Paid Media Strategist

About the Company

Data Story is a rapidly expanding agency focused on enhancing organisational growth through analytics, insightful website optimisation, and driving high-converting traffic. Their unique approach, known internally as the Data Story system, relies heavily on an iterative, customer research-driven methodology. They specialize in servicing organizations in the service and experience sectors, partnering with notable New Zealand brands such as NZSki, Destination Queenstown, Te Hiringa Hauora, Wētā Workshops, Colliers Otago, Women's Refuge, and The Co-operative Bank.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Paid Media Strategist who views paid media as an evolving, data-driven learning platform. Given the rapid advancements in AI automation for media execution, your role will concentrate on strategy development that AI cannot replicate — constructing the client context, critically evaluating briefs, and selecting impactful tests to increase client revenue. Success will be measured by overall business results rather than merely channel-specific metrics.

You will be responsible for developing a strategic layer that transforms every campaign into actionable intelligence, improving customer acquisition costs through iterated insights. Your duties will include building client contexts, interrogating briefs, designing and prioritizing tests, and analyzing prior campaign results to inform future efforts. Execution involves creating and managing campaigns via MCPs, tracking audience conversions, and linking paid media results directly to tangible business metrics such as profit and customer lifetime value.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is someone passionate about impactful work beyond mere clicks and impressions. You understand the strategic potential of paid platforms and seek an opportunity to implement sophisticated, full-funnel data-driven campaigns that outperform competitors. You are eager to engage with geo-based lift measurement, utilize multiple channels, and explore new platforms like ChatGPT Ads. You appreciate that advertising can be creative and enjoyable when messages are tested properly and audiences matched thoughtfully.

You are an analytical thinker who comprehends the nuances of consumer buying behaviors and journeys, preferring unique, tailored strategies over imitation of competitors. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on pushing boundaries and crafting next-level ads with dedication.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain strategic paid media plans that act as growth engines for client revenue.
• Develop client contexts, evaluate briefs, and decide test priorities to optimize acquisition costs continually.
• Build and manage campaigns with detailed tracking and analysis to link audience activity back to business outcomes like profitability and lifetime value.
• Stay ahead of changing platform technologies and evolve paid media practices accordingly.
• Work across industries managing multiple client accounts simultaneously with a strategic and technical mindset.

Requirements

• Between 4 to 8+ years experience as a paid media strategist with expertise in full-funnel strategy and data-driven audience building.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to extract patterns and actionable insights from performance data.
• Hands-on capability in both strategy formulation and execution within digital marketing platforms.
• Focus on real business results rather than superficial metrics.
• Curiosity and critical thinking, always asking why outcomes occur instead of just accepting what they are.
• Comfortable handling diverse industry clients and navigating evolving marketing environments.
• Technically proficient with tools integral to paid media and digital marketing operations.
• Collaborative team player with humility and a service-oriented attitude towards clients and colleagues.
• Adaptive and enthusiastic about working in a fast-changing marketing field.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary in the range of NZD 90,000 to 120,000 plus eligibility for bonus schemes.
• Full-time, permanent position based at 211A Glenda Drive, Queenstown.
• Flexible work hours, 40 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday between 7:30 am and 5 pm.
• Work-life balance with trust to manage workload and encouragement to disconnect when needed.
• Access to best-in-class performance marketing tools including CAPI, server-side tracking, and advanced analytics ecosystems maintained by an AI developer.
• Supportive team environment with strategic input and collaboration with other ads specialists and strategists.
• Additional perks like paid learning time, customised career pathways, fortnightly team breakfasts, quarterly celebrations and offsites, flexible working arrangements, a well-stocked snack drawer, and paid birthday leave.
• Opportunity to contribute as a core member in a company with a clear vision to master marketing and positively impact clients.
• Work location offering beautiful surroundings ideal for outdoor activities such as skiing, mountain biking, climbing, and hiking.