VP, Activation

About this role

Job Description: We’re looking for a hands-on activation leader to run day-to-day execution across Search, Social, Video, Programmatic, Local, and Commerce for a defined book of business. This role turns the agency’s craft standards and AI-enabled playbooks into results on real accounts – managing channel leads, owning QA and performance, and building the client relationships that keep those accounts growing. The VP partners with the EVP on standard-setting but owns execution.

This role sits at the intersection of modern media. The VP, Cross-Channel Activation will work in close partnership with agency stakeholder groups spanning Client Leadership, Marketplaces & Partnerships, and Decisioning to deliver end-to-end media solutions for their accounts. This position reports to the EVP, Head of Activation.

Key responsibilities: CRAFT & CAPABILITY LEADERSHIP • Enforce cross-channel Activation craft standards across Search, Social, Video, Programmatic, Local, and Commerce for your book of business, holding channel leads accountable to agency benchmarks.

• Roll out AI-enabled workflows, standardized playbooks, and governance models within your accounts; flag gaps back to the EVP for agency-wide fixes.

• Serve as first-line escalation for Activation performance issues on your accounts.

INNOVATION & TRANSFORMATION • Pilot new AI, automation, and data tools within your accounts before wider rollout; report results back to the innovation agenda.

• Surface platform and technology opportunities specific to your client roster; bring them to the EVP for joint evaluation.

• Drive adoption of new operating models and tools across your teams. Be the on-the-ground change agent for transformation initiatives.

CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COLLABORATION & INTEGRATION • Build strong relationships with client leadership, analytics/decisioning, and creative teams assigned to your accounts.

• Navigate the matrixed organization to unblock your teams, escalating structural issues to the EVP with proposed resolution and jointly work to across the network.    

• Partner with creative and analytics counterparts to deliver integrated media solutions for your clients.

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT • Represent Activation in client-facing narrative and pitch support for your accounts with the expectation of occasional participation, not a standing mandate.

• Support Growth and Strategy on new business for your client vertical when called on.

• Contribute case studies and results from your accounts to the agency’s broader thought leadership output.

Required experience: • 10+ years’ experience in digital marketing (either at an agency or client brand)

• 6+ years’ experience in people management

• Proven track record of converting media into business results

• Working knowledge of the US media environment, including the AdTech required to execute digital media programs

• Experience managing complex business processes across multiple internal teams

The   annual   base salary range for this position is $164,450-$200,000 .   Placement within the salary range   is based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factors   permitted   by law .     Additionally, this position is eligible for discretionary incentive compensation.   

Benefits available with this position include:   

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance,  

• Life insurance,   

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance,  

•   401k,   

•   Flexible   p aid   t ime   o ff,  

•   At least 15   paid holidays per year,  

• Paid sick   and safe   leave, and  

•   Paid p arental   leave .  

Dentsu also   compl ies   with   applicable state and local laws   regarding   employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off   pursuant to   the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act,   in accordance with   its plans and policies .    For more information regarding   dentsu   benefits, please visit www.dentsubenefitsplus.com.  

To begin the application process, please click on the “Apply” button at the top of this job posting. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for   next   steps.  

Location: New York Brand: Dentsu X Time Type: Full time Contract Type: Permanent Dentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do this without regard to race, color , national origin, sex , sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religious practices and observances, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.  

Dentsu is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with us, please send an e-mail to  ApplicantAccommodations@dentsu.com  by clicking on the link to let us  know the nature of your accommodation request and your contact information. We are here to support you.

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