Media Strategist

Media Strategist At Backbone, we live by the belief that passion drives results. For nearly thirty years, we've partnered with the brands that get people outside and we've built a team that actually uses what our clients make. If you're a sharp, curious media thinker who wants to do great work for brands you believe in, keep reading. The Job The Media Strategist owns the full media strategy cycle: planning, execution, and analysis for a portfolio of assigned accounts. You'll be the strategic lead for clients, the connective tissue between client goals and Backbone's channel specialists in search, social, and programmatic. For larger accounts, you'll contribute your strategic thinking as part of a team led by a Senior Strategist or Director. This isn't a role where you inherit a playbook and run it on repeat. At Backbone, we expect our strategists to be thought leaders: creating and leading strategy, develop genuine client relationships, and push their accounts forward. The Work Own integrated media strategy for assigned accounts managing budgets of hundreds of thousands of dollars annually Develop, present, and execute media plans across paid social, paid search, and programmatic channels Serve as the day-to-day client lead, managing relationships, communications, timelines, and budgets Translate client goals into channel-level strategic direction for Backbone's search, social, and programmatic teams Oversee holistic account and channel performance, guiding teams on tactical next steps to achieve overarching account objectives Analyze campaign performance and recommend tactical changes to maximize results Manage buy stewardship and maintain accurate, up-to-date media plans Contribute strategic thinking on larger client teams under the guidance of a Senior Strategist or Director Informally mentor junior team members on strategy and implementation The Essentials Bachelor's degree 2 to 5 years of professional experience in paid media strategy or planning Your Capabilities Experience developing, implementing, and measuring paid media plans across a full yearly cycle Hands-on experience in platforms like Google Ads, Meta Ads Manager, TikTok Ads Manager, The Trade Desk, Feedonomics, Google Analytics, or similar Understanding of how paid social, search, and programmatic channels work together and how to brief specialists effectively Sharp analytical mindset, with the ability to evaluate performance and optimize budget allocation accordingly. Strong written and verbal communication with clients, vendors, and internal teams Detail-oriented with strong project management and time management habits Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint The Extra Mile Familiarity with traditional media channels (OOH, print, TV) A pulse on paid media best practices, trends, and industry happenings." Experience with Amazon Marketing Services or Amazon DSP Basic understanding of SEO, PR, community management, or affiliate marketing A genuine passion for the outdoors and the brands that serve that community A sense of humor Be you, on our team. We seek to build an inclusive team and culture that values diverse lived experiences, backgrounds, and skill sets. Salary $60,000 to $70,000 annually, plus benefits including health, dental, vision, and 401K. About Backbone Media Backbone Media is the country's leading active lifestyle media agency. With offices in Carbondale and Denver, Colorado, we've spent three decades helping brands big and small grow through effective, integrated media. This is an in-office role, Carbondale or Denver.