Senior Associate, Programmatic

WPP Media wppmedia.com Open · verified Sep 24, 2026

Chicago Senior Programmatic

At a glance

Senior Programmatic role at WPP Media. Chicago · $45,000–$90,000 base.

SalaryStated by WPP Media

$45,000 – $90,000

Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.

This role, from WPP MediaOur estimate for the market: $112,000–$175,000Median $167,000

Below the market median of $167,000 for senior programmatic roles in Chicago.

Worked out from 9 postings that stated pay, median $167,000. Last updated Mar 10, 2026.

RoleProgrammatic

SenioritySenior

LocationChicago

Base pay$45,000–$90,000

PostedSep 3, 2026 · 3w ago

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

Turn client goals into programmatic activation plans by defining audiences and finding suitable inventory
Run campaigns in DV360 and The Trade Desk, keeping spend on pace and tactics aligned with KPIs
Handle budgets, billing, creative trafficking, reporting, and quick-turn analysis that surfaces improvements
Coordinate with account teams and publishers to launch, troubleshoot, and refine programmatic deals
Guide junior direct reports through onboarding, daily work, and performance reviews

What you bring

Bring a degree in business, analytics, marketing, communications, or advertising, or equivalent work history
Have at least one year in programmatic or a related digital media discipline
Know core programmatic or digital media platforms
Work comfortably in Microsoft Excel and communicate clearly in writing and speech
Apply quantitative reasoning with close attention to detail

Who this fits

You’ll suit this Chicago-based senior associate role if you want hands-on programmatic campaign work alongside planning, investment, operations, analytics, and publisher teams. You’ll also support and review entry-level team members. The role uses a hybrid setup, with teams generally in the office around four days each week; discuss any needed flexibility or accommodations during interviews.

From the employer

About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. 

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

For more information, visit wppmedia.com.

About Mindshare: A Leading WPP Media Brand

This role is within Mindshare, a leading brand within WPP Media, where you will be instrumental in driving Good Growth for clients and all stakeholders through intentional media strategies.

Role Summary & Impact

As a Senior Associate, you will support teams responsible for creating and executing programmatic media plans using industry-leading media technology platforms. In this role, you will gain exposure to emerging digital media technologies, publishers, and programmatic strategies that will help create a valuable foundation for a career in digital media. Senior Associates are also typically responsible for managing entry-level team members.

Skills and Experience

Implement client campaign objectives into programmatic activation strategies, including building audiences and sourcing relevant inventory opportunities.
Manage campaigns within DV360, The Trade Desk, and other relevant DSPs, by ensuring budgets are pacing effectively and tactics are being optimized towards relevant objectives and KPIs.
Own operational tasks including budget management, billing and campaign creative trafficking.
Maintain reports and conduct ad-hoc analysis to identify opportunities for campaign improvement and ensure stakeholders are kept informed on performance.
Build relationships and own communication with members of the broader digital account teams including planning, investment, operations and analytics.
Work with publishers to implement, troubleshoot and optimize programmatic deals to help secure access to high-quality media inventory.
Develop technical skillsets in the utilization of relevant digital ad technology platforms, including Ad Servers, DMPs and Third-Party Verification tools.
Train, onboard, manage the day-to-day responsibilities, and review the work of entry-level direct reports.

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising; OR equivalent professional work experience.
1+ Years working within Programmatic, Paid Search, Paid Social, Ad Operations, Digital Analytics or Digital Planning.
Familiarity with key programmatic or digital media platforms.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel.
Excellent verbal and written skills, and a detail-oriented mindset.
Strong analytical abilities and quantitative skills.

Life at WPP Media & Benefits

Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.  We Create an Open environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through a variety of employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision, and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in this open and supportive environment.That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.

Please read our Privacy Notice (https://www.wppmedia.com/pages/privacy-policy) for more information on how we process the information you provide.

The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, go to https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome for more details.

US Pay Range$45,000—$90,000 USD

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