Senior Direct IO Manager

The Role

We are seeking a Senior Manager, Direct IO to lead digital-first media planning and activation with a deep emphasis on premium publisher partnerships, sponsorships, and cross-channel brand experiences. This leader will drive integrated display and video strategies in close collaboration with Programmatic teams, while ensuring traditional media expertise serves as an enhancement bringing breadth and rigor to our holistic approach.

As the day-to-day client lead, you will architect and oversee innovative digital activations, high-impact partnerships, and custom content programs that push brands forward. You will also guide selective traditional media executions (Linear, OOH, Audio) as complementary layers within the broader strategy. This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong POV, a drive to elevate partnerships, and the ability to challenge the norm in pursuit of brand-building outcomes.

If you excel in fast-paced environments, thrive on collaboration, and are passionate about cultivating talent and modern media craft, this is an opportunity to lead meaningful innovation.

You Will Be

• Leading end-to-end strategy, planning, and activation across direct digital partnerships, including:
• Always-on, seasonal, and high-profile campaigns
• Digital-first sponsorships, tentpoles, and custom content integrations

• 360 activations spanning digital, physical, and experiential touchpoints

• Driving modern partnership innovation by:
• Identifying non-standard digital opportunities including custom content, creator tie-ins, experiential extensions, emerging formats
• Bringing forward new publisher, data, and measurement solutions that elevate client growth

• Championing advanced measurement adoption across digital partner programs

• Shaping strategy & client leadership:
• Building deep understanding of client business goals, audiences, and KPIs
• Ensuring all Direct IO activations ladder into unified, integrated media strategies

• Leading the full RFP process from brief development through vendor evaluation, negotiation, and final client presentation

• Elevating operational excellence:
• Improving workflows across planning, trafficking, reporting, and ad operations
• Developing negotiation best practices and actively upskilling the team

• Identifying incremental partnership opportunities and securing added value

• Collaborating cross-functionally:
• Partnering with Programmatic and Integrated Media leaders to deliver a cohesive Display & Video ecosystem
• Leveraging traditional media knowledge (Linear, OOH, Audio) as value-add expertise that informs and complements digital programs

You Must Have

• 3+ years of media planning & buying experience, with a strong emphasis on premium digital partnerships, sponsorships, and custom activations
• Proven ability to build and execute large-scale, publisher-direct programs that include brief development, partner vetting, negotiation, and storytelling through recommendations
• Strong understanding of digital media channels across display, video, social, and branded content
• Familiarity with programmatic and how direct and programmatic strategies intersect to create a unified media approach
• Experience overseeing or supporting traditional media (Linear TV, Radio, OOH)—not required but a meaningful plus
• Demonstrated ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously and deliver high-quality work in compressed timelines
• Strong relationship-building skills with publishers, vendors, and internal partners
• Experience developing processes and elevating operational efficiencies
• A future-focused, inquisitive mindset with a natural inclination to reimagine and improve