Paid Media Director (Freelance)

The posting, as Highwire wrote it

Director, Paid Media (Contract)

At Highwire, the Director, Paid Media (Contract) will provide strategic leadership and expertise across integrated paid media programs for B2B clients. Experience working with B2B technology and/or healthcare clients is required for this role. The ideal candidate brings deep industry knowledge and a proven ability to develop and lead data-driven media strategies that advance client business objectives, strengthen market positioning, and deliver measurable impact.

Working at the intersection of paid media, integrated communications, and demand generation, the Director will serve as a senior strategic advisor to clients and internal teams, translating business priorities into comprehensive media strategies that connect brand awareness, audience engagement, pipeline development, and lead generation.

The Director will bring deep expertise in paid media strategy, performance measurement, and digital advertising innovation, while providing strategic oversight across client programs, strengthening cross-functional collaboration, and mentoring team members. As a contract engagement, this role will focus on delivering immediate strategic value, driving campaign performance, and advancing key client priorities throughout the engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Paid Media Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and lead integrated paid media strategies aligned with client business objectives, marketing priorities, and broader communications programs.
• Oversee multi-channel paid media programs across paid search, paid social, programmatic display and video, native advertising, sponsored publisher content, retargeting, and account-based marketing (ABM) platforms.
• Guide media planning, audience segmentation, budget allocation, forecasting, and investment recommendations to maximize campaign effectiveness and return on investment.
• Identify emerging platforms, technologies, targeting capabilities, and media opportunities that strengthen client programs and improve performance.
• Establish best practices for campaign planning, execution, measurement, optimization, and reporting.
• Provide strategic oversight to ensure campaigns are delivered efficiently, consistently, and to a high standard.

Integrated Marketing & Demand Generation

• Integrate paid media into broader marketing and communications strategies to support brand awareness, audience engagement, demand generation, and pipeline growth.
• Advise clients and internal teams on full-funnel media strategies that connect audience insights, content, messaging, and conversion objectives.
• Partner with account leadership and cross-functional teams across communications, content, digital, and marketing to deliver cohesive integrated programs.
• Develop strategies to amplify content, reach priority audiences, support ABM initiatives, and accelerate lead generation.
• Identify opportunities to improve the connection between media performance and downstream business out

[…]
nter breaks

• Early log-off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program
• 401(k) plan with employer matching
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options
• Paid parental leave benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Annual Growth Mindset stipend for books, events, or learning experiences
• Monthly technology reimbursement
• Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health
• 501c3 donation matching program
• Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities
• Monthly recognition and team celebrations
• Employee referral and new business referral bonuses
• Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings
• Dog-friendly office environment
• A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work

Location & Work Environment

Highwire offers both remote and hybrid work options, depending on where you live.

Hybrid: Candidates located within commuting distance of our New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule, with three in-office days per week.

Remote: We hire for fully remote roles in the following states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C..

Please note: We are only able to consider candidates who reside in one of the locations listed above at the time of hire.

Join the Highwire team

If you’re inspired by the opportunity to shape meaningful stories and grow alongside a team that values innovation, accountability, and inclusion, apply below to start the conversation.

Please note: This posting may be used to build our talent pipeline, connect with top professionals in the industry, or extend reach across multiple locations. We welcome all interested candidates to apply and explore opportunities at Highwire!