Our client is a well-established, employee-owned financial services firm serving individuals, businesses, institutions, and communities across multiple lines of business. Its marketing and communications team operates as an in-house agency, bringing strategy, creative, media, and communications together under one roof, supported by a collaborative culture built on integrity, high standards, and genuine care for its people. As the firm continues to grow, it is investing in a more modern, data-driven approach to media and sponsorships, and is seeking a Media & Sponsorship Manager to lead that evolution.
Position Overview
This is a rare opportunity to step into a highly visible role and shape the future of media and sponsorship strategy for a respected, enterprise-level firm. First, the role offers direct impact and visibility, partnering with senior leaders across multiple business units and presenting recommendations that connect media and sponsorship investments to business outcomes. Second, the Manager will own and lead the media and sponsorship function, with a structured transition period and a clear path to building and developing a small team. Third, the position carries a genuine opportunity to modernize how the firm plans, buys, and measures media by identifying and introducing the right technology and processes. This position is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and is on-site four days per week.
Position Responsibilities
· Develop and execute media and sponsorship strategies that align with brand priorities and the goals of each business unit, translating business objectives into actionable plans.
· Lead media research, audience targeting, planning, and buying across traditional and digital channels, remaining hands-on in day-to-day execution and negotiating directly with media partners.
· Guide the overall media mix, including budget allocation and campaign timing, to maximize the impact of every investment across local and national initiatives.
· Evaluate, negotiate, and manage sponsorship investments across sports, nonprofit, and community partnerships, building a portfolio aligned with firm and business unit priorities.
· Present media and sponsorship strategies, recommendations, and results to senior leadership, serving as a trusted advisor to marketing and business stakeholders.
· Assess and recommend media planning and buying technology, leading vendor evaluation and selection through RFP processes to strengthen efficiency and reporting.
· Monitor performance against goals and use data and insights to optimize results across campaigns and partnerships.
· Build strong relationships with media partners, vendors, and internal teams, and manage budgets with discipline, accountability, and transparency.
· Build, mentor, and develop a team as the function grows, including coaching, performance reviews, and day-to-day leadership.
Position Qualifications
Required:
· A track record of success delivering measurable results through media planning, buying, and sponsorship programs.
· 7 or more years of experience in media research, planning, buying, and sponsorship strategy, with current hands-on buy-side experience.
· Strong knowledge of both traditional and digital media channels, along with sponsorship marketing.
· Experience leading people and building or developing a team.
· Executive presence and the ability to present recommendations to senior leaders and influence stakeholders at all levels.
· Excellent negotiation skills and proven experience managing vendor relationships.
· Bachelor’s degree in Advertising, Marketing, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Preferred:
· Experience in financial services, a media agency, or another regulated industry such as healthcare or pharmaceuticals.
· Experience evaluating and implementing media planning and buying tools, along with familiarity with Salesforce and AI tools for research and ideation.
If you are a hands-on media leader who thrives on turning strategy into results and enjoys developing teams, we would welcome the opportunity to connect. Apply now and a member of Talentfoot’s recruitment team will be in touch should your track record of success, experience, skills, and qualifications match our client’s requirements.
Talentfoot Overview
Talentfoot Executive Search specializes in future proofing organizations by securing forward-thinking leaders across sales, marketing, eCommerce, product, data, operations, finance, and technology with a track record of accelerating growth, innovation, and profitability. Since 2010, we’ve partnered with more than 2,500 companies and lead the industry with a 98% client success rate. Learn more at Talentfoot.com