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BarkleyOKRP
Senior Specialist, Direct Investments
Career Insights for Media Planner / Buyer
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Based on Illinois data
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What they do
A Media Planner or Buyer advises companies and clients on using media effectively for advertising and marketing. Identifies target audience for advertising, researches customer demographics and cost options for different advertising outlets; reviews media programming and recommends a strategy for ad placements.
$84,406 / year median in Illinois
-1% projected decline
Job Description
MissionOne Media is a brand within BarkleyOKRP that combines full-funnel media planning and buying services, CRM, data, analytics, retail media, SEO, and digital experiences. The Senior Direct Investments Specialist plays a key role in executing direct media investments, managing vendor relationships, and ensuring smooth campaign implementation. Building on a strong foundation in media buying, this role takes on greater responsibility for campaign logistics, troubleshooting challenges, and optimizing media performance. This position actively contributes to the tactical execution of media placements across offline and digital channels, including audio, video, print, and OOH, within approved media plans. The Senior Specialist ensures accuracy in media activations, supports contract negotiations, and provides input on strategic recommendations. Additionally, they offer foundational insights into best practices and strategy while applying a strong understanding of media measurement to help develop effective tactical approaches and budgets that drive impactful results. Qualities Here's what it takes to be successful in the role:
Curiosity and Skepticism:
You are always asking, "WHY?" You have an internal drive to learn more and expand your knowledge. You consider situations from multiple perspectives.Strategic, Creative Problem-Solving:
You are analytical and enjoy working with data to derive insights. You use insights and knowledge to develop robust strategies and visions for success. You love coming up with creative solutions to new and old problems alike.Initiative:
You are a gritty self-starter driven to find answers, solve tough problems, and overcome challenges. You proactively bring solutions to challenges.Communication & Storytelling:
You can easily communicate complex information or nuanced situations. You know what details are necessary and what details to leave behind. You can marry data and storytelling to articulate a compelling vision.Adaptability:
You can comfortably adjust in evolving or ambiguous situations. You use creativity to tackle new and existing challenges. You're ready and excited for changes in the media landscape.Self-Development:
You're reflective and self-aware. You seek opportunities to learn and develop yourself and others. Strong organizational and mathematical skills Ability to multi-task and deliver work on-time for set deadlines Ability to establish good working relationships with media reps Ability to work effectively with a variety of internal teams and business groups, including Creative, Account Management, Finance and Project Management Ability to communicate effectively within a team environment, with outside media reps as well as with current clients Must be prepared for a fast-paced environment and be comfortable making decisionsQualifications:
- Minimum 1 year of Media Buying experience
- Knowledge and prior use of buying software (Strata preferred)
- Experience working in a DSP (The Trade Desk preferred)
- Knowledge and utilization of 1st and/or 3rd party data
- Strong organizational and mathematical skills
- Ability to multi-task and deliver work on-time for set deadlines
- Ability to establish good working relationships with media sales reps and can effectively negotiate rates/makegoods, etc.
- Ability to work effectively with a variety of internal teams and business groups, including Creative, Account Management, Finance and Project Management
- Ability to communicate effectively within a team environment, with outside media sales reps as well as with current clients
- Must be prepared for a fast-paced environment and be comfortable making decisions
- Ability to communicate effectively within a team environment, outside media reps, as well as with current clients
- Must be prepared for a fast-paced environment and be comfortable making decisions Compensation The annual gross base salary range is $60,000- $84,000 USD.