : $120,000 - $155,000 USD

An employee’s pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, travel requirements, revenue‑based metrics, any contractual agreements, and business or organizational needs. The range listed is just one component of DJE’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, a Paid Time Off policy, and region‑specific benefits.

About Us

Zeno Group is the fiercely independent and global, integrated communications agency, born from PR. We bring together the boldest and brightest talent to help clients across industries and sectors unleash the power of strategic communications. Guided by our "Fearless Pursuit of the Unexpected," we push the boundaries to achieve real business value and societal impact for clients. Winner of the industry’s most coveted awards including the 2024 PRWeek U.S. Outstanding Large Agency of the Year, 2023 PRWeek Purpose Agency of the Year, 2022 PRWeek Global Agency of the Year, 2022 PRovoke Best Large Agency to Work For in North America and a three‑time winner of PRWeek’s Best Places to Work. Zeno has also been previously recognized by the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. Zeno is a DJE Holdings Company.

Our Benefits

Healthy, happy employees make Zeno better, so we have programs that support physical, mental and financial wellness. Our culture and benefits are designed to promote flexibility, celebrate diversity and support work / life balance. We offer a variety of medical, dental and vision insurance with prescription plans, as well as short and long term disability. Our Be Kind to Your Mind program focuses on mental health, providing a paid subscription to Headspace and access to mental health providers and other services through a best‑in‑class employee assistance program. Employees are encouraged to bring their authentic self to Zeno and participate in our employee resource groups which build communities for sharing and support. And while we love our work, we believe in the restorative power of time off with generous vacation, paid holidays and self‑care time. Employees are supported in their pursuit of financial wellness with a 401(k) plan, pretax flexible spending accounts, tuition assistance, life insurance and free access to a certified financial coach. And our unique ZenoFit program provides a monthly allowance to fund activities in your personal life that bring you joy and keep you healthy. These and other benefits are available to non‑temporary employees in the US.

Zeno Group is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage racially and ethnically diverse people, members of the LGBTQ community, veterans, parents, individuals with disabilities and members of any and all protected classes to apply.

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