Associate Director, Paid Search

In this role, you will lead the strategy and management of paid search accounts to drive client performance and growth. You will provide leadership across the business and partner with other channels to provide an integrated plan to optimize plans to meet marketing goals. Exceptional communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a remote environment are essential. Here's what it takes to be successful in the role: • Curiosity and Skepticism: You are always asking, "WHY?" You have an internal drive to learn more and expand your knowledge. You consider situations from multiple perspectives. • Strategic, Creative Problem-Solving: You are analytical and enjoy working with data to derive insights. You use insights and knowledge to develop robust strategies and visions for success. You love coming up with creative solutions to new and old problems alike. • Initiative: You are a gritty self-starter driven to find answers, solve tough problems, and overcome challenges. You proactively bring solutions to challenges. • Communication & Storytelling: You can easily communicate complex information or nuanced situations. You know what details are necessary and what details to leave behind. You can marry data and storytelling to articulate a compelling vision. • Adaptability: You can comfortably adjust in evolving or ambiguous situations. You use creativity to tackle new and existing challenges. You're ready and excited for changes in the media landscape. • Self-Development: You're reflective and self-aware. You seek opportunities to learn and develop yourself and others. Responsibilities • Leads and/or oversees campaign development, optimization, and reporting across Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and supporting SEM platforms (e.g., SA360), including Search, Shopping, and Performance Max. • Designs and implements optimal SEM account structures, forecasting methodologies, bidding strategies, goal frameworks, and segmentation approaches to maximize efficiency and scale. • Partners with platform reps (Google, Microsoft) to evaluate betas, automation features, audience expansion tools, and opportunities to strengthen competitive advantage. • Identifies new opportunities to supplement goals and formulate strategies to capitalize on new opportunities. • Builds strong relationships with Google and Microsoft platform teams to stay ahead of auction dynamics, product updates, and performance opportunities. • Serves as the integral activation lead in key client communication. • Manages, reviews, and performs daily account responsibilities for client portfolio. • Updates Director on status of current accounts and team on an ongoing basis and elevates issues in a timely manner. • Ensures accurate SEM tracking, conversion tagging, feed integrity, and audience framework implementation prior to launch, partnering closely with Ad Operations and Analytics. • Demonstrates thought leadership and professional communication skills by developing and delivering client-facing materials. • Provides oversight and works closely with other team members to meet client goals. • Supports creation of SEM reporting dashboards and delivers clear insights on performance, auction behavior, query trends, feed health, and algorithmic learning. • Leads in collaboration with finance team members to resolve media billing issues. • Ensures strict adherence to client budgets while meeting client objectives. • Manages junior staff with training, project prioritization, and client deliverables. • Stays current on all media trends and opportunities in the industry. • Other duties/responsibilities may be assigned from time to time. Qualifications • 5+ years of Paid Search experience required, including hands-on management of Google Ads and Microsoft Ads. • Experience with SEM management platforms (e.g., DeepSearch, SA360) or direct platform execution in Google Ads and Microsoft Ads. • Experience working in and leading a team in Google Ads and Microsoft Ads. • Knowledge and utilization of 1st- and/or 3rd-party data. • Strong organizational and mathematical skills. • Ability to multi-task and deliver work on-time for set deadlines. • Ability to work effectively with a variety of internal teams and business groups, including Creative, Account Management, Finance, and Project Management. • Ability to communicate effectively within a team environment, with outside media reps as well as with current clients. • Must be prepared for a fast-paced environment and be comfortable making decisions.