Principle, App Network Strategy

OverviewDEPT®. Why DEPT? We are pioneers at heart, leaning forward to create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and are a new model of agency with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. We hire curious, self-driven, talented people who never stop innovating. Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care, with teams across 20+ countries and the autonomy to solve our clients’ problems wherever you are in the world. The Opportunity Join DEPT®, partnering with a confidential, category‑defining AI brand. You’ll lead app‑first programmatic strategy across in‑app networks and DSPs, working with a Principal, Data Technology focused on implementation and measurement. This is a hands‑on, high‑trust role with visibility to client stakeholders with extensive app experience and a mandate to level up internal teams in app strategy. What You’ll DoOwn the app network strategy : size opportunity, architect channel mix, develop complementary audience and supply strategy, and prioritize in‑app partners based on inventory quality, reach, fraud profile, and expected ROI. Explicit priority experience with AppLovin (AppDiscovery/MAX/ALX), Unity Ads/LevelPlay (incl. ironSource), Liftoff (Vungle Exchange), Moloco, and InMobi. Run the network selection process : develop the POV on the best app network for the client. This includes designing and executing RFIs/RFPs, building a weighted scorecard, leading vendor evaluations/tests, and delivering the final recommendation and onboarding plan. Design rigorous test & learn plans across bidding, supply curation, placements/formats (video, playable, interstitial), targeting, and creative to drive app downloads and incremental growth. Translate business goals into performance plans with clear hypotheses, budgets, pacing, and success metrics (app downloads and incrementality). Collaborate with craft (activation) team to launch and optimize campaigns ; establish best‑practice campaign structures, event hierarchies, value‑based optimization, and SKAN‑compliant & Privacy Sandbox–ready setup. Partner 1:1 with DEPT® AdTech/MarTech lead to validate data flows (SDKs, server‑side, event schemas), ensure ATT/SKAN compliance, and operationalize Android Privacy Sandbox attribution in a no‑MMP environment with guidance on if/when to adopt an MMP. Operate effectively without an MMP : design pragmatic measurement plans (e.g., SKAN‑only, PSA/geo lift, MMM/lightweight causal inference) while advising on MMP selection (AppsFlyer, Adjust, Branch, Kochava) and rollout when appropriate. Curate supply for brand safety and performance : apply fraud controls, pre‑bid/allow‑lists, app/site exclusions, geo/time controls, and viewability/IVT thresholds; negotiate network‑level terms where appropriate. Lead education & enablement across teams : build training programs and SOPs; run live enablement sessions to ramp teams on priority networks quickly. Represent the work to senior, technical stakeholders : lead strategy reviews, QBRs, and roadmap discussions; discuss mechanics, trade‑offs, and measurement. Collaborate with internal and external creative partners : align on formats and testing frameworks (playables/short‑form video understanding is a plus). Synthesize and report clear insights from tests : coordinate incrementality readouts with partners and produce concise narratives that move decisions forward. What We’re Looking For7–10+ years in performance/growth media, with 5+ years focused exclusively on app‑network UA, including hands‑on activation and strategic leadership. Expert fluency with in‑app networks and mobile DSPs, especially AppLovin, Unity Ads/LevelPlay (ironSource), Liftoff (Vungle Exchange), Moloco, and InMobi, with a strong POV on how they differ from self‑attributing platforms. Ability to operate without an MMP and advise on if/when to implement one; cross‑functional fluency to partner with AdTech/MarTech on SDK/event schema and SKAN mapping. Ability to review dashboards and ask the right questions to validate signal quality. Strong client‑facing presence; able to simplify technical detail, defend trade‑offs, and align cross‑functional teams. Track record building training, SOPs, and playbooks; known for coaching and enablement. Nice to HaveHands‑on app campaign experience in The Trade Desk and DV360 (plus Google UAC and major social platforms as complementary channels). Experience partnering on creative strategy for playables and short‑form video to inform testing with network/creative partners. Duration: Minimum 3 months; 6 months likely (extendable). Start: ASAP Timezone & Collaboration: CT/ET strongly preferred; remote Travel: Possible quarterly on‑site with the client. Compensation: Competitive / DOE How We’ll PartnerYou’ll work day‑to‑day with Client Partners, Integrated Strategy & Planning, Craft, and AdTech/MarTech leads to deliver a single, connected media experience and program for the client. How to ApplyPlease send your resume and a brief note highlighting: Your app network/DSP expertise and notable scale achieved (AppLovin, Unity/LevelPlay, Liftoff, Moloco, InMobi) An RFI/RFP/scorecard you’ve led and the outcome A SKAN/Privacy Sandbox challenge you solved and how An example of training or a playbook you created for a team Any complementary experience in The Trade Desk, DV360, Google UAC, or social app campaigns EEO and PrivacyDEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We are committed to an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment and workplace. We participate in E‑Verify where applicable. This description focuses on the responsibilities and qualifications for the role and does not include extraneous application materials or site navigation. The anticipated salary range is provided where applicable. US remote range: $105 - $140 USD per hour. #J-18808-Ljbffr