Media Buyer/Planner (Broadcast Buying Focused)

SNI Technology’s top client located in Colorado Springs, CO is seeking to hire a talented Media Planner/Buyer for an exciting contract opportunity!  Please note this is a part-time, 20-hour-per-week position with the ability to work 100% fully remote from home.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Media Buyer/Planner – Traditional Media (Part-Time)

SNI Technology’s client is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Media Buyer/Planner to join their dynamic Traditional Media department. This role is responsible for the strategic planning, negotiation, and execution of traditional media campaigns (TV, radio, print, out-of-home) for a diverse range of clients. This specific contract position will be primarily focused on broadcast buying. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of traditional media landscapes, demonstrate exceptional negotiation skills, and exhibit proficiency in Strata (Freewheel) and Microsoft software products. This individual will also play a crucial role in collaborating with our integrated digital media teams to ensure cohesive and impactful cross-channel campaigns.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Media Planning:
  • Conduct thorough market research and audience analysis (leveraging tools like Nielsen, Scarborough, etc.) to identify target demographics, media consumption habits, and optimal traditional media channels for client campaigns.
  • Develop comprehensive, data-driven traditional media plans that align with client objectives, target audience insights, and budgetary parameters.
  • Generate initial rating estimates and projections using Strata (Freewheel) and other relevant industry tools.
  • Collaborate with internal account management and creative teams to ensure media strategies are integrated with overall marketing campaigns and creative assets.
  • Work closely with the digital media team to identify opportunities for integrated traditional and digital strategies, ensuring a holistic approach to media planning.
• Media Buying & Negotiation:
  • Negotiate and purchase traditional media placements (TV, radio, print, OOH) across various local and national vendors.
  • Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with media sales representatives to secure the most cost-effective rates, optimal placements, and value-added opportunities (e.g., sponsorships, promotions).
  • Execute media buys accurately and efficiently using Strata (Freewheel), ensuring all placements align with approved plans and budgets.
• Campaign Management & Stewardship:
  • Monitor campaign performance, track delivery, and ensure placements run as ordered.
  • Analyze campaign results, identify under/over-delivery, and negotiate makegoods or alternative placements to ensure campaign goals are met or exceeded.
  • Process and reconcile media invoices in a timely manner, working with the team to resolve discrepancies.
  • Maintain meticulous records of media buys, schedules, contracts, and performance reports within Strata (Freewheel) and other designated systems.
• Reporting & Analysis:
  • Prepare and present clear, concise, and insightful pre-buy analyses and post-buy campaign performance reports to internal teams and clients.
  • Provide data-driven recommendations for campaign optimization and future media strategies.
  • Utilize Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint to create compelling reports and presentations.
• Industry Knowledge & Collaboration:
  • Stay current with traditional media trends, market conditions, emerging technologies, and industry best practices.
  • Proactively share insights and knowledge with the broader media team.
  • Participate in client meetings and presentations as required.
  • Foster a collaborative and positive working relationship with all internal departments, particularly the integrated digital media team.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Business, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in traditional media planning and/or buying within an advertising agency or similar environment.
  • Proven track record of successfully planning and executing traditional media campaigns across TV, radio, print, and OOH.
  • Experience working with integrated media strategies, demonstrating an understanding of how traditional and digital media complement each other.
• Software Proficiency:
  • Essential: High level of proficiency and hands-on experience with Strata (Freewheel) for media planning, buying, stewardship, and reporting.
  • Essential: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel (pivot tables, formulas, data analysis), PowerPoint (creating client-ready presentations), and Word.
• Core Competencies:
  • Strong understanding of media math, traditional media research tools (e.g., Nielsen, Scarborough), and campaign evaluation metrics.
  • Excellent negotiation, communication (written and verbal), and interpersonal skills.
  • Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
  • Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
  • Proactive, resourceful, and eager to learn and adapt to new challenges and technologies.

WORK STATUS & LOCATION
This part-time, 20-hour per week contract position can accommodate a fully remote work schedule.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The compensation for this position is in the range of $30.00 up to $40.00 per hour during the contract duration of the assignment.  Please note your actual pay rate will be determined based upon your skills, knowledge and abilities, and work experience - talk with your recruiter to learn more.