Overview

Director, Media and Partnerships Strategy plays a pivotal role within PartnerCentric’s paid media organization, reporting to the SVP of Applied AI & Vertical Strategy. This role combines strategic thinking with hands-on execution to design, grow, and optimize high-value paid media programs that drive measurable client revenue.

This individual will help shape the future of performance-based marketing by blending intellectual curiosity, commercial acumen, and a forward-thinking approach to media investment across emerging ecosystems, including Paid Social, Expert Authority Media, Retail Media Networks, and AI-led advertising environments. This includes identifying, developing, and activating AI-generated influencers and creator ecosystems as part of innovative media and partnership strategies.

This is a remote position, but candidates must reside and physically perform the work within the United States due to legal and corporate tax compliance constraints. We are only considering applicants who possess unrestricted, independent work authorization that does not now, or in the future, require employer sponsorship.

Who You Are

You’re a strategic connector who thrives at the intersection of media, relationships, influencer, data, and innovation. You see the potential in new ecosystems, whether AI-native ad placements, Expert Authority platforms like Reddit or Quora, creator-driven video environments like YouTube, or retail media partners, and can translate that vision into actionable growth strategies. You are comfortable building and leading a team while remaining hands-on with planning, optimization, and partner management for priority clients. You’re naturally curious, commercially sharp, and motivated by the challenge of building what’s next in performance media. You’re also excited by the evolution of creator ecosystems, including the opportunity to conceptualize and create AI-driven influencers and integrate them into performance strategies.

A Week in the Life

Director, Media and Partnerships Strategy, you will report to the SVP of Applied AI & Vertical Strategy and be responsible for building out PartnerCentric’s paid media team. You will support the company’s paid media and publisher ecosystem strategy while actively collaborating with key clients on planning, optimization, and strategic initiatives. You will cultivate and manage strategic relationships across a broad and constantly evolving media and partner landscape, while coaching and developing team members.

Your week might include:

• Monday: Researching and analyzing the latest trends and challenges in paid media and Expert Authority ecosystems, such as AI-driven ad products, privacy regulations, or emerging Retail Media Networks (RMNs), to develop insights for internal teams and clients.
• Tuesday: Leading or contributing to a thought leadership session with the SVP of Applied AI & Vertical Strategy, account managers, and client services, discussing market shifts and actionable strategies for paid social, Expert Authority Media, and AI advertising tests.
• Wednesday: Presenting to a key client about new media opportunities and providing data-driven, actionable recommendations to adjust their paid media mix and investment strategy, while modeling strong client-facing skills for more junior team members.
• Thursday: Meeting with prospective or existing media partners (e.g., Meta, TikTok, Reddit, Quora, YouTube, retail media networks, AI platforms) to discuss collaboration opportunities and integrating them into both the company’s strategy and client programs. Coaching a team member through a complex media proposal or negotiation.
• Friday: Leading the creation of a report based on proprietary tools and data, showcasing the impact of paid media initiatives across channels and recommending next actions for clients, while identifying opportunities to standardize reporting and workflows for the growing media team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Partnership & Media Development
1. Identify and cultivate relationships with high-value paid media partners across Paid Social (e.g., Meta, TikTok), Expert Authority Media (e.g., Reddit, Quora, YouTube), Retail Media Networks, and AI-driven advertising platforms (e.g., ChatGPT, Perplexity).
2. Explore and evaluate emerging media and partner categories, including AI-powered commerce, GEO/AEO partner targets, and new paid formats, for client fit and innovation potential.
3. Translate client objectives into integrated paid media strategies and partnership plans that align with their performance goals and drive incremental revenue.
4. Collaborate with the SVP of Influencer and VP of Growth Marketing to evolve PartnerCentric’s paid media and partnership roadmap in line with market trends and client needs.
2. Lifecycle Marketing
1. Analyze customer data, segments, and create targeted campaigns to improve customer retention.
2. Proactively identify new leads from various sources.
3. Evaluate lead IDC fit and insights intel.
4. Use marketing assets and follow up sequences to maintain interest and trust overtime. 
5. CRM management.
3. Relationship Management & Growth
1. Own and manage a portfolio of strategic media and platform relationships; serve as the key point of contact for performance growth, co-marketing, and innovation discussions for select high-priority accounts.
2. Negotiate commercial agreements, media investment terms, and revenue share models with partners in alignment with client and agency objectives.
3. Act as an advocate for partners internally, ensuring their capabilities and value propositions are understood and leveraged across client teams.
4. Continuously test, measure, and refine paid media tactics to improve efficiency, scale, and incrementality, setting best practices the broader media team can follow.
4. Standardization & Process 
1. Partner with the SVP of Applied AI & Vertical Strategy to build scalable systems, processes, and documentation across media partner sourcing, enablement, trafficking, optimization, and performance tracking
2. Establish standardized workflows and reporting frameworks to drive consistency, efficiency, and visibility across the media team
3. Lead technical execution of media operations, including partner setup and digital ad trafficking across platforms
4. Continuously test, measure, and refine paid media strategies to improve efficiency, scalability, and incrementality
5. Ensure clear, consistent performance tracking and actionable insights across all media initiatives
5. Cross-Functional Collaboration
1. Partner cross-functionally with Influencer, Client Services, Data & Insights, Growth Marketing, and Partnerships teams to ensure cohesive storytelling, aligned media strategies, consistent testing frameworks, and performance measurement tied to client goals and FUSE innovation priorities
2. Contribute to thought leadership, partner education sessions, and case studies highlighting success stories and innovations across Paid Social, Expert Authority Media, Retail Media, and AI advertising.
3. Leverage AI-powered tools and PartnerCentric’s proprietary FUSE technology to surface insights, assess performance, and identify areas of opportunity across channels and partners.
4. Identify opportunities to develop and scale AI-generated influencers and virtual creator partnerships, including ideation, creation, and integration into paid and partnership-driven campaigns.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Growth in paid media testing, adoption, and scaled investment across Paid Social, Expert Authority Media, Retail Media, and AI advertising partners.
• Contributions of these paid media initiatives to client revenue, ROAS, and incremental performance.
• Positive client feedback and satisfaction related to strategic paid media and partnership initiatives.
• Increased adoption of RMN, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and Amazon-focused strategies by clients.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of experience in paid media, partnerships, influencer, or performance marketing, including a minimum of 3 years working directly in digital media planning, buying, or partner development.
• Strong understanding of the digital media ecosystem, including Paid Social, content and creator-driven media, Expert Authority platforms, retail media, and emerging AI-led advertising environments.
• Demonstrated experience operating as a player/coach: leading or managing others while owning strategy and execution for key accounts.
• Highly curious, forward-thinking, and motivated to shape the future of performance and partnership-driven media.
• Familiarity with Retail Media Networks (e.g., Criteo, Koddi, CitrusAds), Programmatic Platforms (e.g., TradeDesk, DV360), Expert Authority Media (e.g., Reddit, Quora, YouTube), and AI-led partner strategies to create visibility and ranking in Answer Engines is a plus.
• Proven ability to manage media and platform relationships, negotiate agreements, and drive measurable results.
• Experience managing or mentoring team members, including involvement in hiring, training, or process development.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and collaboration skills; comfortable representing PartnerCentric to senior-level stakeholders.
• Experience with affiliate or partnership platforms such as Impact, CJ, Partnerize, or Rakuten is a plus, especially where they intersect with paid media partnerships.

