VP, Media Strategy & Planning

About Us:

Empower Media is one of the largest independent media agencies dedicated to delivering cutting-edge, data-driven media strategies that drive business outcomes for our clients. We specialize in integrated media planning, omnichannel activation, and innovation across traditional and digital platforms. We are looking for a strategic and dynamic leader to join our team and help shape the future of media strategy for our clients.

Position Overview:

The VP, Media Strategy & Planning will be based in Chicago, IL and is a key leader responsible for developing and driving media strategies that align with client business objectives. This role requires a deep understanding of audience insights, emerging media trends, and data-driven decision-making to create impactful media plans. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in both brand and performance media, with experience across both traditional and digital media channels. Retail experience greatly preferred.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the development of full-funnel media strategies that drive measurable business results.
• Serve as a strategic partner to clients, understanding their goals and translating them into effective media plans.
• Oversee the media planning teams across a book of business, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and performance excellence.
• Lead multi-disciplinary teams in service of client business outcomes, including facilitating and driving investment & activation plans as well as ensuring measurement frameworks are delivered.
• Ensure the integration of data, analytics, and insights into media planning processes to enhance decision-making.
• Drive thought leadership by staying ahead of media trends and educating both internal teams and clients on industry trends and emerging opportunities.
• Partner with cross-functional teams, including investment, analytics, finance, creative and account management, to ensure holistic campaign execution.
• Participate in new business efforts, contributing to pitches and agency growth initiatives.

Qualifications:

• 10 years of experience in media strategy and planning, preferably within an agency environment.
• Proven leadership in managing high-performing media teams.
• Deep expertise in omnichannel media planning, including digital, programmatic, social, search, and traditional media.
• Strong analytical mindset with experience using data to inform media strategies.
• Excellent client-facing skills with a consultative approach.
• Experience working with media planning tool suite: Nielsen, MRI, Telmar, Guideline planning, etc.
• Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on execution.
• High energy, passionate, curious, confident, and tenacious in learning, coupled with the ability to navigate the nuances of different client teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work with high-profile brands and innovative clients.
• A collaborative and entrepreneurial environment that values strategic thinking.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, including professional development opportunities.
• Hybrid work arrangement to support work-life balance—Tues-Thurs in Chicago office.

Join us in shaping the future of media strategy! Apply today to be part of our dynamic team.