VP of Programmatic Monetization and Ad Operations

PlayOn is looking for a VP of Programmatic Monetization and Ad Operations to create and lead key departments within the division, consisting of integrated & brand marketing, campaign delivery, media planning and advertising solutions. Our ideal candidate is experienced with both architecting ad revenue strategies directly and leading teams.

THE ROLE:

Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement comprehensive programmatic advertising and ad operations strategies that align with the company’s business objectives and drive revenue growth.

Programmatic Partnerships

Negotiate and secure strategic partnerships with leading DSPs, SSPs, and data providers.

Team Management

Build out the teams’ structure for both Programmatic Monetization and Ad Operations. Hire and develop talent for needed functions. Lead, mentor, and manage teams for Programmatic Monetization, Ad Operations, and Campaign Delivery, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. Provide coaching and mentorship. Ensure optimal team performance.

Inventory Management

Optimize on-site supply and our use of it in media plans for clients by the sales planning team and the yield team, while also performing the same for the Programmatic Ad & Yield Monetization team.

Campaign Execution

Oversee the end-to-end process of ad campaign delivery, including trafficking, quality assurance, troubleshooting, and optimization to ensure timely and effective execution. Monitor & analyze campaign performance data to guide KPI-driven optimization strategies, design actionable recommendations, and drive best-in-class performance. 

Technical Oversight

Serve as the primary point of contact for technical issues related to ad functions, including rich media, technology vendors, and ad serving platforms.

Financial Management

Manage financial aspects of ad operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and interfacing with finance and accounting teams to ensure accurate accounting of accounts receivable and payable.

Process Optimization

Deeply understand publisher-side strategies, including Google Ad Manager (GAM) and other programmatic systems, to maximize yield and optimize ad inventory. Drive operational efficiencies through process optimization, automation, and the implementation of best practices. 

Stakeholder Collaboration

Work closely with Sales, Account Management, Analytics, Product Development, and other internal teams to support business needs, increase client satisfaction, and ultimately to ensure a holistic approach to programmatic advertising, while focusing on growing Programmatic Direct Revenue.

Industry Best Practices

Stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in the programmatic landscape, including DSPs, SSPs, data management platforms (DMPs), and ad exchanges. 

You will be able to fulfill different roles:

Process/Operations Maven

Manage a growing team, and put the processes and systems in place to create efficiencies within the ad operations, effectively deliver/grow ad performance and ad revenue across direct & programmatic campaigns, and support further company growth 

Strategic Thinker

Evaluate and introduce new offering to the portfolio

THE OUTCOMES WE EXPECT.

Enable PlayOn to maximize advertising revenue (both Direct-Sold and Programmatic revenue) through impactful sales strategies support, effective Ad Ops, and high-performing Yield Ops. Drive three main objectives:

1. Maximize advertising revenue

2. Operate a system of adtech excellence across programmatic and reserved campaigns

3. Serve as a thought leader and visionary for building and developing the revenue program

THE TALENTS YOU BRING.

• Minimum 10+ years experience in digital advertising, sales, account management, product marketing and 6+ years experience directly managing teams and managers 
• Proven track record building, developing and leading high performing teams.
• Leadership experience engaging and influencing at an executive level with cross-functional groups.
• Built and enforced efficient process for sales operations at scale
• Experience building an organization to support multi-brand selling, multi-format campaigns, and balancing direct-sold vs. programmatic campaign performance
• Deep knowledge and experience in execution of innovative, integrated campaigns for partners across editorial and custom content, social, experiential, programmatic ad execution, etc. 
• Team player who works well with others and facilitates a calm and collaborative working environment
• Values process and mentors others to do the same
• Innovative and creative problem solver

HOW YOU PLAY. 

Ownership over Participation 

You take responsibility for achieving holistic outcomes, prioritize key objectives, and adapt quickly when situations require a different approach. You follow through even against the toughest challenges. 

Team over Stars 

You are a bridge builder, establishing processes and relationships with teams outside your own. You work to rally around common goals, find win-win solutions, compromise when necessary, and help others succeed. 

Growth over Comfort 

You are driven by a desire to grow and actively seek opportunities to expand your comfort zone, skills, and confidence. You embrace new challenges with curiosity, accepting discomfort and failure as opportunities to learn.

Fairness over Popularity 

You approach decisions with a scientist’s mindset, challenging your assumptions and remaining objective. You consider long-term impact rather than relying on short-term gains, proactively seek others’ perspectives, and manage emotions in decision-making. 

Company Overview 

PlayOn is a dynamic growth-stage company dedicated to championing the spirit of play in the high school space. Backed by KKR, our family of brands—including GoFan, NFHS Network, and VidSwap—empowers schools with innovative solutions and exceptional service. Our fan engagement platform is the only one that offers event ticketing, streaming, fundraising, concessions, merchandise sales, and website management in one place. We save administrators time so they can focus on what truly matters: supporting the students, staff, and fans who bring their programs to life. 

Trusted by thousands of schools across the country, we're here to help create more instant replays, hold-your-breath moments, last-minute comebacks, and games you want to watch over and over again. 

When being there means everything, we make sure you never miss a moment.

Why you’ll love working at PlayOn  

Product, potential, and people. We’re a leader in the high school event space, constantly evolving our product to meet the needs of administrators. We focus on solving real challenges, learning quickly, and creating impactful solutions. 

This is a growth-stage company, meaning your contributions have real impact. You’ll have opportunities to grow your skills, tackle meaningful problems, and make a difference in the lives of schools and the students and fans they serve. 

Our culture is built on accountability, collaboration, growth, and fairness. We don’t just show up—we show up for each other. Everyone wears the same jersey, and we play hard, make the extra pass, and cheer one another on. Losses teach us, challenges motivate us, and persistence drives us forward. We value integrity over shortcuts, choosing to do what’s right even when it’s hard. Together, we strive to be better every day—because we know that’s how we win as a team. 

The Benefits We Offer 

Multiple medical insurance plans to choose from 

Dental, vision life and disability insurance 

Employee Emergency Fund

Company equity (stock options) 

Open PTO policy

401K plan with company match 

Hybrid/flexible work environment 

Note: Must be a full-time employee to participate in the company’s employee health benefit plan. Part-time employees and interns are not eligible to participate.