Description

COMMON GROUND COLLECTIVE
Effective Advocacy. Inclusive Coalitions. Real Results for Chicago.

OVERVIEW:
Common Ground Collective (CGC) is seeking a strategic, detail-oriented Paid Media Manager to support the planning, development, and execution of multi-platform paid media campaigns for a C4 advocacy and political program. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience drafting compelling ad copy; shaping paid media plans; and maximizing the impact of budgets across channels such as social, programmatic, TV, streaming video, radio, and podcasts.

This role is perfect for someone who loves the intersection of message, targeting, and analytics—and understands how to reach key audiences with precision and creativity.

REPORTING STRUCTURE:
The Paid Media Manager reports to the Senior Advisor, and will collaborate closely with the communications and engagement teams.

Requirements

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Draft persuasive, high-quality copy for static ads, video scripts, programmatic units, TV/CTV spots, streaming audio, radio, and podcasts.
• Adapt messaging for different audiences, platforms, and formats while maintaining CGC’s voice and strategic goals.
• Work with designers, editors, and production partners to bring paid media concepts to life.
• Assist in developing paid media plans that align with organizational objectives, targeting strategies, and campaign moments.
• Identify the most effective platforms, formats, and audience segments to maximize reach and impact.
• Maintain working knowledge of voter files, demographic targeting, and audience segmentation strategies.
• Support the implementation of paid media campaigns across platforms—including tracking creative deadlines, managing trafficking needs, and monitoring performance.
• Coordinate with external media-buying partners and agencies to ensure campaigns launch accurately and on time.
• Monitor analytics and performance benchmarks to adjust creative or placements for optimal results.
• Participate in rapid-response and real-time messaging when necessary.
• Manage timelines, workflows, and approvals to keep campaigns on track.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3–5 years of experience in paid media, digital advertising, communications, or political/advocacy campaigns.
• Demonstrated ability to draft strong ad copy across multiple media formats (static, video, audio, programmatic, radio, streaming, etc.).
• Experience contributing to paid media plans, including budgeting, channel mix recommendations, and performance analysis.
• Familiarity with tools such as Google Ads, Meta Ads, DSPs, CTV/OTT platforms, or agency media planning systems (direct experience with all is not required).
• Strong understanding of targeting, audience segmentation, and message testing—especially in political/advocacy contexts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Highly organized, proactive, and able to manage multiple projects under tight timelines.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends during peak campaign periods.

START DATE: January 2026

LOCATION: Chicago, IL (hybrid)

SALARY & BENEFITS:
The anticipated salary for this position is $90,000-$120,000. CGC offers a benefits package that includes employee medical and dental insurance. 

APPLICATION PROCESS:
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the position to resumes@cgcollective.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

ABOUT US
Common Ground Collective (CGC) is a 501(c)(4) issue advocacy organization dedicated to educating and mobilizing local elected officials, building grassroots coalitions, and proactively engaging voters around effective policies that benefit Chicagoans in every neighborhood. Focused on solving problems and delivering results, CGC supports policies that reflect Chicago’s deeply held democratic values. We work to defeat extremist policies from both the far right and far left that seek to divide our city. CGC is a nonpartisan organization and operates independently of candidate campaigns, in full compliance with federal and state laws.