About Code3
Code3 is an integrated marketing agency, powering business growth for digital disruptors and Fortune 500 leaders alike. Our power is at the intersection of Connections, Creative and Commerce – that’s what is in our DNA. By harvesting insights and utilizing audience data, we work with our clients to develop scroll-stopping content and creative that performs and elevates the brands we work with across all digital media platforms.
Our people are energized by challenges and sprint to find unorthodox solutions. We plan, activate and measure as one team, and we’re not afraid to push boundaries and test our way to success. Coders are Relentless, Gritty, Nimble humans who are always striving to be better.
With teams across the U.S., you’ll find more than a job at Code3. You’ll find a place to grow, make an impact, and do your best work alongside a team that’s invested in your success.
The Opportunity
As an Associate Director, Programmatic & Direct Media, you’ll be responsible for managing and elevating programmatic and direct media strategy, activation and thought leadership across a portfolio of clients spanning several categories. You have a deep passion for the evolving media landscape and understand how programmatic, CTV and publisher partnerships fit into the broader media ecosystem.
You’ll work closely with a cross-disciplinary team across both challenger and enterprise accounts. You’ll be charged with developing smart media strategies, managing performance and partner relationships, and shifting thinking beyond individual platforms and campaign tactics to connect media investment with broader business objectives and outcomes.
This is a hands-on, client-facing role. You should be equally comfortable building a programmatic strategy, evaluating a new media partner, presenting recommendations to a client, or getting into a DSP to troubleshoot and optimize a campaign.
What you’ll do:
- Define and own programmatic and direct media strategy across your portfolio, spanning CTV, OLV, display, native, audio, DOOH, high-impact and emerging formats
- Lead strategy and activation across DSPs including StackAdapt, DV360, The Trade Desk and others, maintaining the hands-on expertise to oversee setup, pacing, optimization, QA and troubleshooting
- Develop buying and audience strategies across open exchange, PMP, Preferred Deals, Programmatic Guaranteed and direct IO opportunities
- Own media planning and performance best practices across forecasting, budgeting, reach and frequency, learning agendas, optimization and analysis
- Cultivate strategic relationships with publishers, platforms and media partners, leading RFPs, evaluating opportunities and negotiating direct and programmatic partnerships
- Identify and test new partners, formats, technologies, automation and AI applications that can improve client strategies and performance
- Partner closely with Client Partnerships, Creative, Growth and Analytics teams to connect media strategy and measurement to broader client objectives
- Be a storyteller and trusted client advisor, turning complex strategies, marketplace dynamics and performance data into clear recommendations and business implications
- Mentor junior team members while supporting new business pitches, thought leadership and the continued evolution of Code3’s programmatic and direct media capabilities
Who will love this role:
- Passion for the ever-changing media landscape and the evolving role of programmatic, CTV and direct media
- A data-driven decision-maker passionate about exceeding client expectations
- Someone who enjoys being both strategic and hands-on and doesn’t want to lose touch with the platforms as they grow in seniority
- An entrepreneurial spirit who craves building, elevating and adapting process
- An appetite for leveraging AI, automation and other technologies to improve workflows, activation and strategy
- A people person who enjoys building close relationships with your team, partners and clients
- A natural curiosity for new publishers, platforms, formats and ways brands can connect with consumers
- A passion for vocalizing thought leadership and new ideas via presentations, POVs, blogs and other content distribution channels
- A problem solver with the ability to develop creative solutions and navigate complexity
You should have:
- 6+ years of experience developing and activating programmatic media strategies, ideally within an agency environment
- Strong hands-on experience across DSPs such as The Trade Desk, DV360 and StackAdapt, including campaign setup, optimization and troubleshooting
- Experience across CTV, OLV, display and other programmatic channels, including PMP, Preferred, Programmatic Guaranteed and direct publisher buys
- Strong understanding of the programmatic ecosystem, including DSPs, SSPs, publishers, data providers and verification partners
- Experience developing audience strategies leveraging first-party data, contextual targeting and modeled audiences
- Strong media planning, measurement and analytical skills with the ability to translate performance into clear strategic recommendations
- Proven client-facing experience with the ability to simplify complex media concepts, anticipate needs and act as a trusted advisor
- Experience building media partner relationships and contributing to new business pitches; relevant platform certifications are a plus
Perks and Benefits:
- Full medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as generous retirement program
- Thoughtful parental leave and return program
- Flexible Time Off, holidays, quarterly Company “Recharge” Days, and holiday closure in December
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities
- Commitment to transparent DEIB practices
The position also offers a bonus based on company and client success.
The base salary range will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and geographic location. Certain positions may also be eligible for a bonus, with eligibility and details discussed during the recruitment process. For candidates that are based in California, we encourage you to review this important information for California residents here. For best results, open the link in a new tab.
Working at Code3
At Code3, we believe great work happens when people feel supported, trusted, and empowered to do their best. We’re proud to offer a competitive rewards package, meaningful opportunities for growth, and a culture that’s collaborative, inclusive, and—most importantly—human.
Here’s what you can expect as a Coder:
- Remote-first workplace designed to support flexibility and connection
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, plus a generous retirement program
- Thoughtful parental leave and return-to-work program
- Flexible Time Off, sabbatical opportunities, paid holidays, quarterly Company “Recharge” Days, and a holiday closure in December
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities to help you grow your skills and career
- A commitment to transparent DEIB practices and building a workplace where everyone can thrive
A Few Things to Know
All candidates who receive an offer will be required to successfully complete a background check.
Want to get to know us a little better? Check out Life at Code3 to learn more about our people, culture, and what it’s like to be a Coder.
Our Interview Process
During this first call, we’ll get to know you, learn more about your experience, and talk about what you’re looking for in your next opportunity. We’ll also explore alignment with our company and values, and depending on the role, we may ask a few technical or role-specific questions. From there, the process can look a little different depending on the role. You can expect to meet several members of the team and, for some positions, complete a skills assessment such as a Take-Home Assignment or Live Exercise. We’ll make sure you know what to expect every step of the way. Your Talent Acquisition partner will walk you through the full process during your initial conversation.
Inclusive Workforce
At Code3, we’re committed to creating a culture where people from all backgrounds feel welcome, supported, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. We want every Coder to feel included and have the opportunity to contribute fully to our vision and goals. All applicants will receive fair consideration for employment. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, gender identity, national origin, disability, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic in the location where the candidate is applying.
If you have an accessibility need or would benefit from an accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know at [email protected]. We’re happy to work with you to make the process as comfortable and accessible as possible.
For more information about the data we collect and how we use it, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
We use AI technology to help streamline parts of our hiring workflow. People are at the heart of our hiring process, and all candidate decisions are made by our Talent Acquisition Team.
Please note that we do not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from third-party recruitment firms.