• Monday: Lead client strategy or planning sessions, align on KPIs, campaign goals, and upcoming initiatives.
• Tuesday: Analyze performance data across affiliate and influencer programs; identify trends and optimization opportunities.
• Wednesday: Collaborate with partners, creators, and internal teams to launch or refine campaigns.
• Thursday: Monitor live campaign performance, ensuring pacing, engagement, and compliance; implement real-time optimizations.
• Friday: Present insights, performance reports, and strategic recommendations to clients; share wins and next steps internally.

• Serve as the primary point of contact and strategic advisor for assigned clients.
• Lead quarterly planning, business reviews, and ongoing strategy development aligned to client goals.
• Translate client objectives into integrated affiliate, influencer, and performance marketing strategies.
• Proactively identify growth opportunities, risks, and optimization plans.

• Manage end-to-end execution of affiliate and influencer campaigns across platforms (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, partner networks).
• Oversee campaign timelines, deliverables, and budgets, ensuring on-time execution.
• Monitor performance metrics (engagement, conversions, revenue) and implement data-driven optimizations (A/B testing, creative updates, partner mix).
• Evaluate program performance and continuously improve ROI.

• Build strong relationships with client stakeholders, partners, influencers, and internal teams.
• Deliver clear, concise reporting and insights through regular client communications.
• Present strategies and results to senior-level audiences with confidence and clarity.
• Mentor and support junior team members where applicable.

• Work closely with partnerships, marketing, analytics, and product teams to drive program success.
• Source, vet, and onboard affiliate partners, influencer talent, and new platforms.
• Align campaign messaging and execution with broader marketing initiatives.

• Ensure all campaigns meet FTC guidelines, platform policies, and brand standards.
• Review content and program execution for accuracy, proper disclosures, and consistency with KPIs.

