VP, Media Planning

• $1 Billion+ in Annual Billings 
• 200 Team Members 
• Our tech stack is powered by Adlucent, the digital performance marketing agency that joined BarkleyOKRP in 2024

This is a full-time, hybrid position for a VP, Planning at BarkleyOKRP. In this role, you act as a senior client leader, leading a team in the development of Media Strategy & Tactical Media Recommendations, that deliver upon client objectives while striving for a high level of creative media thinking. You will work closely with others across MissionOne Media and BarkleyOKRP client experience teams, and you will partner closely with clients.

Qualities:

• Curiosity and Skepticism:  You are always asking, “WHY?” You have an internal drive to learn more and expand your knowledge. You consider situations from multiple perspectives, and use that to navigate and solve challenges as they arise.
• Strategic, Creative Problem-Solving: You are analytical and enjoy working with data to derive insights. You use insights and knowledge to develop robust strategies and visions for team success. You love coming up with creative solutions to new and old problems alike.
• Initiative & Accountability: You are a gritty self-starter driven to find answers, solve tough problems, and overcome challenges. You proactively bring solutions to challenges, and instill this mindset in your team. You build senior-level client relationships, and use that understanding to ensure media deliverables surpass client expectations. You manage team bandwidth, and build the business case for team growth.
• Communication & Storytelling: You can easily communicate complex information or nuanced situations. You know what details are necessary and what details to leave behind. You can marry data and storytelling to articulate a compelling vision.You are a confident media leader, and build relationships that establish you as a first point of contact that other disciplines turn to when they need media support.
• Adaptability: You can comfortably adjust in evolving or ambiguous situations, and you coach your team to be flexible. You use creativity to tackle new and existing challenges. You have a firm grasp on changes in the media landscape, and you use that to evolve ways of working to ensure the team is set-up for the future.
• Self-Development: You’re reflective and self-aware. You seek opportunities to learn and develop yourself and others. You identify gaps in team performance, and put together plans for how to level-up team performance. You can put together & implement plans for long-term team growth and development.

• 8+ years in media planning with a track record of leading, developing, and inspiring high-performing teams.

• Sets a clear strategic vision for clients and ensures every plan, POV, and recommendation ladders up to it.

• Trusted partner to senior clients; connects dots across Strategy, Creative, Data, CRM, and Activation.

• A creative media mind who brings fresh, breakthrough ideas—and coaches the team to push past expected media moments.

• Translates data, audience insights, and competitive intelligence into sharp, actionable strategies.

• Keeps a pulse on team bandwidth and elevates issues early to keep work moving with clarity and momentum.

• A confident communicator who can present complex ideas simply—and represent Media at the most senior levels.

• Stays plugged into media and cultural trends and identifies opportunities that advance client and agency impact.

• Operationally strong: budgets, processes, cross-team workflows, and the details that keep plans buttoned up.

• Brings energy, curiosity, and optimism that fuels better thinking and a strong team culture.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a related field
• Minimum of 8 years of media planning experience
• Able to apply a strategic filter to solve client challenges
• Strong knowledge of traditional media channels with an understanding of digital is preferred, but not a requirement
• Ability to think critically and apply a strategic approach to all plans or projects
• Experience in leading and managing a team
• Ability to work effectively with a variety of internal teams and business groups, including Creative, Media, Data & Measurement, Project Management and Finance
• Ability to communicate effectively within a team environment as well as with outside media sales reps
• Displays a passion for media and advertising
• Strong organizational and mathematical skills (including basic media math)
• Ability to multi-task and deliver work on-time for set deadlines
• Must be prepared for a fast-paced environment and be comfortable making decisions