Assemble is a leading political and public affairs firm that partners with companies, coalitions, and associations across financial services, energy, sports and entertainment, technology, labor, and healthcare.
Role
We're hiring an Associate VP of Media Planning for the 2026 election cycle. ** This is a cycle-dedicated role running through December 2026**. You'll own strategic media planning across channels for political, advocacy, and public affairs clients, translating campaign goals into integrated media strategies that deliver measurable results. As our planning practice grows, you'll help shape processes and standards that position Assemble as a leader in cross-channel political media.
This is a highly client-facing role. You'll develop audience-first media strategies in detailed Google Sheets planning documents, translate those into polished client-ready presentations in Google Slides, and sell your recommendations directly to clients. You need to be someone who can walk into a room (or a Zoom), pitch a media plan with conviction, answer tough questions about strategy and budget, and walk out with a green light. Your ability to craft compelling media recommendations and persuade clients to invest at the right level will be central to your success.
Responsibilities
Strategic Planning
Develop integrated media plans across digital channels: social, CTV, streaming audio, OOH, and programmatic channels. Build detailed planning spreadsheets in Google Sheets that model audience targeting, budget allocation, reach and frequency, and flighting across channels. Lead audience strategy and segmentation using syndicated research tools (L2, TargetSmart, StackAdapt/TargetSmart forecasting). Own reach and frequency modeling for persuasion campaigns and performance projections for direct response and fundraising programs. Translate client goals into measurable media strategies with clear KPIs and budget allocations.
Pitching, Selling & Client Service
Develop and deliver strategic media recommendations that build client confidence and secure budget commitments. Serve as primary planning contact for major client accounts. Transform planning spreadsheets into compelling, visually organized presentations in Google Slides that follow Assemble's brand guidelines and are clean, professional, and easy to follow. Present and sell media plans to clients with confidence, articulating the strategic rationale behind channel selection, audience targeting, budget levels, and expected outcomes. Make a persuasive case for recommended investment levels and successfully advocate for the budgets needed to meet client goals. Respond to client questions on calls and via email with clarity and speed. Incorporate client feedback and edits thoughtfully and quickly, keeping projects moving without sacrificing quality. Provide ongoing strategic counsel on media market dynamics, competitive landscape, and optimization opportunities.
Cross-Channel Integration
Coordinate planning across all channels and platforms, ensuring cohesive audience targeting and message sequencing. Partner with media buyers on activation, flighting calendars, and real-time optimization recommendations. Collaborate with creative and account teams to align briefs, message rotations, and measurement plans. Stay current on emerging channels, platforms, and political media innovations.
Process & Growth
Adopt and improve our current planning standards, templates, and workflows that scale across clients. Contribute to internal knowledge sharing and best practices documentation. Help build out our planning capabilities as the team grows.
New Business
Contribute media planning expertise to RFP responses and new business pitches. Develop planning case studies and thought leadership content.
Qualifications
Required
5+ years of media planning experience with significant cross-channel expertise spanning digital, CTV, audio, and OOH
Demonstrated experience leading media strategy for political campaigns, advocacy organizations, or issue-based advertising
Deep knowledge of media strategy pitching, including developing and presenting strategic recommendations that win client buy-in and budget approval
Strong proficiency in Google Sheets for building and maintaining detailed media plans, budgets, and models
Experience creating polished, client-ready presentations in Google Slides with strong attention to visual organization, formatting, and brand consistency
Comfortable fielding client questions in real time on calls and providing clear, responsive communication over email
Proficiency with syndicated research and audience tools (MRI, YouGov, Resonate, or similar)
Strong understanding of reach and frequency planning and direct response campaign projections
Clear written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate data into actionable insights
Preferred
Experience with progressive political or advocacy campaigns
Experience with broadcast TV and radio planning
Familiarity with political audience data providers (L2, TargetSmart)
Understanding of government/public sector media requirements including disclaimers, audit trails, and compliance documentation
Experience with Spanish-language or multicultural media planning
Background in media mix modeling, brand lift studies, or advanced attribution methodologies
Local market expertise in battleground states or key DMAs