Paid Media Manager, Publisher Direct, Contract

Job Summary The Publisher Direct Manager will be responsible for partnering with our media vendors, media agencies and internal cross-functional teams including brand, creative, corporate comms, experiential and finance to create and execute impactful Paid Media plans that deliver a custom, connected experience along the consumer decision journey. They will manage the execution and support of our Upper to mid funnel Paid Media programs with direct partners, with a focus on custom and editorial content that extends the brand voice in disruptive and innovative ways.   Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the day-to-day activation of direct publisher relationships, including campaign strategy, performance optimization, asset handoff, sampling requests and budget monitoring.
• Provide strategic and tactical recommendations during media planning to support full 360 campaigns.
• Work with cross-functional teams (Brand Marketing, Integrated Marketing, Creative, Corporate Comms, and Finance)
• Evaluate new and existing vendors and provide POV’s on their offerings.
• Demonstrate proactivity in providing meaningful optimization recommendations and provide timely updates/answers to short notice requests. 
• Partner closely with creative and brand marketing teams to ensure brand representation in custom content is an accurate representation of the e.l.f. brand   ADMINISTRATIVE
• Manage media billing for direct partners.
• Work in tandem with co manager(s) and associate director on team to own monthly reconciliation of media accruals vs. actual expenses that come in   MEASUREMENT & REPORTING
• Integrate campaign highlights with direct partners into weekly and monthly IMC reports.
• Effectively track and evaluate media performance, work to establish, and compare to benchmarks.
• Collect and organize proof of performance materials (screen shots, links to edit etc.)

Skills

• Ability to think creatively, build compelling, fresh ideas with a discerning brand eye
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills 
• Strong reporting analytical skills, both quantitative and qualitative, with strong attention to detail
• Ability to synthesize complex ideas into actionable recommendations for senior executives.
• Intermediate level in Microsoft Excel
• Able to work in fast-paced, start-up environment and changing environment, while also demonstrating calm under pressure
• Self-starter who doesn’t need constant supervision or direction. 

Requirements

• BA or BS required.
• 3-5 years of experience in media investment or media planning - agency side or publisher direct
• Experience in executing custom content programs and editorial sponsorships.
• Understanding of paid media trafficking and tagging needs.
• Excellent communication, time management and organizational skills, deadline driven.
• Experience working cross-functionally with different teams across an organization.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative manner and a highly creative out-of-the-box thinker