Paid Media Manager

Paid Media Manager
Level: Senior | Work Location: Remote

ABOUT THE ROLE
Red Carrot is seeking a Paid Media Manager to lead cross-channel media planning, buying, and vendor management for federal programs. This role brings deep hands-on experience with traditional and streaming media, including out-of-home, video, and audio. The Paid Media Manager works closely with our digital media lead and contributes to overall media strategy under the guidance of the Director.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute cross-channel media plans that connect audience, budget, and channel choices to campaign goals
• Plan and buy out-of-home media, including billboards, transit, place-based, and digital out-of-home
• Plan and buy video and audio across linear and streaming channels, including broadcast and cable TV, connected TV, terrestrial radio, streaming audio, and podcasts
• Write and manage vendor RFPs, evaluate proposals, and recommend buys based on reach, cost, and fit
• Negotiate rates, added value, makegoods, and contract terms with media vendors
• Manage vendor relationships and day-to-day execution, including insertion orders, creative specs and deadlines, trafficking, proof of performance, and invoice reconciliation
• Monitor pacing and delivery, resolve under-delivery, and deliver clear, actionable performance reporting
• Present and defend media recommendations to clients and prime contractors
• Partner with the digital media lead, strategists, and creatives to ensure integrated execution across channels
• Support proposal development with media strategy, sample plans, and past performance content
• Leverage AI-enabled platforms and features for planning, audience insights, and efficiency where appropriate
• May be responsible for other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• 8–10 years of paid media experience, including hands-on planning and buying across multiple channels
• Demonstrated experience buying across traditional and digital media channels
• Proven experience running vendor RFPs and negotiating media buys
• Strong vendor management skills and attention to detail with contracts, orders, and billing
• Experience managing budgets and multiple campaigns at once
• Familiarity with media planning and research tools such as Nielsen, Comscore, Geopath, or MRI-Simmons
• Federal government experience strongly preferred, including familiarity with government procurement, invoicing, and approval processes