Associate Director, Programmatic

About the role

Darkroom is looking for a foundational leader to establish and scale the programmatic media practice within the Paid Media department. You will build capabilities across Amazon DSP, CTV, OLV, and retail media networks while collaborating with the product team to integrate these efforts into the proprietary AI layer, Shadow. This position balances high-level strategic development with hands-on execution, requiring you to pivot between programmatic architecture and paid social management. The role demands a versatile operator who can architect new workflows while remaining fluent in day-to-day campaign optimization across diverse digital channels.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Design and launch the programmatic media function from the ground up, covering Amazon DSP, CTV, OLV, retail media networks, and display inventory.
• Lead the full lifecycle of programmatic campaigns, owning strategy formulation, platform activation, ongoing optimization, and performance measurement.
• Partner with Analytics and Growth Strategy teams to implement incrementality testing frameworks, including geo holdouts, lift studies, and clean room analysis.
• Create internal standard operating procedures, QA standards, and best practice documentation for programmatic buying workflows.
• Collaborate with the Creative team to define channel-specific technical requirements and creative specifications for video and display assets.
• Act as a flexible resource by managing paid social campaigns across Meta, TikTok, Reddit, and Pinterest during periods of lower programmatic volume.
• Educate the broader Paid Media team on programmatic strategy, platform capabilities, and emerging industry trends through structured knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to the development of the internal AI product, Shadow, by providing programmatic insights, use-case feedback, and feature prioritization input.
• Develop and maintain media forecasting models, test-and-learn roadmaps, and client-facing performance reports that tie investment to business outcomes.
• Manage vendor and platform partner relationships, negotiating contracts and evaluating new supply paths or beta opportunities.
• Ensure brand safety compliance and frequency management governance across all programmatic supply sources.
• Translate complex programmatic mechanics into clear narratives for internal stakeholders and external clients during business reviews.

Requirements

• 6-8+ years of professional experience in programmatic media within an agency setting or high-growth brand environment.
• Proficiency in Amazon DSP is mandatory, with demonstrated ability to structure and optimize campaigns at scale.
• Practical experience planning, activating, and measuring Connected TV and Online Video campaigns across premium inventory.
• Background in Retail Media Networks and audience-led media environments, leveraging first-party data for targeting.
• Hands-on buying experience in at least two of the following paid social platforms: Meta, TikTok, Reddit, or Pinterest.
• Ability to connect media investments directly to tangible business outcomes rather than relying solely on vanity metrics.
• Deep familiarity with programmatic buying models, frequency management strategies, supply path optimization, and brand safety protocols.
• Experience building media forecasts, structured test plans, and client-facing reports that drive strategic decision-making.
• Strong communication skills with the proven ability to explain complex programmatic concepts to non-technical clients and stakeholders.

Nice to have

• Experience with Marketing Mix Modeling or Multi-Touch Attribution methodologies for holistic measurement.
• Proven ability to interpret incrementality test data and translate findings into actionable media strategy pivots.
• Experience managing programmatic and paid social channels simultaneously to drive cohesive full-funnel results.
• Hands-on experience across the full suite of paid social platforms including Meta, TikTok, Reddit, and Pinterest.
• Prior experience building a programmatic practice or center of excellence from an early stage.
• Familiarity with AI/ML applications in media buying or creative optimization workflows.

Skills & tools

• Amazon DSP
• CTV/OLV/RMNs
• Paid Social (Meta, TikTok, Reddit, Pinterest)
• Incrementality testing (Geo holdouts, lift studies, clean rooms)
• Media forecasting and budget management
• Supply Path Optimization (SPO)
• Brand safety and verification tools
• Shadow (internal AI layer)

Practical notes

• Benefits include company-sponsored medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees.
• The company offers a 401(k) program with company match and profit-sharing contributions.
• Unlimited PTO policy and flexible parental leave are provided to support work-life balance.
• This is a hybrid role requiring presence in or near the New York office for collaboration days.
• No visa sponsorship information was provided in the source material; candidates should verify eligibility independently.
• Salary range was not disclosed in the original listing; compensation details typically surface during later interview stages.

META

Company: Darkroom

Title: Associate Director, Programmatic

Listed

location: New York

Job type: full_time