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Associate Vice President, Media

Dac GroupChicago, ILJune 5th, 2026
Move Your Career Forward with DAC as an Associate Vice President, Media Who We Are We are DAC-a global full-funnel performance media agency dedicated to delivering transformative results. With expertise spanning SEO, paid media, creative production, analytics, and local optimization, we combine the brightest minds with innovative technology to deliver seamless, forward-thinking strategies. Powered by AI, data, and creative ingenuity, we deliver integrated campaigns that engage customers at every touchpoint-from global audiences to individual store locations. Position Summary The Associate Vice President, Media is responsible for leadership decisions regarding the media programs and team associated with a book of client business. Paid Media at DAC is digital-first (SEM, Social, Programmatic) but includes traditional/offline media in certain client cases as well. This individual will also be one of the leaders within the Media team, and as such will be tasked with developing goals that will move the team and agency forward, while supporting the broader objectives of the agency as a whole and driving adoption of these tenets within the media team. This role will also be accountable for disseminating educational, current/up-to-date media content regarding media strategies across the team and the agency, ensuring that the knowledge is not just theoretical but also applied in practice within their team. What You'll DoProvide strategic leadership and guidance to Media SMEs in development of programs to meet campaign objectivesAct as the escalation point for senior level clients and internal stakeholdersSenior leader on each client program, looked to as such by clients and internal stakeholdersOversee (and develop, where required) standardized process for media and campaign planning, optimization, budget management and creative testing, and enforce uptake/follow-through. This may include AI-enabled processes.Responsible for appropriate staffing and resource management within the team, aligning to profitability and staffing needs for each clientCoach and mentor direct reports, and ensure appropriate management of full teamCommunicate project status and campaign performance to agency executives and account teamsEffective and impactful communication with clients, internal stakeholders and team membersAnalyze metrics and performance data and provide actionable recommendations for campaign optimization to ensure performance is meeting or exceeding client objectivesDemonstrate expert-level knowledge of the role each media type plays in integrated media plans; assist in creation of plans for DAC clients and client prospectsDemonstrate functional knowledge of tactical execution across SEM, Social, Programmatic; previous hands-on experience is desired so as to effectively coach and guide teamUnderstand, test and implement new methodologies with a view to improving service offeringProactively reach out to build and facilitate strong working relationships with other departmental and office leads and fulfill the role of a "go-to" resource for other department leaders when they have media questionsFurther develop relationships with vendor partners; bring forth new ideas to push client programs and test new initiativesWork collaboratively with media team members to oversee and improve internal processes in order to provide high-quality service for clientsAssist in development of new business pitch materials; attend pitches and present, in role of the senior subject matter expertProvide thought leadership in area of expertise (blog posts, POVs, speaking engagements, etc.) What You Bring12-15+ years of experience in Paid Media (digital first, traditional/offline a plus)Experience creating/developing high-performing client media programs that span multiple channels, tactics and goalsThough this role oversees a team of Media Activation SMEs, a strong understanding of full -funnel media planning (including audience and competitive research, etc.) is requiredAt least 7 years of proven experience managing and developing teams of subject matter expertsStrong expertise with high-performance, full-funnel lead gen and/or sales-focused campaignsExpert level media/campaign planning, management and optimization knowledgeDemonstrable presentation skills (creation of materials and in-room presentation)Solid knowledge of testing methodologies, betas, and industry trends and topicsA growth mindset for expanding campaigns and opportunities within the client baseEager to understand, test and implement new display methodologies with a view to improving service offeringSolid track record of working on multiple time sensitive projects on schedule What You'll GetProfessional Growth & Impact: Be part of a globally recognized performance marketing agency with deep investment in data and technology, helping shape the future of analytics-led media strategy at scale while influencing sophisticated enterprise and multi-location marketing programsCollaborative Culture: Work alongside senior leaders across media, technology, and analytics in a global organization that values curiosity, transparency, and innovationCareer Development: Access ongoing learning, mentorship, and opportunities to work with cutting-edge tools and top-tier clients in the performance marketing spaceCompetitive Benefits:Competitive salary and comprehensive health benefitsGenerous PTO, wellness initiatives, and parental leaveRetirement savings plansSupportive, collaborative, and casual work environment How We Work This role requires three in-office days per week. Remote work is not available for this position. This description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this position. The actual duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may vary based on assignment or group. DAC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, provincial, state, or municipal law. If you require an accommodation in any aspect of the selection process, please reach out to tacquisition@dacgroup.com. At DAC we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, vision, dental, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and employee assistance support. Full-time employees are eligible to participate in the DAC benefit programs. Salary at DAC is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected total compensation range for this position is starting at $190,000 to $205,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of DAC's total compensation package for employees.