Paid Media Intern

Paid Media Intern, Summer 2026

Chicago, IL  •  Paid  •  Part Time  •  Temporary 

Approx 24 hours/week, Tue-Wed-Thurs 

Are you a strategic thinker passionate about media strategy and curious how campaigns drive results? We are looking for a Paid Media Intern to join our growing team. This hands-on opportunity provides real-world experience in media planning, campaign execution, and performance analysis across digital, social, and traditional channels at a full-service marketing agency. 

Who is Scale? 

Scale Marketing is a team specializing in data-driven marketing for mid sized businesses. Since its inception in 2014, Scale Marketing has grown into a full-service agency that excels in performance marketing, creative production, traditional and digital media planning/buying, as well as data and analytics. What sets Scale apart is their deep-rooted understanding of both the business of business and performance marketing, allowing them to craft creative marketing solutions to grow their clients' businesses. Scale treats their clients’ businesses as their own and their exceptional team, committed and talented, is at the heart of their achievements.

What You'll Do

As a Paid Media Intern, you'll report to our Associate Director of Search and collaborate with the broader media planning team to optimize marketing campaigns across digital and traditional channels. You’ll gain hands-on experience in media planning, campaign execution, and performance analysis for digital, social, and traditional media.

Responsibilities:

Planning & Research Support

• Market Intelligence: Gather competitive spend data and creative benchmarks using tools (like SpyFu, Moat, or AdLibrary) to assist in the foundational research for new client strategies.
• Audience Mapping: Assist in identifying high-potential target segments within platform interfaces (Google Ads, Meta Business Suite) to support strategic media plan development.
• Asset Coordination: Collaborate with creative teams to ensure all ad specs (dimensions, file types, copy limits) are met for upcoming project launches

Execution & Operations

• Campaign Implementation: Support the technical setup of paid search and social campaigns, including uploading keywords, ad copy, and creative assets under the supervision of a Media Manager.
• Tracking & QA: Help generate and implement UTM parameters and tracking pixels to ensure accurate data capture across all active projects.
• Vendor Liaison: Assist in the administrative side of vendor management, such as requesting updated media kits or checking availability for specific ad placements.

Reporting & Maintenance

• Data Aggregation: Pull weekly performance metrics from various platforms into master spreadsheets or dashboards (e.g., Looker Studio) for internal review.
• Budget Tracking: Maintain "pacing" sheets to ensure project spend is aligned with the allocated budget and alert the team to any significant over/under-delivery.
• Performance Recaps: Assist in drafting the "Key Takeaways" section of client reports by identifying notable trends in CTR, CPC, or conversion rates.

What We're Looking For

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business, or a related field
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Familiarity with digital marketing platforms (Google Ads, Meta Ads, etc.) is a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data interpretation
• Demonstrates curiosity and a willingness to learn new tools, platforms, and technologies, with or without prior experience
• Communicates effectively and collaborates respectfully with a variety of team members, including peers, media professionals, and leadership
• Shows initiative, reliability, and a commitment to personal and professional growth
• Approaches new challenges with a problem-solving mindset and a willingness to seek out resources and learn independently when needed
• Able to adapt to evolving priorities and navigate new or unclear situations with guidance and support

What You’ll Gain

• Real-world experience in a full-service agency and cross-department collaboration
• Hand-on experience in media planning, campaign execution, and performance analysis across digital, social, and traditional channels
• Portfolio-worthy media strategy and optimization work for growing brands
• Exposure to the creative production process from concept to execution
• Mentorship from experienced media planners, strategists, and performance analysts
• A collaborative environment where your ideas matter