Director, Strategy & Media Planning

Company description Zenith is one of Publicis Groupe’s largest media agencies, spanning 95 markets globally with US offices in New York, Burbank, Chicago, Atlanta and Detroit. For more than 30 years, we have been at the forefront of media, helping to evolve and reshape the industry. We are highly regarded as a true agency partner by many high-profile brands for our expertise across numerous categories and wide range of capabilities that are unparalleled in the industry. Clients hire us for our track record of excellence in strategic planning, investment, and measurement. We also have specialist offerings, including content, commerce, multicultural and future-proofed data capabilities. Overview Zenith is looking for a talented Director, Strategy to oversee Media Planning and Strategy functions for a high-profile, fast-paced account, across a complex global media business. This person will be integral in the development, execution, and stewardship of integrated media plans for the client’s business in the US, working collaboratively across all markets. The Director effectively utilizes experience, knowledge, and skills to push strategic thinking while balancing client and team needs. This position report directly to the VP, Strategy. Responsibilities Lead the day-to-day strategic management of assigned lobs, overseeing media strategy and planning and serving as a trusted partner to clients and internal teams. Co-lead the development of integrated media strategies and plans, from brief and recommendation through implementation, optimization, and stewardship. Translate client briefs and business objectives into strategic media recommendations, identifying the audience, consumer, cultural, and marketplace insights that inform the approach. Drive collaboration across Strategy, Investment, Analytics, Data/DPS, and other disciplines, synthesizing inputs into cohesive media recommendations. Use media and business performance insights to identify opportunities, optimize plans, and inform future recommendations. Maintain a deep understanding of the client’s business, category, audiences, competitive landscape, and priorities to strengthen strategic recommendations. Manage projects, priorities, and resources across assigned business areas, proactively addressing risks, dependencies, and competing priorities. Ensure the team effectively applies best-in-class tools, data, techniques, and planning practices to deliver recommendations aligned with client objectives. Apply a strong understanding of how consumers engage across channels, platforms, and technology to media strategy and planning. Provide clear strategic direction and day-to-day leadership to the team, empowering team members to independently deliver high-quality work. Manage and develop direct and indirect reports through clear expectations, effective delegation, coaching, feedback, performance management, and opportunities for growth. Contribute to cross-department initiatives that improve team capabilities, collaboration, and ways of working. Qualifications B.A. or B.S., preferably in Marketing, Advertising, or related field 8+ years of experience in media planning 4+ years of experience managing junior staff Marketing/advertising agency experience highly preferred Tech or Finance vertical experience a big plus Proven experience and success in presenting plans to clients and influencing top level decisions Excellent organizational, interpersonal and quantitative/analytical skills Adept at injecting ideas, innovation and leading industry developments into planning assignments Detail-oriented and proven ability to thrive in a fast paced environment Must be a self-starter, with strong planning and organizational skills Computer Skills/Software Knowledge: Microsoft Suite, Nielsen Suite, Flowchart Software, R/F and Optimization Software, Social Tracking tools, Competitive Tracking tools, GWI. Understand its capabilities and applications to translate data into actionable insights Thinks clearly and diplomatically when participating in a discussion to field complex or sensitive questions from clients/internal groups Professional presentation, training and client-facing skills Excellent written/verbal communication, presentation, organizational, interpersonal and analytical skills Accountability and flexibility with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment Demonstrates ability to define and implement professional standards for team participation, conflict resolution, problem solving, and communication Able to guide others in defining high level strategy for business unit Able to manage a budget, control costs, plan and schedule around cost concerns for business unit Demonstrates an ability to be curious and passionate about our client’s business Positive, team-player attitude Additional information Our Publicis Groupe motto “Viva La Différence” means we’re better together, and we believe that our differences make us stronger. It means we honor and celebrate all identities, across all facets of intersectionality, and it underpins all that we do as an organization. We are focused on fostering belonging and creating equitable & inclusive experiences for all talent. Publicis Groupe provides robust and inclusive benefit programs and policies to support the evolving and diverse needs of our talent and enable every person to grow and thrive. Our benefits package includes medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401K, as well as parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement, and flexible time off. If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact USMTTACompliance@publicis.com. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Veterans Encouraged to Apply. #LI-JK2 Compensation Range: USD $129,485.00 - USD $169,000.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 10/24/2026.

Lead the day-to-day strategic management of assigned lobs, overseeing media strategy and planning and serving as a trusted partner to clients and internal teams. Co-lead the development of integrated media strategies and plans, from brief and recommendation through implementation, optimization, and stewardship. Translate client briefs and business objectives into strategic media recommendations, identifying the audience, consumer, cultural, and marketplace insights that inform the approach. Drive collaboration across Strategy, Investment, Analytics, Data/DPS, and other disciplines, synthesizing inputs into cohesive media recommendations. Use media and business performance insights to identify opportunities, optimize plans, and inform future recommendations. Maintain a deep understanding of the client’s business, category, audiences, competitive landscape, and priorities to strengthen strategic recommendations. Manage projects, priorities, and resources across assigned business areas, proactively addressing risks, dependencies, and competing priorities. Ensure the team effectively applies best-in-class tools, data, techniques, and planning practices to deliver recommendations aligned with client objectives. Apply a strong understanding of how consumers engage across channels, platforms, and technology to media strategy and planning. Provide clear strategic direction and day-to-day leadership to the team, empowering team members to independently deliver high-quality work. Manage and develop direct and indirect reports through clear expectations, effective delegation, coaching, feedback, performance management, and opportunities for growth. Contribute to cross-department initiatives that improve team capabilities, collaboration, and ways of working.

B.A. or B.S., preferably in Marketing, Advertising, or related field 8+ years of experience in media planning 4+ years of experience managing junior staff Marketing/advertising agency experience highly preferred Tech or Finance vertical experience a big plus Proven experience and success in presenting plans to clients and influencing top level decisions Excellent organizational, interpersonal and quantitative/analytical skills Adept at injecting ideas, innovation and leading industry developments into planning assignments Detail-oriented and proven ability to thrive in a fast paced environment Must be a self-starter, with strong planning and organizational skills Computer Skills/Software Knowledge: Microsoft Suite, Nielsen Suite, Flowchart Software, R/F and Optimization Software, Social Tracking tools, Competitive Tracking tools, GWI. Understand its capabilities and applications to translate data into actionable insights Thinks clearly and diplomatically when participating in a discussion to field complex or sensitive questions from clients/internal groups Professional presentation, training and client-facing skills Excellent written/verbal communication, presentation, organizational, interpersonal and analytical skills Accountability and flexibility with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment Demonstrates ability to define and implement professional standards for team participation, conflict resolution, problem solving, and communication Able to guide others in defining high level strategy for business unit Able to manage a budget, control costs, plan and schedule around cost concerns for business unit Demonstrates an ability to be curious and passionate about our client’s business Positive, team-player attitude