Freelance Manager, Programmatic

Title: Freelance Manager, Programmatic Location: Denver CO; San Diego CA; Los Angeles CA; San Francisco CA; Salt Lake City UT; Portland OR; Seattle WA; US - Remote

WHY DEPT®?

We are a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we create what is next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further because standing still just is not in our DNA.

We are drawn to people who stay curious, move with intent, and never stop inventing. Our culture runs on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done. It is how we work, how we grow, and how we make things that matter.

At DEPT®, you will find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact for our clients, for each other, and for the world we are helping to build.

THE ROLE:

Our Programmatic Managers are our resident experts in programmatic and direct buying. You are responsible for keeping on top of industry-wide trends and best practices, putting them to optimal use for each client’s initiatives. You will be part of a cross-functional team including Paid Search, Paid Social, Ad Operations, and Data Strategy, ensuring client needs are anticipated and met. From negotiating direct deals to building stellar full-funnel media plans, you move with precision to drive growth for our most ambitious brands.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Client Dedication: Maintain 100% focus on one of DEPT®s largest, most dynamic clients. 
• Strategic Planning: Design and execute programmatic strategies across Display, Video, CTV, and Audio that align with client business objectives.
• Campaign Management: Manage large scale budgets, ensuring optimal allocation across tactics and inventory to maximize ROI.
• Deal Negotiation: Lead the negotiation and management of Programmatic Guaranteed (PG) and Private Marketplace (PMP) deals with premium publishers.
• Data-Driven Optimization: Translate complex programmatic data into actionable insights for client presentations, moving beyond the "what" to the "why."
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Integrated Planning and Data Strategy teams to ensure programmatic activity is a cohesive part of the total media mix.
• Technical Oversight: Oversee the technical quality of campaigns, ensuring brand safety standards and 3rd-party verification (IAS, DV) are strictly maintained.
• Team Mentorship: Provide guidance and tactical support to Associate-level team members, helping to foster the next generation of programmatic experts.

WHAT YOU BRING:

• 2-4 years of hands-on experience in programmatic media buying, specifically within Google Ads and DSPs like DV360, The Trade Desk, or Amazon DSP.
• Deep understanding of the programmatic ecosystem, including identity solutions, real-time bidding, and the evolving cookie-less landscape.
• Proven ability to manage high volume, full-funnel campaigns, moving from broad awareness to performance-based conversion.
• Proven ability to manage high-touch accounts while prioritizing effectively and maintaining composure and positivity under pressure.
• Proficiency in Excel and data visualization tools; you can find the "story" within the spreadsheet.
• Experience with ad servers (Google Campaign Manager 360) and 3rd party verification tools (IAS, DoubleVerify, MOAT).
• Exceptional communication skills—you can explain the complexities of programmatic to clients in a clear and compelling way.
• A "better together" spirit and a relentless curiosity to test new platforms and inventory sources.
• While DEPT® is a remote-first company, this role requires candidates to be located in either the Mountain or Pacific time zones.

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

We are a collaborative, open-door, best-idea-wins environment that fosters personal and company growth and has fun doing it. Here is a snapshot of our  benefits package:

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401k plan, plus matching
• PTO
• Paid Company Holidays
• Parental Leave

WE SUPPORT YOU BEING YOU: 

DEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is its best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process and workplace, regardless of anyone’s identity, background, beliefs, lifestyle or disabilities. So tell us about any accommodations you need. It’s totally confidential and only used to make sure you feel fully supported at every step. 

DEPT® participates in E-Verify, meaning your Form I-9 information will be sent to the federal government to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S. 

We are a B Corp-certified company passionate about purpose-driven work.  Our hope is that you can feel good about the contributions DEPT® is making to the world and we always have an open door for your ideas in making the world a better place. 

DEPT® is a pioneering technology and marketing services company that creates integrated end-to-end digital experiences for brands such as Google, KFC, Philips, Audi, Twitch, Patagonia, eBay and more. Its team of 2,500+ digital specialists across 30+ locations on 5 continents delivers pioneering work on a global scale with a boutique culture. 

Learn more about DEPT®

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine. 

We also encourage you  to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.

Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here.

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