The RoleWe're looking for an Associate Vice President (AVP) of Paid Search to lead strategy, performance, and growth across a portfolio of Higher Education clients. This role is responsible for setting the vision for Paid Search within the vertical, scaling best-in-class performance frameworks, and driving measurable business outcomes across complex, multi-account portfolios.
This role serves as a senior strategic partner to both clients and internal stakeholders. You will elevate our approach to enrollment marketing through data-driven decisioning, advanced platform capabilities, and deep vertical expertise.
Thought Leadership- Define and evolve Paid Search strategy for Higher Education clients, aligned to enrollment cycles, program mix, and institutional goals
- Translate industry trends (e.g., seasonality, program demand, attribution challenges) into scalable, actionable frameworks
- Establish POVs on bidding strategies, funnel optimization, and audience targeting specific to EDU
Client Strategy & Leadership- Serve as executive sponsor across key EDU client relationships, guiding long-term strategy and investment decisions
- Oversee performance across portfolio, ensuring delivery against KPIs such as CPL, enrollment volume, and efficiency targets
- Identify and unlock growth opportunities including new channels, budget expansion, and testing roadmaps
- Lead QBRs and executive presentations with a focus on business outcomes and forward-looking strategy
Team Leadership- Lead, mentor, and develop a Search team, ensuring strong performance management and career growth
- Define team structure, resourcing models, and capacity planning to support current and future business needs
- Elevate team capabilities in platform innovation
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
Performance Ownership- Ensure best-in-class execution across campaigns, including account structure, budget pacing, and optimization strategies
- Implement standardized frameworks for testing, reporting, and performance analysis across accounts
- Partner with analytics to refine attribution approaches and measurement strategies, particularly for long consideration cycles
- Drive consistency and rigor in how insights are translated into action and client impact
Analysis & Reporting- Partner with analytics and ops teams to improve reporting, automation, and scalability
- Monitor industry trends, platform changes, and competitive landscape
- Deliver clear, data-driven performance reports and insights to clients, diving into the "why" behind the data
- Recommend testing strategies, budget allocation shifts, and bid strategy adjustments based on performance trends
- Ensure accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of reporting
Qualifications- 12+ years of relevant paid search experience
- Deep expertise in lead generation and performance marketing, ideally within Higher Education or similar verticals
- Proven ability to manage and grow multimillion-dollar budgets across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads
- Strong track record of driving measurable business outcomes and client growth
- Exceptional client communication and executive presence
- Experience building and scaling teams, including talent development and organizational design
- Advanced analytical mindset, with the ability to translate complex data into clear strategic direction
BENEFITS & PERKS- Unlimited PTO
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Employee Equity
- Employee Discounts, Virtual Wellness Classes, and Pet Insurance And more!!
SALARY RANGEThe salary range for this role is $140,000-$160,000, depending on location and experience.
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