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Associate Search Strategy Director

New York

Critical Mass is hiring an Associate Paid Search Director to join our growing team.  As the Associate Paid Search Director, you will lead the paid search strategy for a large automotive brand with a substantial, complex budget. The ideal candidate thrives on in-platform optimizations, has a proven track record of mentoring teams, and excels at developing relationships with both internal and external partners.

You will:

  • Demonstrate hands-on account management including, but not limited to conducting regular performance analyses and audits, ensuring campaigns align with key KPIs
  • Manage budgets effectively, swiftly adapting tactics as needed to maintain efficiency and ROI
  • Perform daily and weekly performance and pacing checks on multiple accounts and initiatives
  • Lead and develop a team of search professionals, removing obstacles and ensuring alignment with client goals
  • Act as the team’s expert consultant, reviewing and refining campaign strategies and plans, upholding quality standards and budget parameters
  • Create and deliver clear, data-backed presentations and reports for both clients and internal partners
  • Collaborate closely with cross-channel teams (Data Science, Strategy, Account Management, and other adjacent ads teams) to ensure cohesive, integrated campaigns
  • Build and maintain strong client partnerships through regular check-ins, strategic reviews, and consistent performance updates 

You have:

  • 6+ years’ experience in SEM, with 3+ years leading high-performing teams
  • Expertise in search media management and analytics across platforms (Google Ads, Bing Ads, SA360, etc.)
  • Achieved significant performance improvements through strategic keyword expansion, audience targeting, and structured testing
  • Developed test-and-learn frameworks that informed broader strategic decisions, boosting ROI and long-term growth
  • Proven track record managing large-scale budgets and surpassing aggressive performance targets
  • Excellent communication skills, able to interpret complex data and convey clear insights to senior business leaders
  • Demonstrated ability to build positive client relationships and manage challenges effectively
  • High level of integrity, autonomy, and dedication to continuous improvement in paid search

What We Offer: 

  • Global maternity and parental leave
  • Competitive benefits packages
  • Vacation, compassionate leave, wellness days, and personal time
  • Access to online services for families and new parents
  • Early Dismissal Friday’s (off at 3:00 PM local time every Friday)
  • Diversity and Inclusion Board with 13 affinity groups
  • Internal learning and development programs
  • Enterprise-wide employee discounts 

  

Our new hires & employees are the future of our organization, and we want to set you up for long-term success.  In an effort to do so, we expect our team to work from an office a minimum of 3 days a week.   

 

We continually review ranges to address skills, experience and markets. Base salaries are determined during our interview process, by assessing a number of factors that include, but aren’t limited to, a candidate’s experience and skills relative to the scope and responsibilities of the position. For current CM employees, tenure will also be a consideration.

Salary Range

$120,000 - $150,000 USD

Critical Mass is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We do not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. If you are an individual with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please reach out to accommodations@criticalmass.com.

We are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our pool of candidates, with a target of achieving at least 50% representation from underrepresented communities.

The Critical Mass Talent Acquisition team will only communicate from email addresses that use the URLs criticalmass.com and us.greenhouse-mail.io. We will not use apps such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or Google Hangouts for communicating with you. We will never ask you to send us money, technology, or anything else to work for our company. If you believe you are the victim of a scam, please review your local government consumer protections guidance and reach out to them directly.

If U.S. based: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/job-scams#avoid
If Canada based: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/finance/consumer-affairs.html
If U.K. based: https://www.gov.uk/consumer-protection-rights
If Costa Rica based: https://www.consumo.go.cr/educacion_consumidor/consejos_practicos.aspx 

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