Media Planner

Media Planner

Zambezi's media division, Scale by Zambezi, is seeking a Media Planner to join the growing team. In this role, you will be the driving force behind multi-channel media strategies for an exciting and diverse roster of clients. We pride ourselves on an agile, anti-silo culture – meaning you will be hands-on from day one, managing campaigns from the initial strategic brief through to real-time execution and optimization. This is a highly collaborative, fast-paced environment designed for proactive planners who want to see the tangible impact of their work while takingtheir career to the next level.

Must be located in the greater Los Angeles area.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive, multi-channel media plans (across digital, social, programmatic, and traditional channels) that align with client goals, KPIs, and overarching business objectives.
• Utilize syndicated research tools (e.g., MRI-Simmons, Comscore, Nielsen) to analyze target audience behaviors, media consumption habits, and the competitive landscape.
• Participate in team brainstorms to kick off plan and consideration set development.
• Lead media plan development stage to manage RFP process with partners and vendors, assist in analyzing proposals and partner negotiations.
• Build detailed media flowcharts, tactical plans, and media authorizations for client approval.
• Generate insertion orders, ensuring accuracy of plan details and T&C's.
• Oversee the ad spec process to gather all necessary specs and develop a consolidated spec resource.
• Collaborate closely with client, creative, and Ad Ops teams to ensure all tracking tags, URLs, and creative assets are properly trafficked and aligned prior to launch.
• Conduct pre-launch QA checks to ensure all media placements are set up accurately according to the approved media plan and technical specifications.
• Create post-launch deliverables such as screenshots, links, and placement information to demonstrate proof of placement for clients.
• Track campaign pacing, delivery, and performance on a daily/weekly basis to ensure all media is running as intended.
• Identify opportunities for mid-campaign adjustments, reallocating funds to top-performing partners, and establishing testing frameworks to improve results.
• Maintain active communication with media partners to troubleshoot issues, implement optimizations, and ensure full delivery of contracted impressions or KPIs.
• Extract performance data from native platforms and analytics tools to create actionable weekly, monthly, and post-campaign (wrap-up) reports.
• Translate data into clear, digestible insights and actionable takeaways.
• Maintain accurate budget trackers and forecasting documents to ensure campaigns stay strictly within approved limits.
• Manage the monthly billing process, including any billing discrepancies or make-goods.

Requirements

• 1+ year experience in both digital and traditional media channels
• Proficiency in media math basics, media terminology, and campaign planning processes
• Proficiency in MS Excel (including pivot tables, VLOOKUPs), Word, PowerPoint, and GSuite
• A strong desire to learn, ask questions, and figure out the "why" behind the media plans
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, track deadlines, and prioritize a high volume of daily requests
• Strong, natural communication skills, with a proven ability to collaborate, negotiate and articulate ideas clearly – both in writing and in communication skills
• Comfortable presenting campaign performance, insights and optimization recommendations directly to clients
• Familiarity with industry planning tools such as ComScore, Nielsen, MRI/Simmons
• Familiarity with Demand-Side Platforms (e.g., Google DV360, Amazon DSP, TTD)
• Familiarity with ad-tech platforms, including ad servers (i.e., CM360), brand safety tools (DV, IAS), and brand study partners (Disqo, Upwave)
• Familiarity with Search and Social platforms (Google, Meta, LinkedIn), a plus
• Familiarity with site analytics platforms (Google Analytics, Adobe), a plus
• Familiarity with reporting dashboards (Tableau, PowerBI), a plus

$60,000 - $70,000 a year. Exactly where a prospective employee will be paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, the candidate's depth of experience and qualifications in relation to the job description and the actual job duties of the role. We also offer comprehensive benefits including: 100% employer-paid employee medical, dental, and vision insurance Term life insurance and supplemental long-term disability 401(k) matching Open PTO policy Monthly wellness and technology stipends Continuing education stipend The range above is for the expectations as laid out in the job description; however, we are often open to a wide variety of profiles to find the right candidate for Zambezi.