Manager, Media
Date: Jun 23, 2026
Location: Chicago, IL, US, 60607
Company: McDonald's Corporation
Company Description:
McDonald’s is proud to be one of the most recognized brands in the world, with restaurants in over 100 countries that serve 70 million customers daily. We continue to operate from a position of strength. Our updated growth strategy is focused on staying ahead of what our customers want and realizing further growth potential. Our relentless ambition is why McDonald’s remains one of the world’s leading corporations after almost 70 years. Joining McDonald's means thinking big and preparing for a career that can have influence around the world.
At McDonald’s, we see every day as a chance to create positive impact. We lead through our values centered on inclusivity, service, integrity, community and family. From support of Ronald McDonald House to our Youth Opportunity project and sustainability initiatives, our values keep us dedicated to using our scale for good: good for our customers, people, industry and planet. We also offer a broad range of outstanding benefits including a sabbatical program, tuition assistance and flexible work arrangements.
Department Overview
The Media Manager plays a key role on the National Go-To-Market (GTM) Strategy team, leading media planning and strategy initiatives that support system-wide marketing efforts.
This role is responsible for developing and executing strategic, insight-driven media plans, fostering strong cross-functional collaboration, and ensuring best-in-class media performance.
This position partners closely with National and Field Marketing, agency teams, and Owner/Operators, and reports to the Director of GTM Strategy, Media.
Duties
Strategy & Planning
Support the development of national media strategies across key consumer segments for major promotional campaigns.
Translate evolving consumer media behaviors into smart, forward-thinking media plans.
Identify opportunities for innovation and new channel approaches within national campaigns.
Partner cross-functionally to define, measure, and optimize KPIs across all media channels.
Evaluate emerging media trends and technologies to inform future planning.
Communication & Agency Management
Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies to ensure aligned, integrated media execution.
Serve as a connector across marketing strategy, consumer insights, content, and communications teams.
Coordinate media inputs required for performance tracking, ROI analysis, and reporting.
Manage timelines and deliverables to ensure campaigns launch seamlessly and on schedule.
Develop clear, compelling presentations and written materials to communicate media strategies, plans, and results.
Training & Capability Building
Contribute to the development of media training tools and curriculum for the broader organization.
Help elevate media knowledge and best practices across teams.
People & Relationship Management
Build and maintain strong relationships with marketing partners, agencies, media vendors, and Owner/Operators.
Act as a liaison between national media agencies and internal marketing teams.
Partner across functions to identify and bring forward innovative marketing opportunities.
Qualifications
4–6 years of experience in media planning and/or buying, including 2+ years in digital media.
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
Strong understanding of digital, addressable, and omnichannel media ecosystems.
Proven project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence presenting to large groups.
Analytical mindset with a passion for testing, learning, and optimization.
Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal skills.
Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Compensation
Bonus Eligible: Yes
Long - Term Incentive: No
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Salary Range
The expected salary range for this role is $107,684.00 - $134,605.00 per year
The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we may also consider your experience, and other job-related factors.
Additional Information:
Benefits eligible: This position offers health and welfare benefits, including but not limited to comprehensive health insurance, which includes medical, prescription drug, mental health, dental and vision coverage, as well as, life insurance.
Bonus eligible: This position is eligible for a bonus, calculated based on individual and company performance.
Long term Incentive eligible: This position is eligible for stock or other equity grants pursuant to McDonald’s long-term incentive plan.
McDonald’s is an equal opportunity employer committed to the diversity of our workforce. We promote an inclusive work environment that creates feel-good moments for everyone. McDonald’s provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as part of the application or hiring process or to perform the essential functions of their job. If you need assistance accessing or reading this job posting or otherwise feel you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact mcdhrbenefits@us.mcd.com. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
McDonald’s provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, disability status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, protected military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
Nothing in this job posting or description should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago