Director, Data Science

We are hiring a Director of Data Science to lead and deliver advanced measurement and analytics work across a portfolio of analytics-engaged clients. This is a highly visible, client-facing role where you will own the rigor and narrative behind our measurement recommendations - from Marketing Mix Modeling and Multi-Touch Attribution to bespoke analyses like creative wear-in/wear-out and media optimization.

You’ll work fluidly across multiple MMM approaches and platforms, you will develop new and interesting models using Python, and you’re fluent in AI-assisted workflows that accelerate your path from raw data to client-ready insight.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Measurement & Modeling

• Support creation and interpretation of Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM) engagements, including scoping, model interpretation, validation, and client presentation


• Operate across multiple MMM approaches and platforms depending on client context, including both proprietary and open-source methodologies


• Support structuring and validating measurement tools such as Match-Market Tests (MMTs) and Brand Lift Studies (BLS) analyses to triangulate media performance


• Design and deliver bespoke analytical frameworks, including:


• Creative wear-in and wear-out modeling


• Budget optimization and scenario planning


• Incrementality and causal inference analyses


• Audience and channel mix analyses

Client Partnership

• Serve as a senior analytical presence in client relationships, supporting the Analytics team in translating complex model outputs into clear strategic recommendations


• Participate in QBRs, measurement planning sessions, and executive-level presentations


• Collaborate with media strategy, planning, and activation teams to ensure measurement is embedded in the planning cycle, not bolted on

Practice Development

• Contribute to the ongoing evolution of NOVUS’s measurement methodology and toolset


• Identify opportunities to use off-the-shelf platforms to increase modeling velocity without sacrificing quality


• Mentor and develop junior team members across Data & Analytics; contribute to a culture of analytical rigor and intellectual curiosity


• Stay current on the measurement landscape and bring forward-looking POVs on platform changes, signal loss, and evolving best practices

REQUIREMENTS:

• Deep hands-on experience with Marketing Mix Modeling - you have built, run, and presented MMM results to sophisticated client stakeholders


• Proficiency in statistical modeling and a working understanding of Bayesian and frequentist approaches relevant to media measurement


• Strong command of Python for data manipulation, modeling, and analysis


• SQL fluency; comfort working with large, fragmented datasets across platforms


• Fluent in the digital ad ecosystem - its data sources, measurement concepts, and ontology - across paid social, paid search, programmatic, and linear/streaming


• Demonstrated ability to work with and interpret results from MTA and BLS frameworks


• AI-native working style: you routinely use modern AI coding assistants to accelerate analysis and model development


• Excellent communication skills - you can explain a partial F-test to a statistician and a MMM-informed budget reallocation to a CMO

PREFERRED:

• Direct experience with MMM partners & tools such as Arima, OptiMine, Meridian, etc.


• Familiarity with Snowflake and modern data stack tooling


• Experience with creative analytics frameworks (wear-in/wear-out, attention metrics, creative tagging)


• Background working with retail, CPG, financial services, or other data-intensive verticals


• Exposure to privacy-preserving measurement approaches (clean rooms, modeled conversions, aggregated signals)


• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, economics, or a related quantitative field


• 8–12 years of professional experience in marketing analytics, data science, or a closely related field


• Agency-side or media measurement experience is desirable, but not required

Please Note: This is a hybrid position requiring a combination of in-office work at our Chicago location and remote work from home. The specific schedule will be finalized upon hire.  We are only looking for candidates in/around the Chicago Metro Area and do not offer relocation assistance.

WHY WORK AT NOVUS: 

We Bring Brands To Where People Live Their Lives.

NOVUS is an independent local media planning and buying agency. We are focused on local media of all types including video, audio, OOH, digital, and print. We have carved out a unique position in the marketplace; with comprehensive data sets, proprietary tools and some of the best strategists in the industry, NOVUS builds and executes plans that achieve remarkable results.

NOVUS provides a collaborative work environment, with career advancement potential and offers an array of benefits as well as considerable time off allowances. Additionally, as a mid-sized agency, team members have direct exposure to senior management on a regular basis and they get the opportunity to work on a range of assignments with significant responsibilities. By joining one of the premier media companies in the industry, you'll be part of a team that is passionate, engaged, forward-thinking and seizing opportunities daily.

Position Salary

We are committed to providing salary ranges for all open positions. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations. The salary range for this position is: $180,000 - $210,000. This range reflects the base salary for this position.

NOVUS Benefits

NOVUS offers a full array of health care and wellness benefits, which currently includes medical, prescription, dental, vision, life and accidental death & dismemberment insurances, short and long-term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, a health savings account, legal services, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program. Eligible employees are those that are full-time salaried or part-time salaried employees working 30 hours per week or more, as well as those whose eligibility is required by applicable state law.  A group retirement savings plan is also available to all salaried employees.  While the Company continually seeks to improve upon and add to its current benefits suite, it believes you will find the benefit programs as comprehensive as any in the industry.

A Word on Diversity

Novus Media is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against and applicant or employee of the Company, on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, marital or family status, age, gender identity or expression, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.  Our agency is committed to creating a workplace where every employee feels welcomed, respected, and valued. We embrace diversity in all its forms, and we strongly encourage people from a variety of backgrounds to apply.