• 3–5 years of experience in performance marketing (affiliate, influencer, or performance PR).
• Proven success managing client relationships and driving measurable growth (revenue, engagement, ROI).
• Strong understanding of affiliate platforms (e.g., Impact, Partnerize, Rakuten, ShareASale) and social/influencer ecosystems.
• Experience executing multi-channel campaigns and managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; comfortable engaging senior stakeholders.
• Analytical mindset with experience using marketing analytics and reporting tools.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• Client Satisfaction (NPS)
• Revenue Growth & Net Revenue Retention
• Campaign Performance (engagement, conversions, ROI)
• On-Time Delivery of Campaign Milestones
• Compliance & Quality Accuracy

• Competitive salary and bonus structure
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Remote work arrangements
• Generous Flex Day policy and observed company holidays
• Opportunities for professional growth through training and leadership development programs

Who We Are

PartnerCentric is a leader in affiliate and partner marketing, leveraging innovative technology and personalized strategies to help brands grow revenue and drive unparalleled value. As a people-first company, we prioritize diversity in thought, experience, and background to foster an inclusive, collaborative culture. Our vision is to set the gold standard in partner marketing through proprietary technology and world-class client support.

As we expand our service offerings, PartnerCentric is focused on developing an innovative and industry-leading Influencer/Creator Marketing service line. This new initiative aligns with our commitment to delivering transformative value and measurable results for our clients.

This is a remote position, but candidates must reside and physically perform the work within the United States due to legal and corporate tax compliance constraints. We are only considering applicants who possess unrestricted, independent work authorization that does not now, or in the future, require employer sponsorship.

A Week in the Life

Monday: Kick off content-planning sessions with a brand client—refining campaign goals, deliverables, and timelines. 

Tuesday: Outreach and coordination across the influencer landscape including: Direct with creators, talent platforms, and agencies to source creators availability and negotiate pricing. 

Wednesday: Review draft posts and videos from influencers ensuring campaigns stay on time; provide feedback to ensure on-brand messaging and compliance with guidelines. 

Thursday: Monitor live campaign performance—track engagement, flag any issues, and optimize placements in real time. 

Friday: Compile performance analytics for key clients; celebrate wins internally and share actionable insights for next week's enhancements.

Responsibilities

• Campaign Execution & Optimization
• Project-manage end-to-end influencer campaigns across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and emerging channels.
• Liaise directly with influencers and talent reps to ensure timely content delivery, adherence to creative briefs, and FTC compliance.
• Monitor performance metrics daily (engagement, reach, conversions) and execute rapid optimizations—A/B tests, creative swaps, scheduling adjustments.
• Client Relationship Management
• Serve as the primary day-to-day contact for assigned brand clients; translate their marketing objectives into best-in-class influencer strategies.
• Prepare clear, concise status reports and present campaign learnings in weekly or bi-weekly client check-ins.
• Escalate potential risks proactively and propose corrective action plans.
• Creative Collaboration
• Partner with internal client teams, analytics, and product teams to align influencer content with broader brand messaging and performance goals.
• Curate and share trend insights, content formats, and influencer best practices to continually elevate creative impact.
• Compliance & Quality Assurance
• Enforce FTC guidelines, platform policies, and client brand standards on all influencer deliverables.
• Audit content drafts for proper disclosures, accurate tagging, and consistency with campaign KPIs.

Role Requirements

• 3–5 years’ hands-on experience managing influencer or creator marketing campaigns, working directly with both brands and talent.
• Proven track record of executing multi-platform social campaigns that drove measurable engagement and ROI.
• Strong understanding of social media ecosystems, creator economies, and FTC regulations around sponsored content.
• Exceptional project-management skills: organized, detail-oriented, able to juggle multiple campaigns simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication—comfortable drafting creative briefs, client presentations, and status reports.
• Analytical mindset with experience using social analytics dashboards and Google Data Studio (or similar) for reporting.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Hands-on expertise driving high-budget campaigns (mid-six to seven-figure ranges) and scaling influencer programs.
• Strong consultative skills—able to guide senior marketing leaders and translate complex data into clear, action-driven insights.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or equivalent work experience.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Engagement Rate: Average engagement (likes, comments, shares) per influencer post.
• On-Time Delivery: Percentage of campaign milestones met without delay.
• Client Satisfaction: Net Promoter Score (NPS) or satisfaction rating in post-campaign surveys.
• Compliance Accuracy: Rate of content approvals requiring no revisions for disclosure or policy compliance.
• Performance Growth: Quarter-over-quarter improvement in conversion or brand-awareness metrics.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with employer matching.
• Remote work arrangements
• Generous Flex Day policy and observed company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional growth through training and leadership development programs.

Why Join Us

At PartnerCentric, you will be at the forefront of marketing innovation, shaping the future of client relationships. Our environment is one of collaboration and continuous growth, where your contributions will directly impact our clients and the agency’s trajectory.