Senior Associate, Planning

DescriptionAbout Salar LabsSalar Labs is a next-generation media agency designed to help brands achieve greater relevance, stronger consumer connections, and accelerated growth in an era defined by constant change. By integrating strategy, media, data, technology, AI, and creative into a unified operating model, we deliver marketing solutions that are more intelligent, adaptive, and effective.We challenge the misalignment across marketing by bringing a media-first approach to synchronizing media planning and message creation for our clients. By combining audience strategy with media-driven creative direction, we deliver orchestrated consumer interactions that work together to maximize business impact. Salar Labs is part of Attivo Group, combining the agility and entrepreneurial spirit of an independent agency with access to world-class talent, technology, and capabilities, helping clients navigate the future of marketing with greater confidence and impact.Position Summary: (This is a hybrid position located in Boston or NYC)We are seeking a sharp, detail-oriented Senior Associate, Planning to serve as the day-to-day steward of integrated media plans for clients in the travel and healthcare verticals. In this role, the Senior Associate owns plan development and maintenance on assigned accounts, from audience research and strategic recommendations to flowcharts, budgets, campaign oversight, and optimization. This Senior Associate, Planning will report to an Associate Media Director.Key Responsibilities:Media Planning & StrategyLead the management of integrated media plans, flowcharts, and budget allocations across digital, social, programmatic,      search, television, streaming, audio, out-of-home, and other relevant channels, grounded in a clear understanding of client business objectives.Translate audience insights, category dynamics, and campaign objectives into channel mix, targeting, and investment      recommendations with clear planning rationale.Analyze syndicated research and planning data to draw actionable audience and marketplace insights.Manage the media partner RFP process, evaluate proposals, and negotiate added value and terms with vendors.Compile and interpret competitive media spend and category reports for assigned brands, highlighting implications for client      strategy.Plan Management & Campaign OversightAct as the "go-to" person on assigned accounts, owning day-to-day plan maintenance, plan changes, and budget      management throughout the planning cycle.Relay clear direction to activation, investment, and ad operations teams through media authorizations, plan guidelines, and      briefs.Oversee campaign setup and execution, providing quality assurance that insertion orders, trafficking, and live campaigns      align with approved plans, budgets, and flight dates.Monitor pacing and billing, ensure accurate budget actualizations, and resolve discrepancies with media partners and finance      teams.Prioritize and direct workflow across the planning team to ensure timely, accurate delivery of plans and client deliverables.Reporting, Optimization & InsightsReport on key performance metrics for campaign effectiveness and develop findings that drive in-market optimizations.Partner with analytics teams to shape recurring reports and dashboards, ensuring data accuracy and clear storytelling.Lead post-campaign analyses and wrap reports, translating results into insights and recommendations for future planning.Facilitate the sharing of data and learnings across internal teams to inform future strategies.Client Leadership & Team DevelopmentServe as a day-to-day point of contact for clients, building trust through proactive communication and responsiveness.Lead preparation of client presentations and meeting materials, and present plan recommendations and updates to clients.Supervise, train, and mentor the Associate Media Planner on media fundamentals, tools, and client business, reviewing work      for accuracy and quality.Establish and maintain strong relationships with media partners and vendors, and foster collaboration with creative, strategy, analytics, and investment teams.Contribute strategic thinking, research, and plan development to new business pitches.Apply AI tools and emerging technologies to improve research, planning efficiency, and forecasting.Key Competencies:Strategic media planningAudience research and insight developmentBudget and plan managementPresentation and storytellingAttention to detail and quality controlClient and vendor relationship managementOwnership, adaptability, and proactive problem-solvingRequirementsQualifications:1–3 years of media planning experience, preferably in an agency setting and ideally across integrated traditional and digital      channels.Bachelor's degree in Advertising, Marketing, Communications, Business, or a related field.Solid command of media planning fundamentals, including reach and frequency, budgeting, media mix, and measurement,      along with core metrics (e.g., CPM, CPA, CTR, ROAS).Hands-on proficiency with media planning, research, and measurement platforms such as Nielsen Media Impact, MRI-Simmons, MediaRadar, TelmarHelixa, or Comscore; experience with media management systems such as Prisma is a plus.Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets and Microsoft PowerPoint/Google Slides, including building      flowcharts, budgets, and client-ready presentations.Demonstrated comfort using LLMs and AI tools for research, analysis, and written or numerical deliverables.Experience managing day-to-day client relationships and presenting media recommendations.Experience guiding, training, or reviewing the work of junior team members preferred.Experience in travel or healthcare categories is a plus, including familiarity with healthcare marketing considerations such as HCP and DTC audiences and privacy-compliant targeting.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple accounts      and shifting priorities in a fast-paced agency environment.This is a hybrid position located in Boston or NYC.