Specialist, Paid Social (Strategic Planning) at Versant · Universal…

VERSANT is a leading force in news, sports and entertainment - home to iconic and trusted brands that inspire, inform, and delight audiences. Our unique combination of content, technology and services enriches the cultural fabric, igniting passions, sparking conversations, and connecting people to what they love most.

As an independent, publicly traded company, VERSANT brings together powerhouse cable networks - including USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Golf Channel - with dynamic digital and direct-to-consumer brands such as Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. Together, these businesses reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across every screen and service.

VERSANT is an industry-changing media company fueled by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. With a strong foundation and a forward-looking vision, VERSANT empowers creativity, embraces change, and drives connection in an ever-evolving world.

About the Digital Planning Team

The Digital Planning Team at Versant is a strategic, collaborative group of digital experts representing our premium sports and entertainment portfolio. The team partners closely with Account Directors to develop audience-first, data-driven advertising solutions that align with client business objectives.

Serving as a key connector across Sales, Strategy, and Operations, Digital Planning supports the full RFP lifecycle — from pitch development through campaign launch and post-sale stewardship. The team builds compelling proposals, packages innovative cross-platform solutions, develops client-specific materials, and ensures a seamless transition from proposal to activation.

As a critical driver of Versant’s digital revenue strategy, the team identifies growth opportunities, leverages audience insights, and delivers best-in-class advertising programs across our digital ecosystem.

Job Description

The Strategic Account Manager, Social Specialist (Strategic Planning) will support paid social strategy and execution across Versant’s Sports and Entertainment brands. Reporting to the Director of Digital Planning, this role plays a key part in launching, managing, and optimizing co-branded paid advertising campaigns across major social platforms.

This individual will leverage expertise in platform algorithms, audience targeting, budget allocation, and performance analytics to deliver measurable results against advertiser KPIs.

Responsibilities

Campaign Development & Execution

• Partner with Digital Planning, Account Directors, and cross-functional teams to develop strategic paid social solutions
• Launch and manage campaigns across Meta, Pinterest, TikTok, and other emerging platforms
• Oversee creative trafficking, template creation, targeting setup, budget allocation, and delivery scheduling

Budget Management

• Allocate advertiser budgets across platforms and ad formats to maximize efficiency and ROI
• Monitor pacing to ensure optimal spend and performance

Performance Optimization & Reporting

• Track and analyze key performance metrics (impressions, clicks, conversions, etc.)
• Provide actionable insights and regular updates to internal stakeholders
• Continuously optimize campaigns to meet or exceed advertiser KPIs

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Sales, Strategy, Creative, and Operations teams to refine paid social approaches
• Recommend testing frameworks and new opportunities to drive incremental performance

Industry & Platform Innovation

• Stay current on evolving social platform capabilities, ad formats, and algorithm updates
• Maintain strong relationships with platform representatives
• Share insights and innovation opportunities with leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field
• 2+ years of hands-on digital marketing experience with a strong focus on paid social buying, optimization, and reporting
• Strong understanding of PPC principles, tools, and methodologies
• Proven ability to optimize campaigns against advertiser KPIs
• Experience with Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, and Google Tag Manager
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and quantitative skills
• Strong project management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Experience using Canva, OpenArt, and/or Midjourney for creative development is a plus

Desired Characteristics

• Team-oriented with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and learning quickly
• Curious and motivated to develop new technical and strategic skills
• Strong problem-solving abilities and adaptability
• Interest in or familiarity with golf, movies, and television

Additional Information

• This is a hybrid role, requiring in-office presence a minimum of three days per week.
• This position is eligible for company-sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and additional employee perks.
• Salary Range: $80,000–$90,000 (bonus eligible) 

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with a VERSANT Media employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. VERSANT Media's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

For LA County and City Residents Only: VERSANT Media will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to candidateaccessibility@versantmedia.com.

VERSANT Media is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. We include a good faith pay range for each position to comply with applicable state and local pay transparency laws and to promote equity across our organization. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and location and may include additional forms of compensation and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc.

VERSANT Media is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at VERSANT via-email, the Internet, or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from VERSANT's Talent Acquisition team will be deemed the sole property of VERSANT. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by VERSANT as a result of the referral or through other means.