The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

The Associated Press is seeking a highly detail-oriented and strategic Senior Media Planner to join AP on the ground floor as we revitalize and expand our B2C effort, building on AP’s reputation, reach and high-quality content to bring unique advertising opportunities direct to the market. This position is based in New York, NY and will report to the Director, Ad Solutions.

The Media Planner works closely with the sales, integrated marketing and revenue operations teams to develop both custom and standard proposals and media plans, and to assist in building and maintaining relationships with advertisers.

The ideal candidate has knowledge of digital advertising campaign planning and management, including sponsorships, display, video, native solutions, branded content and social media. This role is focused on the development of sales strategies, pricing and media plans to support our sales team. The position plays an integral role in ensuring that every proposal is crafted thoughtfully and tailored to achieve the brand’s objectives. To be considered, you must be motivated, independent, and able to manage multiple projects at a time in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:
•    Create media plans and proposals, both proactively and in response to client requests and RFPs.
•    Provide recommendations using all relevant ad formats and placements (display, video, branded content, audio, high impact and native advertising across desktop, mobile web, in-app and newsletter).
•    Receive, understand, and react to inquiries and RFPs from brands, agencies, DSPs and trading desks, building advertising solutions that meet or exceed their campaign goals.
•    Participate in brainstorms across internal and external teams and compile ideas into client-facing proposals.
•    Track the status of pitched, sold and scheduled campaigns and revenue to communicate across internal teams.
•    Work with the sales and ad/revenue operations teams to ensure all campaigns deliver on contracted elements, and to encourage renewals and identify areas for account growth.
•    Support the sales team’s outreach efforts by identifying opportunities using prospecting tools and collaborating to put together pitch ideas tailored to clients’ goals.
•    Become an expert in AP’s ad stack, formats, targeting, monetization capabilities and best practices, and use this knowledge to address client inquiries and inform planning.
•    Analyze inventory, revenue, performance and other data to create plans and pricing that achieve the planned KPI goals and profit margins.
•    Utilize data platforms to compile audience insights for sales purposes, to forecast targeted inventory, and to build and utilize segments to reach advertisers’ target audiences.
•    Assist in the preparation of kick-off decks and participate in calls with clients to communicate campaign components, expectations and timelines.
•    Compile additional reports, data, analysis and research for pitch purposes and in response to client requests.

 
Requirements:
•    3-5+ years in media planning/sales planning roles at a publisher or agency.
•    Experience creating and presenting digital ad packages across direct, programmatic guaranteed, preferred, and private auction deals. 
•    Experience working across ad formats including display, video, branded content, audio, high impact and native advertising across desktop, mobile web, app and email newsletter.
•    Possesses the ability to offer creative solutions to grow revenue and provide the optimal client experience.
•    High level of comfort with Excel and analyzing data sets to be able to provide recommendations back to either clients directly or various internal teams (pivot tables, VLOOKUP, formulas, charts, etc.).
•    Experience using a DMP/CDP to organize, analyze and utilize audience segments for planning purposes and campaign targeting.
•    Experience utilizing Google Ad Manager and Google Analytics to run reports, forecast inventory and inform the creation of media plans.
•    Proficiency in Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft Word is required.
•    Knowledge of the programmatic landscape, as well as PMP and programmatic guaranteed deals is preferred.
•    Excellent interpersonal skills for communication across multiple departments and levels of management, as well as with clients and external contacts.
•    Must be highly motivated, independent and detail oriented.
•    Must be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and within deadlines.
•    B.A. or B.S. degree or equivalent.

Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English language is required. Authorization to work in the United States for any employer is mandatory.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $70,000 - $78,000 - contingent on experience and other job-related factors.  Employees are eligible to participate, according to the terms of the official plan documents, in a 401(k) plan, employer-sponsored health insurance plan, and are eligible for paid time off and holidays in accordance with AP policy.

Application deadline is 11:59pm EST on September 15, 2023.

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or status as a veteran. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.