VP, Media Planning

OverviewMissionOne Media is the integrated media practice of BarkleyOKRP, built to deliver modern, audience-first media strategies that drive measurable business growth. We believe media should sharpen creative, fuel performance, and differentiate brands in the marketplace — not simply deliver impressions. That's how we help build brands with soul that scale.Our planning organization is structured around focused pods that balance strategic leadership with disciplined execution. Every role has a clear mandate to protect quality, focus, and impact growth.Role OverviewThe VP, Media Planning serves as a senior client leader and strategic account lead within a planning pod. In this role, you guide the development of integrated media strategies and tactical recommendations that deliver against client business objectives while maintaining a high standard of creative media thinking.You are responsible for translating portfolio-level direction into clear, actionable plans and ensuring the team consistently delivers rigorous, insight-driven work. You own the day-to-day strategic leadership across assigned accounts, allowing the SVP to operate at a portfolio level.This is a leadership role grounded in planning craft, accountability, and team development.The Kind Of Leader Who Thrives HereStrategically driven. You don't accept surface-level answers. You apply a strong strategic filter to every challenge and push thinking beyond the expected.Accountable and decisive. You take ownership of outcomes, not just deliverables. You bring solutions, set direction, and create clarity for your team.Credible and influential. You command trust with senior clients and cross-functional partners, communicating complex ideas with precision and confidence.A talent builder. You elevate the people around you: setting high standards, coaching intentionally, and building bench strength within your pod.Commercially aware. You understand how media strategy connects to revenue, growth, and competitive advantage, and you lead with that lens.Core ResponsibilitiesStrategic Account LeadershipLead development of integrated media strategies across assigned accountsEstablish and steward the strategic direction for each assigned client, ensuring alignment with broader portfolio prioritiesEnsure all deliverables align to that strategic direction and business objectivesApply audience insights, competitive intelligence, and marketplace trends to drive differentiated recommendationsAct as final quality reviewer of team output, ensuring rigor and clarity before client deliveryClient Leadership & IntegrationServe as senior day-to-day strategic contact for clientsLead key client communications and presentationsBuild trusted relationships with senior client stakeholdersIntegrate closely with Creative, Strategy, Analytics, CRM, Activation, and Finance teams to ensure cohesive planning outputBring proactive media ideas that sharpen and enhance creative impactTeam Leadership & Pod ManagementLead and mentor Directors, Supervisors, AMDs, and Planners within the podClearly delegate work while maintaining visibility into account health and team workloadProtect focus and prioritization within the pod structureProvide direct, actionable feedback to elevate strategic rigor and team performanceBuild capability within the team, reducing unnecessary senior executional dependency over timeFinancial & Operational DisciplineOversee media budgets and ensure disciplined financial managementMaintain visibility into team bandwidth and staffing needsIdentify workflow or process inefficiencies and implement improvementsPartner with Activation and Finance to ensure seamless execution and billing accuracyGrowth ContributionIdentify and drive organic growth opportunities rooted in strategic insightContribute meaningfully to new business efforts as the media leadApply marketplace insights to strengthen account-level strategy and team outputExpectations for SuccessConsistently delivers thoughtful, differentiated media strategiesEstablishes credibility and trust with senior clientsElevates the quality and capability of the team beneath themMaintains disciplined financial oversightOperates with clarity, accountability, and strategic intentQualificationsBachelor's degree or equivalent experience8+ years of media planning experience, including team leadershipProven experience leading integrated planning across channelsStrong financial and media math proficiencyExecutive-level presentation and storytelling skillsDeep knowledge of planning tools (Vivvix, Pathmatics, MRI-Simmons, Nielsen, SQAD, Guideline, etc.)Strong cross-functional collaboration skillsReporting StructureReports To: SVP, Media PlanningPosition Status: SalariedLeadership Responsibility: Direct management of Supervisors, AMDs, and PlannersAdvancement IndicatorsEffective, autonomous management of a planning pod or account groupSuccessful contribution to new business and organic growthDemonstrated ability to elevate account-level strategy and contribute to a broader planning standardStrong team retention, development, and performance outcomesCompensationThe annual gross base salary range is $160,000 - $230,000 USD. This range represents the anticipated target salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary based on a candidate's qualifications, skills, and geographic location. Salary is one component of BarkleyOKRP's total compensation package, which includes multiple health insurance options, flexible PTO, life insurance, and 401K.BarkleyOKRP's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + BelongingAt BarkleyOKRP, DEI+B drives work that matters. We believe people and creativity are made of the same substance, and when every perspective is valued, the impact is stronger. We build belonging as a business strategy, power inclusive creativity that delivers measurable results, and hold ourselves accountable as a B Corp committed to progress over performative intent. When people are valued, the work carries greater impact.J-18808-Ljbffr