Senior Director, Analytics

Description Novus is seeking a Senior Director, Analytics to serve as an analytical and operational anchor of our measurement practice for several clients. This role carries dual accountability: direct ownership of a portfolio of client engagements and cross-practice responsibility for thought leadership in ensuring consistent, standards-compliant execution of Novus's measurement framework, learning agenda, and measurement plan implementation. Reporting to the VP, Analytics & Data Science, the Senior Director will translate strategic direction into disciplined operating cadence, develop a team of analysts, and serve as the primary escalation point for measurement quality and methodology across all client work. This is a senior leadership position suited to an analytically rigorous practitioner who is equally comfortable driving standards at the practice level and managing client relationships with authority and clarity. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Practice Leadership & Standards Governance Own the implementation of Novus's measurement framework, learning agenda, and measurement plans across a large share of the client portfolio — not solely within directly managed accounts. Establish and maintain the operating cadence that ensures measurement work progresses consistently: engagement kickoffs, milestone reviews, quarterly business reviews, post-campaign analyses, and learning-agenda checkpoints. Identify deviations from agreed methodology across client engagements and lead resolution — exercising sound judgment with external stakeholders and decisive action internally. Drive the ongoing evolution of Novus's measurement methodology and toolset, including: Evaluation and adoption of new methods, platforms, and industry best practices Enforcement of quality-assurance and documentation standards across the team Structured onboarding of new client engagements to the measurement framework Cross-team training and analytical capability development Client Portfolio Management Serve as the senior analytical lead for a portfolio of client accounts, owning the measurement relationship end-to-end from strategic framing through reporting and recommendations. Translate complex measurement findings into clear, actionable strategic guidance; represent the analytics function in quarterly business reviews, annual planning sessions, and executive-level presentations. Apply the full breadth of Novus's analytical capabilities — reporting, attribution, media mix modeling, incrementality, and brand lift — calibrated to the scope and complexity of each engagement. People Leadership & Organizational Influence Manage and develop a team of two to six analysts and senior analysts; maintain accountability for output quality, professional growth, and career progression. Lead hiring and onboarding; cultivate a team culture defined by analytical rigor, intellectual curiosity, and a strong sense of ownership. Serve as a strategic extension of the VP, Analytics & Data Science — anticipating emerging issues, exercising sound judgment on escalations, and representing senior leadership when required. Remain current on the measurement landscape and actively shape how Novus adopts and integrates new methods, platforms, and best practices across the practice. REQUIREMENTS: Demonstrated track record leading analytics, marketing science, or measurement teams within an agency, consultancy, or in-house media environment. Deep working command of marketing measurement methodologies — media mix modeling, multi-touch attribution, incrementality testing, lift studies, and performance reporting — and the ability to articulate how these approaches complement one another. Proven experience building and enforcing operating standards: documented frameworks, quality-assurance processes, and review cadences that scale across teams and client portfolios. People-management experience including hiring, performance management, and structured career development for analysts and senior analysts. Fluency in the digital advertising ecosystem — including data sources, measurement concepts, and taxonomy — across paid social, paid search, programmatic, and linear and streaming television. SQL proficiency and working command of Python or R for analysis, automation, and data pipeline support. Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate methodology for both technical and executive audiences and calibrate register and depth accordingly. An AI-integrated working style: demonstrated routine use of modern AI coding and productivity tools to accelerate analysis, documentation, and team output. Bachelor's or advanced degree in mathematics, statistics, economics, marketing analytics, computer science, or a related quantitative discipline — or equivalent professional experience. Eight to twelve years of professional experience in marketing analytics, marketing science, or a closely related field, including a minimum of three years in a direct people-management capacity. Prior agency-side or media measurement experience is valued but not required. Preferred Direct experience with MMM platforms such as OptiMine, Meridian, Analytic Partners, or comparable solutions. Familiarity with Snowflake or other cloud data warehouse platforms and modern data stack tooling. Experience designing and operationalizing learning agendas across a multi-client portfolio. Industry background in retail, CPG, financial services, or other data-intensive verticals. Exposure to privacy-preserving measurement approaches including data clean rooms, modeled conversions, and aggregated signal methodologies. Please Note : This is a hybrid position requiring a combination of in-office work at our Chicago location and remote work from home. The specific schedule will be finalized upon hire. We are only looking for candidates in/around the Chicago Metro Area and do not offer relocation assistance. WHY WORK AT NOVUS: We Bring Brands To Where People Live Their Lives. NOVUS is an independent local media planning and buying agency. We are focused on local media of all types including video, audio, OOH, digital, and print. We have carved out a unique position in the marketplace; with comprehensive data sets, proprietary tools and some of the best strategists in the industry, NOVUS builds and executes plans that achieve remarkable results. NOVUS provides a collaborative work environment, with career advancement potential and offers an array of benefits as well as considerable time off allowances. Additionally, as a mid-sized agency, team members have direct exposure to senior management on a regular basis and they get the opportunity to work on a range of assignments with significant responsibilities. By joining one of the premier media companies in the industry, you'll be part of a team that is passionate, engaged, forward-thinking and seizing opportunities daily. Position Salary We are committed to providing salary ranges for all open positions. Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, location, and internal equity considerations. The salary range for this position is: $180,000 - $210,000. This range reflects the base salary for this position. NOVUS Benefits NOVUS offers a full array of health care and wellness benefits, which currently includes medical, prescription, dental, vision, life and accidental death & dismemberment insurances, short and long-term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, a health savings account, legal services, identity theft protection and an employee assistance program. Eligible employees are those that are full-time salaried or part-time salaried employees working 30 hours per week or more, as well as those whose eligibility is required by applicable state law. A group retirement savings plan is also available to all salaried employees. While the Company continually seeks to improve upon and add to its current benefits suite, it believes you will find the benefit programs as comprehensive as any in the industry. A Word on Diversity Novus Media is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against and applicant or employee of the Company, on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, marital or family status, age, gender identity or expression, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our agency is committed to creating a workplace where every employee feels welcomed, respected, and valued. We embrace diversity in all its forms, and we strongly encourage people from a variety of backgrounds to apply.