The Role
We are seeking an experienced Video Investment Lead to support Giant Spoon's media investment team during the 2026 upfront season.
We're looking for a seasoned media investment professional with deep expertise across linear television, CTV, and video partnerships—someone who understands how to secure the strongest opportunities for clients while balancing strategy, negotiation, and execution. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience navigating upfront negotiations, building relationships with key media partners, and translating marketplace dynamics into actionable recommendations for clients.
We’re seeking someone who is dedicated to making innovative work that stirs shit up, across the advertising industry and culture at large. The ideal candidate should have experience with integrated campaign work and bring holistic thinking to executions.
Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is ready to become a Spoon - to give a damn, try anything, and enjoy the people they are working with. This team is based in the New York office and works in a hybrid fashion with in-office work on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
This is a 1099 freelance role with an expected commitment of approximately 20 hours per week, with the possibility of increasing to 30 hours depending on need. The engagement is expected to run through September, with potential to extend.
The anticipated hourly range for this position is $80/hr – $100/hr. Rate is determined based on a wide range of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, job duties, and geographic location.
#LI-DNI
Responsibilities
Lead negotiations with media partners across linear TV, national broadcast, cable, CTV, streaming, and select regional inventory opportunities.
Conduct upfront marketplace negotiations, including securing rates, added value opportunities, premium positioning, and favorable terms on behalf of clients.
Build and maintain strong relationships with networks, platforms, and media partners.
Document rates, terms, added value opportunities, and negotiated outcomes throughout the buying process.
Partner with key stakeholders to ensure negotiated buys are accurately executed and documented.
Review video investment plans and provide recommendations to ensure alignment with client objectives and negotiated commitments.
Identify opportunities to maximize value and efficiency within upfront and scatter marketplace investments.
Provide recommendations and marketplace insights related to video investment strategies.
Share finalized plans and investment recommendations with clients as needed and participate in client conversations when appropriate.
Maintain a strong understanding of marketplace trends, inventory shifts, pricing dynamics, and emerging opportunities across the video ecosystem.
Requirements
8+ years of media investment, buying, or planning experience with significant expertise in linear television, video, and CTV.
Demonstrated experience owning or leading negotiations within the upfront marketplace.
Deep understanding of national broadcast, cable, streaming, and video investment strategies.
Strong relationships with major television networks, publishers, platforms, and media partners.
Experience negotiating rates, added value, premium positioning, and investment terms.
Proven ability to manage multiple negotiations and workstreams simultaneously while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
Comfortable operating independently and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders in a fast-paced agency environment.
Experience presenting recommendations and marketplace insights to internal stakeholders and clients.
Resourceful, proactive, highly organized, and action-oriented.
Passion for media, culture, and the evolving video landscape, with a constant curiosity about what's next.
