Media Director

Cactus is an independent creative advertising agency based in Denver, Colorado and we are on the hunt for a Media Director to join our growing media team, elevate our media capabilities, and act as our media lead within key client relationships. This role owns the full media practice on a set of accounts — from strategy and planning through execution, optimization, and measurement — while leading, mentoring, and growing the media team beneath them. The right candidate brings deep cross-channel expertise, sharp instincts for complex client relationships, and the process-building mindset to scale a growing practice. Serve as the senior media point of contact for key accounts, owning the client relationship at the strategy and leadership level.Navigate complex, high-stakes client environments with confidence, composure, and a solutions-oriented mindset.Develop media strategies that are anchored in business objectives and integrated with creative thinking — not just channel plans.Lead quarterly and annual media planning processes, presenting recommendations with clear rationale, supporting data, and measurable goals.Anticipate client needs, proactively identify risks, and bring forward-thinking recommendations before problems arise.Translate complex media concepts into clear, compelling narratives for non-media stakeholders.Team Leadership & Development 10+ years of paid media experience, with at least 3 years in an Associate Director, Director-level or senior lead role at an agency.Proven track record managing complex client relationships at a senior level, including experience navigating challenging stakeholder dynamics with professionalism and strategic clarity.Expertise across digital and traditional media channels: paid social, SEM, programmatic, CTV, broadcast, radio, OOH, retail media, influencer and evolving media.Demonstrated experience with advanced measurement methodologies including media mix modeling and multi-touch attribution.Strong team leadership skills — you’ve built, managed, and developed a team and have the track record to show for it.Experience developing agency processes, planning frameworks, or capability-building initiatives.Excellent presentation and communication skills; able to lead executive-level client conversations with confidence.Proficiency in media planning tools, ad platforms (Meta Ads Manager, Google Ads, DV360, The Trade Desk), and reporting/analytics tools.Preferred