Freelance Associate Media Director

Freelance Associate Integrated Media Director

Freelance | Seattle-Based | Hybrid (In-Office Required Tuesdays & Thursdays)

Media Department Overview

Media isn’t just a department—it’s a force multiplier. It’s where creative ambition becomes measurable momentum. Our media team doesn’t just place ads—we build moments that move people, spark conversation, and unlock lasting value.

We bring Radical Empathy into every aspect of media—from understanding the emotional truths that drive attention to negotiating the kind of value that satisfies both consumers and CFOs. We’re built differently: an integrated crew of strategists, buyers, analysts, and storytellers who connect brand goals to human moments.

We thrive in complexity. The landscape is fragmented, the signals are noisy, and consumers move fast—but that’s where we shine. When others flinch, we lean in.

What Success Looks Like in This Role

You’re an experienced, integrated media professional ready to lead an AOR Media account. You view media as a core driver of creative and business excellence—where strategy and execution work hand-in-hand to fuel brand growth.

As an AMD at D&S, you’ll lead with vision while staying close to the work. You’ll work directly with clients, guide your team, and own the development and execution of media strategies that drive real results. You don’t just manage the media—you elevate it. You grow client business through data-driven insights, test-and-learn innovation, and strategic investment shifts. You also help grow the agency itself—mentoring talent, shaping processes, and contributing to new business when needed.

You’re a natural partner. You collaborate seamlessly across departments—business leadership, strategy, creative, production—and with external partners, from clients to vendors. You build trust, foster alignment, and make the media feel indispensable.

This role reports to the Director of Integrated Media & Communications Planning.

Job Role & Responsibilities

As Associate Media Director, you’ll play a pivotal leadership role across strategy, execution, and performance optimization. You’ll support high-profile accounts—including a leading local financial services brand—with a strong focus on acquisition and membership growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead integrated media strategy, planning, buying, ad operations, and reporting across traditional and digital channels
  
  


• Connect business strategy to campaign development to deliver effective, high-performing media programs
  
  


• Provide strategic oversight of quarterly/annual campaign planning, flighting, and investment strategies tied to promotional calendars and seasonal moments
  
  


• Manage Paid Media campaigns across channels including Display, CTV, OLV, DOOH, Broadcast, and Radio, in partnership with internal leads for Paid Search, Social, and Google ecosystems
  
  


• Oversee a freelance traditional planner/buyer, ensuring excellence in execution and alignment to broader strategy
  
  


• Guide cross-functional collaboration with D&S Business Leadership, Strategy, Creative, and Production teams to ensure campaign integration
  
  


• Own ad operations strategy including tagging, tracking, and attribution setup; ensure accountability through tools and dashboards like Tableau and Looker Studio
  
  


• Deliver actionable reporting and insights that tie media performance to acquisition goals and business KPIs, particularly new member growth
  
  


• Lead creative asset management within media campaigns: rotation, flighting, versioning, and performance optimization based on data and audience behavior
  
  


• Build and present strategy and reporting decks with clarity and conviction; shape compelling narratives that inspire confidence and action
  
  


• Mentor junior staff and contribute to the growth of the media team and the agency
  
  


• Contribute to ongoing platform/process enhancements including audience segmentation, media mix modeling, and onboarding of attribution and incrementally tools
  
  

Qualifications

• Must be Seattle-based and able to work in-office Tuesdays and Thursdays
  
  


• Must be available to travel to Tukwila for regular client meetings
  
  


• 10+ years of media experience (agency or client-side), with proven leadership across both traditional and digital channels (includes programmatic)
  
  


• Must have traditional media planning and buying experience (TV, radio, OOH); while not hands-on, you’ll oversee and ensure the quality of traditional media execution in connectivity to the digital channel programs
  
  


• Strong acquisition and performance marketing background, with experience driving customer or membership growth through a variety of offline and online KPI’s
  
  


• Proven ability to translate data and analytics into clear media decisions, campaign optimizations, and business impact
  
  


• Brings executive presence in client interactions—able to build trust, manage expectations, and lead strategic conversations with clarity and confidence
  
  


• Must be proficient in developing media strategy presentations and tactical planning decks—building frameworks, shaping narratives, and delivering compelling storytelling (non-negotiable)
  
  


• Deep experience in media operations: campaign digital and traditional trafficking, tagging, tracking, and measurement
  
  


• Hands-on expertise with Adservers, Planning tools, DSPs, GA4 or Adobe Analytics, MRI, Nielsen, and data visualization tools such as Tableau or Looker Studio
  
  


• Proficient in Google or MSFT (Excel, PowerPoint/Slides) and project management tools like com, Asana, Basecamp
  
  


• Strong communicator—both verbally and in writing—with the ability to turn complexity into clarity, with confidence to make decisions and model excellence

Logistics

• Job Type: Freelance


• Location: Seattle, Hybrid in office days are Tuesdays & Thursdays


• Availability: 40 hours per week


• Pay Rate: Monthly Project Fee $10,000-$12,000 DOE


• Duration: Month to month, July 2025 - December 2025

DNA & STONE is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical or mental disability.

We are committed to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. We understand the critical importance of diversity in our agency but believe we won't maximize all the benefits of diversity without inclusion and belonging. Therefore, we strive to create an environment where everyone is welcome and belongs and can bring their whole selves to the agency and their work.

ABOUT DNA&STONE

DNA&STONE is a creative agency that doesn’t flinch for clients who will go there. We combine creative firepower with operational excellence, so our clients feel grounded enough to take real risks. Because we believe that breakthrough work doesn’t happen unless you feel safe enough to go there. We help you do the scary things safely.

We’re born from the merger of DNA—an independent LGBTQ+ and Black-owned agency with 26 years of earned results—and Little Hands of Stone—a founder-led, aggressively creative micro agency. We’re headquartered in Seattle, WA.