Managing Director, Paid Media

Job description

ABOUT DARKROOM Darkroom is the leading next-generation growth marketing firm engineering the brands of tomorrow. Founded in 2017, we set out to redefine what a modern agency could be, by replacing the inertia of legacy advertising behemoths with a model built for speed, intelligence, and measurable impact. At our core, Darkroom is a human services company powered by Shadow, a universal AI commerce layer that integrates executive-level strategy with proprietary agentic technology. This fusion enables our teams to deliver outsized returns by enhancing creative output, operational efficiency, and revenue generation across every stage of the customer journey. Our track record speaks for itself: billions in attributable revenue driven across e-commerce marketplaces, media networks, DTC ecosystems, and social commerce platforms. Every engagement feeds into our proprietary data infrastructure, enabling a continuous feedback loop that accelerates growth, improves margins, and compounds results across our client portfolio. What began as a boutique design studio has evolved into one of the fastest-growing private companies in America (Inc. 5000) and among the most effective performance media agencies of the 2020s (Varos). Our founders were recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 for advancing the intersection of technology, marketing, and advertising, cementing Darkroom’s role as a defining player in the future of media innovation. About the Role Darkroom is seeking a Managing Director of Paid Media to lead our paid media practice — the operational and strategic backbone of our client growth engine. You will drive performance, innovation, and growth across an integrated ecosystem of channels — Meta, TikTok, Google, Snap, Pinterest, AppLovin, and beyond — with a clear focus on scaling eCommerce and omnichannel brands through measurable, profitable media strategies. You are a media operator at heart — someone who has personally scaled 8-figure Meta budgets, built DTC growth machines from scratch, and led elite media teams inside agencies or high-growth consumer brands. You understand how media strategy, creative, and measurement intertwine to drive customer acquisition, retention, and P&L performance across sales channels (namely, Amazon, DTC, and at Retail). This is the most senior paid media role at Darkroom — responsible for setting the vision, standards, and strategy for the department, while directly influencing how we grow client revenue across every channel (Retail, DTC, Amazon, TikTok Shop). You will partner closely with the SVP, Strategy and executive team to refine and scale Darkroom’s media practice for the next era of digital growth. Being successful in this role requires mastery of the DTC function, mastery of the Meta channel (with proven in-platform experience managing eight-figure budgets), and a clear understanding of how paid media drives omni-channel business growth. Critical functions in your first 90 days include auditing the department’s service offerings alongside the CEO, ensuring alignment across Darkroom’s broader portfolio, and implementing operational processes that scale. Ongoing responsibilities will include team leadership, performance management, and cross-department collaboration to unify creative, media, and retail efforts into one revenue-driving ecosystem. This position is based in New York, NY, and requires U.S. work authorization. Core Responsibilities MEDIA STRATEGY & CLIENT GROWTH - Own media strategy across Meta, Google, TikTok, AppLovin, and emerging platforms — with deep expertise in Meta performance, creative strategy, and measurement. - Build and scale client P&Ls for DTC and omni-channel brands; model pro forma revenue, margin, and contribution scenarios. - Develop innovative full-funnel growth strategies grounded in data, creative diversity, and performance insights. - Partner with data and analytics teams to implement MMM, MTA, and in-platform attribution models; communicate insights clearly to clients and executives. - Oversee client onboarding and ongoing strategy audits; ensure media plans ladder to profitable growth and scalable CAC/LTV dynamics. - Lead monthly executive reviews with client leadership to assess performance, forecast growth, and ensure alignment across marketing and finance teams. - Serve as the primary escalation point for client and internal challenges; operate as the accountable owner of performance and client satisfaction. LEADERSHIP & TEAM DEVELOPMENT - Lead and scale a best-in-class Paid Media Department — including Media Directors, Strategists, and Paid Social/Search Managers. - Establish operational frameworks, workflows, and training systems to standardize excellence across all client accounts. - Directly manage 10+ team members (and growing), ensuring strong KPI accountability, time allocation, and client success metrics. - Partner with Recruiting to hire elite media talent with a DTC and Meta-first mindset. - Conduct quarterly reviews and establish growth plans that align with both individual and departmental goals. - Build a culture of curiosity, testing, and accountability — one that attracts the most capable paid media minds in the industry. FINANCIAL & OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT - Oversee department-wide budgets, staffing, and financial performance, ensuring efficient resource allocation and sustainable margins. - Partner with Finance to own ad spend reporting, forecasting, and revenue contribution models. - Collaborate with the CEO to refine service models, improve margin, and reduce churn through operational excellence and client success. - Lead the creation of a unified reporting and mission control dashboard that visualizes performance, health, and growth across all client accounts. What Makes You a Great Fit - 10+ years in paid media and growth marketing, with 7+ years in DTC/eCommerce. - Proven Meta expert — managed $10M+ monthly spend and scaled eCommerce brands across Beauty, CPG, Apparel, and Skincare. - Deep understanding of media measurement, MMM/MTA, and the latest Meta and platform updates (ask: “Explain Andromeda” — if you can’t, this role isn’t the right fit). - Prior experience leading media teams within top-tier agencies (Power Digital, MuteSix, Tinuiti, Metric Digital, WPromote) or scaling internal brand media functions. - Mastery of the DTC P&L, contribution margin, and how traffic, CPM, CVR, and AOV interact to drive growth. - Strategic yet deeply operational — capable of designing a growth playbook and managing execution down to the platform level. - Strong understanding of creative strategy and testing within Meta — and how creative and media integrate for compounding performance. - High EQ, low ego leader who thrives in fast-paced, client-facing, data-driven environments. - Based in New York City with deep relationships and network within the digital performance ecosystem. Working at Darkroom Darkroom is not a typical agency. We are looking for A players who want to build something great. We move fast, think deeply, and expect every team member to bring insight and rigor to everything they touch. We hold a high bar for performance, creativity, and ownership — but we also support each other relentlessly. No egos, no red tape — just world-class talent building something remarkable. We believe in autonomy with accountability, truth over comfort, and outcomes over optics. - Unlimited PTO + US holidays: Rebooting is part of the work. Take the time you need to stay sharp. - Remote-First Culture: Many roles are fully remote. Employees based in or near our New York or Lisbon HQs are expected to work hybrid with weekly in-office time. Hub locations include the Brazil and Spain. - Health & Wellness: Company-sponsored medical, dental, and vision coverage. - Finances, growth, and retirement: Darkroom offers a robust 401(k) program with company match and profit-sharing opportunities to help you save and grow as the company grows. - Parental Leave: Flexible parental leave to support new parents during this important transition. - Growth: Our interdisciplinary model gives every Darkroomer exposure far beyond their core role. Grow your skills, expand your influence, and stay at the forefront of the industry. Our Hiring Process and Compensation: The hiring process for this position typically follows three stages; phone screen, hiring manager, and Executive calls. Equal Opportunity Statement Darkroom is an equal opportunity workplace—we are dedicated to equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national orientation, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.