Upstart

Director of Brand Media – Sponsorships

Upstart

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Remote

Location: United States

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Salary

💰 $195,800 - $271,000 per year

Job Level

Lead

About the role

  • Own Upstart’s branded media and sponsorship strategy from annual planning through in-market optimization.
  • Lead TV and top-of-funnel media buying, including partner selection, negotiation, budgeting, flighting, and performance evaluation.
  • Develop and manage strategic brand partnerships, sponsorships, and integrations that extend Upstart’s reach and reinforce brand credibility.
  • Develop and execute branded activations in partnership with digital, creative, and external partners, ensuring alignment with brand and business goals.
  • Partner closely with Analytics to define measurement frameworks for brand media, including incrementally testing, lift studies, MMM inputs, and attribution approaches.
  • Collaborate with Creative and Product Marketing to translate brand strategy into effective media executions and partner activations.
  • Scale significant annual brand media budgets, balancing reach, frequency, and efficiency while adapting to performance signals and market conditions.
  • Establish best practices for brand media planning, buying, and measurement as Upstart continues to scale upper-funnel investment.

Requirements

  • 10+ years of experience in brand media, partnerships, or integrated marketing, with meaningful ownership of TV and/or large brand partnerships.
  • Proven experience managing large-scale media budgets and leading negotiations with media buyers, networks, or platforms.
  • Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret performance data, design experiments, and make data-driven decisions in ambiguous environments.
  • Track record of developing and executing sponsorships or strategic partnerships that deliver measurable brand or business impact.
  • Experience operating in a highly cross-functional environment, partnering with creative, finance, analytics, and senior stakeholders.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment where adaptability and problem-solving are key.
Benefits
  • Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly
  • Generous 401(k) plan with Upstart matching $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 per year
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees
  • Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage, with multiple plan options - Upstart covers 90% to 100% of the cost depending on the plans you choose
  • Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans
  • Income protection benefits, including company-paid Basic Life, AD&D, and Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage, with options to purchase supplemental coverage
  • Paid time off, sick and safe time, and company holidays
  • Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments
  • Family-centered benefits through Carrot and Cleo, supporting fertility, parenthood, and caregiving
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering mental health support and life-centered resources
  • Financial wellness resources, including access to financial planning tools and a financial concierge service
  • Annual wellness allowance to support your physical and emotional well-being and personal development, based on what matters most to you
  • Annual productivity allowance to invest in relevant tools and resources you need to do your best work, no matter where you work from
  • Connection and community through team events and onsites, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs)
  • Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our four offices, located in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City (opening Summer 2026!).
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
media buyingbudget managementperformance evaluationmeasurement frameworksincremental testinglift studiesattribution approachesbrand activationssponsorship managementstrategic partnerships
Soft Skills
analytical skillsdata-driven decision makingadaptabilityproblem-solvingcollaborationcross-functional teamworknegotiationleadershipcommunicationstrategic thinking