Director, Strategy

Company description Zenith is one of Publicis Groupe’s largest media agencies, spanning 95 markets globally with US offices in New York, Burbank, Chicago, Atlanta and Detroit. For more than 30 years, we have been at the forefront of media, helping to evolve and reshape the industry. We are highly regarded as a true agency partner by many high-profile brands for our expertise across numerous categories and wide range of capabilities that are unparalleled in the industry. Clients hire us for our track record of excellence in strategic planning, investment, and measurement. We also have specialist offerings, including content, commerce, multicultural and future-proofed data capabilities. Overview Zenith is looking for a talented Director, Strategy to oversee media planning and strategy functions for a high-profile, fast-paced account. This person will play an integral role in the development, execution, and stewardship of integrated media plans for the client’s business. The Director effectively uses experience, knowledge, and skills to advance strategic thinking while balancing client and team needs. This position reports to the SVP, Strategy and SVP, Account Lead. Responsibilities Support the Strategy and Planning lead on the client’s business and oversee all campaigns and account deliverables Execute high-level strategy and holistic media plan development, implementation, and reporting Identify key consumer insights based on client brief, market landscape, and customer behaviors and preferences Create compelling strategic narratives and recommendations using a wide range of data sources and research material Supervise staff on strategy and account planning tasks, including delegating responsibilities, checking work for accuracy, and supporting performance management Train the team to create best-in-class strategies, aligned to core planning principles and client objectives Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the client business and category Participate in special projects involving cross-department team development Participate in new business efforts, including the development of new business opportunities and pitches, as needed Desired Experience and Skillset: Data-driven storytelling experience Experience creating stories from data and explaining the “why” rather than the “what” Ability to create strong strategic narratives that combine insights and tactical plans into holistic recommendations Experience with consumer, technology, and research tools Account and campaign planning experience Experience maintaining account documentation, including flowcharts, tactical plans, and budget documents Experience leading end-to-end planning for campaigns across multiple channels Detail-oriented, with proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment Team management skills Self-starter with excellent organizational, interpersonal, quantitative, and analytical skills Positive, team-oriented attitude Experience managing a team across strategy and planning Skilled at coaching teams on new processes and techniques for planning Skilled at delivering innovation Experience injecting new ideas and innovation into strategy and planning assignments Experience implementing leading industry developments in media plans Proven senior client-facing experience Excellent written and verbal communication skills Proven experience successfully presenting plans and POVs to clients and influencing senior-level decisions Experience receiving, interrogating, and questioning briefs and plans Experience working with clients and teams on plan feedback and delivering updates that support the brand Qualifications B.A. or B.S., preferably in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field 8+ years of experience in media planning 4+ years of experience managing junior staff Marketing/advertising agency experience highly preferred Computer skills/software knowledge: Microsoft Suite, Nielsen Suite, MediaRadar, flowchart software, R/F and optimization software, social tracking tools, comScore, Prisma, Mbox, MRI/GfK, and GWI Luxury, publisher print/digital media, and OOH media experience are a plus Professional presentation, training, and client-facing experience Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, interpersonal, and analytical skills Additional information Our Publicis Groupe motto “Viva La Différence” means we’re better together, and we believe that our differences make us stronger. It means we honor and celebrate all identities, across all facets of intersectionality, and it underpins all that we do as an organization. We are focused on fostering belonging and creating equitable & inclusive experiences for all talent. Publicis Groupe provides robust and inclusive benefit programs and policies to support the evolving and diverse needs of our talent and enable every person to grow and thrive. Our benefits package includes medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401K, as well as parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement, and flexible time off. If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact [email protected]. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. Veterans Encouraged to Apply. #LI-JK2 Compensation Range: USD $129,485.00 - USD $207,324.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 8/9/2026.

B.A. or B.S., preferably in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field 8+ years of experience in media planning 4+ years of experience managing junior staff Marketing/advertising agency experience highly preferred Computer skills/software knowledge: Microsoft Suite, Nielsen Suite, MediaRadar, flowchart software, R/F and optimization software, social tracking tools, comScore, Prisma, Mbox, MRI/GfK, and GWI Luxury, publisher print/digital media, and OOH media experience are a plus Professional presentation, training, and client-facing experience Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, interpersonal, and analytical skills

Support the Strategy and Planning lead on the client’s business and oversee all campaigns and account deliverables Execute high-level strategy and holistic media plan development, implementation, and reporting Identify key consumer insights based on client brief, market landscape, and customer behaviors and preferences Create compelling strategic narratives and recommendations using a wide range of data sources and research material Supervise staff on strategy and account planning tasks, including delegating responsibilities, checking work for accuracy, and supporting performance management Train the team to create best-in-class strategies, aligned to core planning principles and client objectives Maintain an in-depth knowledge of the client business and category Participate in special projects involving cross-department team development Participate in new business efforts, including the development of new business opportunities and pitches, as needed Desired Experience and Skillset: Data-driven storytelling experience Experience creating stories from data and explaining the “why” rather than the “what” Ability to create strong strategic narratives that combine insights and tactical plans into holistic recommendations Experience with consumer, technology, and research tools Account and campaign planning experience Experience maintaining account documentation, including flowcharts, tactical plans, and budget documents Experience leading end-to-end planning for campaigns across multiple channels Detail-oriented, with proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment Team management skills Self-starter with excellent organizational, interpersonal, quantitative, and analytical skills Positive, team-oriented attitude Experience managing a team across strategy and planning Skilled at coaching teams on new processes and techniques for planning Skilled at delivering innovation Experience injecting new ideas and innovation into strategy and planning assignments Experience implementing leading industry developments in media plans Proven senior client-facing experience Excellent written and verbal communication skills Proven experience successfully presenting plans and POVs to clients and influencing senior-level decisions Experience receiving, interrogating, and questioning briefs and plans Experience working with clients and teams on plan feedback and delivering updates that support the brand