VP of Data Strategy

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a holistic, prioritized roadmap for identifying and acquiring new data sources to expand Samba's core dataset.
• Identify new data types and sources that align with Samba's strategic objectives and product needs across Audience, Measurement, and Data Licensing.
• Forge strategic partnerships with major streaming publishers to gain direct access to census-level content and ad event logs.
• Enhance OEM partnerships to expand access to data from ACR and TV OS platforms. Explore value exchange models with OEMs (and related stakeholders), moving beyond transactional relationships.
• Conduct concerted business development efforts to acquire truth set relationships across a broad spectrum of publishers, streamers, DSPs, SSPs, and Ad Servers.
• Develop a dedicated value exchange framework for each class of data provider, potentially exploring revshare models or requiring financial commitment.
• Collaborate closely with Product and Engineering teams to define requirements for integrating new data sources into Samba's unified data lake / lakehouse architecture and next-generation data platform.
• Perform comprehensive market analysis on AI, contextual targeting, identity, and data monetization trends. Identify key needs and competitive insights.
• Partner with Business Development, Sales, and Product teams to align data acquisition strategy with product development, go-to-market initiatives, and the needs of various customer types (e.g., Agencies, Brands, Publishers, Platforms, Data Providers, Resellers, Research/Measurement).
• Ensure acquired data sources meet high data quality standards and comply with evolving privacy regulations. Advocate for Privacy as a Feature, particularly within cleanroom environments.
• Enable the development of new, innovative data products and features by ensuring the necessary data is available, such as AI feeds, enhanced contextual targeting, advanced analytics, and improved outcomes measurement.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in data strategy, data partnerships, and data acquisition, preferably within the media, advertising, measurement, or ad tech industry.
• Deep understanding of the TV, streaming, and digital advertising ecosystem and the various data sources within it.
• Proven ability to negotiate, and collaborate as necessary, for complex data licensing agreements and strategic partnerships.
• Familiarity with data licensing models, clean room environments, and data marketplaces.
• Understanding of data architecture, data processing pipelines, and data integration challenges.
• Knowledge of data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and compliance best practices.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Product Management, Engineering, Business Development, and Sales teams.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

Nice to Have

• A strong advocate for the value of data and its role in driving business outcomes.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and evolving market.
• Proven track record of securing high-impact data partnerships.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on identifying and capitalizing on new opportunities.

Qualifications

• Not explicitly specified as formal qualifications, but implied: experience in data strategy, data partnerships, and data acquisition within relevant industries.

Benefits & Perks

• Base salary between $200,000 - $280,000, depending on location, experience, and performance.
• Bonuses, short-term incentives, and long-term incentives.
• Health insurance, wellness offerings, life and disability insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Paid holidays and paid time off (PTO).
• Other employee benefits.