Associate Media Operations Director

Location: Hybrid - Chicago, ILWho We Are:Winning today isn’t about spending more; it’s about knowing more, understanding more, and acting faster.Mogul & Co is The Media Intelligence Company, a managed service media buying and analytics agency that combines predictive technology, advanced analytics, and high-performance media execution to answer one critical question: How does every $1 in media create the next $10 in revenue and business growth?We break down silos to deliver end-to-end strategy, turning data into action, and focusing on outcomes over activity. Every campaign is an opportunity to learn, optimize, and drive stronger results for our clients and for each other. We are entering a pivotal phase of growth, scaling rapidly with strong momentum. Our leadership brings together two worlds:Silicon Valley operators who have built cutting-edge AI, automation, and data platformsFortune 500 and agency executives with experience managing global P&Ls and billions in media investmentThis combination shapes how we operate: focused, precise, data-driven, and relentlessly oriented toward performance and long-term value creation. At our core, our values define how we show up every day:Accountability & Excellence – Own it. Deliver. Always aim higher.Innovation & Curiosity – Challenge the norm. Keep learning. Never settle.Teamwork & Respect – Collaborate openly. Debate thoughtfully. Win together.Proactivity & Passion – Anticipate needs. Take action. Care deeply about the work.Customer Obsession – See through our clients’ eyes and put their success first.At Mogul & Co, data is at the center of everything we do, but it’s our people, mindset, and ambition that turn that data into meaningful growth.About the Role: Mogul & Co is seeking an Associate Media Operations Director to join our growing team. This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership role where you will own the strategy, execution, and performance of a dynamic client portfolio, while helping shape the direction of a fast-moving, data-driven agency.Reporting directly to the VP of Media Operations, the Associate Media Operations Director serves as a strategic partner to clients across industries, leading the full media planning process from insight to activation. In close collaboration with Data Analytics & Product and Business Development, you will drive exceptional campaign performance, foster innovation, and play a critical role in developing the next generation of media talent. At Mogul & Co, media operations extends beyond process management to include strategic leadership, media execution excellence, performance accountability, and client partnership.Key Responsibilities:Client Leadership & Excellence: Serve as the senior strategic lead across a portfolio of clients, delivering a true white glove service experience. Act as an extension of the client’s team, highly responsive, proactive, and deeply invested in their success. Build trusted relationships at all levels while maintaining full accountability for all client-facing work, ensuring every deliverable reflects the highest standard of quality, accuracy, and thoughtfulness.Strategic Media Leadership: Own the end-to-end media strategy across digital and traditional channels. Translate data, insights, and business objectives into bold, actionable plans that drive measurable performance and long-term growth.Performance-Driven Approach: Lead with a performance-first mindset, going beyond impressions and clicks to focus on real business outcomes. Continuously push for smarter, more effective strategies that align with client growth goals.Cross-Channel & Audience Strategy: Bring deep expertise across digital performance channels, including Programmatic Display, Paid Social, CTV/OTT, Pre-Roll, Paid Search, Audio, and direct publisher partnerships, while maintaining a strong understanding of traditional media. Develop advanced audience and addressability strategies to ensure precision and effectiveness across channels.Platform & Ad Tech Leadership: Provide strategic oversight across DSPs (The Trade Desk, DV360, StackAdapt, Viant) and ad servers (Google Campaign Manager or equivalent). Ensure teams are executing with rigor, following best practices, and optimizing effectively to maximize performance.Measurement & Performance Frameworks: Define KPIs, reporting structures, and measurement approaches. Leverage attribution, incrementality, and media mix insights to translate performance data into clear, actionable recommendations.Creative & Messaging Guidance: Partner with creative teams to ensure messaging and assets are aligned to channel, audience, and objective, elevating overall performance and engagement.Financial Stewardship & Accountability: Oversee and optimize multi-million-dollar media investments across complex account structures. Maintain full ownership of account financials, including scoping, forecasting, billing, and pacing, ensuring budgets are fully actualized and performance-dr