Associate Buyer, Media Investment

About this role

Media Investment - The Negotiators

We are a 1,000 piece puzzle. Each of us is essential, interconnected, and intentionally designed. Together we create something powerful: media that drives measurable growth, lasting client partnerships, and a culture we're proud to build.

As part of our Media Investment team, known as The Negotiators, you help transform strategy into action by securing the right inventory, at the right value, at the right moment. Our team ensures every media investment is intentional, accountable, and built to deliver meaningful results.

As an Associate Buyer, you'll begin building the foundation of a career in media investment. Working alongside an experienced Buyer, you'll learn the fundamentals of linear media buying, marketplace dynamics, negotiation preparation, and campaign execution. Through hands-on experience, you'll develop the technical skills, business acumen, and attention to detail needed to help every media investment perform at its highest potential.

This role is designed for someone who is curious, organized, eager to learn, and excited to grow into a trusted media negotiator.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As an Associate Buyer, you'll support the buying team through the execution of media campaigns while developing the skills and confidence to become an effective negotiator. You'll learn how successful media investments are planned, purchased, monitored, and optimized while partnering closely with teammates across the agency.

Key Responsibilities

• Enter insertion orders and buy management information into FileMaker accurately and on schedule.

• Request and process station confirmations, ensuring revisions are completed within 48 hours.

• Track, document, and resolve media discrepancies with station representatives until fully cleared.

• Enter and maintain rates within Servoy and Drive throughout each quarter.

• Request prelogs and postlogs to support Media Operations.

• Respond to traffic inquiries and coordinate with media partners to resolve missing traffic issues.

• Partner with Ad Operations to resolve trafficking and scheduling challenges.

• Request programming grids, rate information, marketplace updates, and station resources.

• Assist Buyers with Standard & Practices approvals.

• Request logs, letters of liability, and certificates of insurance as needed.

• Document quarterly marketplace conditions and competitive intelligence within Drive.

• Build foundational understanding of ratings, pricing, marketplace dynamics, and media math.

• Partner closely with Planning, Ad Operations, and Media Operations to support seamless campaign execution.

• Participate in cross-functional learning opportunities through departmental buddy programs and training.

Success After Your First Year

By the end of your first year, you will:

• Understand the complete workflow of the media buying and negotiation process.

• Produce consistently accurate, timely, and dependable work.

• Demonstrate exceptional organizational and prioritization skills across multiple campaigns.

• Apply foundational media math, including ratings, GRPs, CPPs, CPMs, impressions, and delivery calculations.

• Understand media terminology, marketplace dynamics, and broadcast buying fundamentals.

• Resolve routine traffic and clearance questions independently.

• Communicate professionally and confidently with internal teams and external media partners.

• Demonstrate accountability, ownership, and a strong work ethic.

• Build industry knowledge through regular engagement with media publications and marketplace trends.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

Experience & Technical Expertise

• 0 to 1 year of experience in media, advertising, marketing, communications, analytics, or a related field.

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent professional experience.

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.

• Ability to quickly learn media buying systems, databases, and proprietary tools.

• Foundational understanding of media math, including ratings, GRPs, CPPs, CPMs, impressions, and delivery metrics, or a strong desire to learn.

• Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and quality.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Capabilities

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Analytical mindset with curiosity about media performance and marketplace trends.

• Desire to develop negotiation fundamentals and broadcast media expertise.

• Professional communication skills with internal teams and external media partners.

• Collaborative approach and willingness to support teammates across…