Associate Director, Paid Search
WHY DEPT®?
We are pioneers at heart. What this means, is that we are always leaning forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency, with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. That’s why we hire curious, self-driven, talented people who never stop innovating.
Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care. Meaning, that with people across 20+ countries, we’re big enough to provide you with the best tools, global opportunities, and benefits that help you thrive. While acting small by investing in you, your growth, your team, and giving you the autonomy to solve our clients' problems, no matter where you are in the world.
We are currently only hiring in specific locations in the United States. Locations, office requirements, and salary bands are outlined below. Please note that we do not offer relocation at this time.
About You
You possess an exceptional ability to manage complex SEM accounts. You are adept at strategizing, building, and leading paid search teams, creating compelling roadmaps and presentations that captivate clients. Your leadership, creativity, and expertise show your unwavering commitment to performance excellence. You are an exceptional mentor, collaborator, and problem-solver, fostering cohesive teams and maximizing talent.
As a deep-dive coach, you guide new team members through client priorities and skills development. You orchestrate paid search excellence, driving profitability and empowering your team to soar to new heights.
PROFICIENCY EXPECTATIONS
We expect Associate Directors to have mastered the foundational skills and experience to lead channel-specific tactical strategy for complex multichannel accounts and build effective and high-performing teams.
- Deep understanding of paid search channels, a strong understanding of bid management platforms such as SA360, as well as a core understanding of DEPT services (Social, Programmatic, Decision Sciences, Creative, SEO/CRO), where they fit within the client funnel, and when to leverage/push tactical creation to meet client goals
- Proven track record of successfully managing accounts with varying goals, spend levels, and attribution models and incorporating the right agency tools, growth teams, and expertise to build stronger performance and growth
- Serve as the day-to-day search lead for Dept’s enterprise paid media accounts
- Owns the paid search portion of their clients’ account roadmap, ensuring alignment with client goals & priorities
- Accountable for delivering on paid search budget & performance goals - recommending strategic pivots when necessary
- Ensure appropriate processes & best practices are in place for paid search management & spearhead implementation when they are not present
- Successfully collaborates with associated Client Partners & activation teams on accounts to advance holistic strategies
- Create Paid Search slides required for key client-facing decks, such as FBRs and tactical plans, ensuring that all content ladders up to overall strategic vision for the account
- Serve as an internal paid search team point of escalation - solving any account performance issues, prioritization needs, and team coordination to get deliverables and initiatives done on time.
- Manage achievement of paid search KPIs and deadlines
- Conduct paid search forecasting for annual and monthly budgets and grow account profitability
- Regularly follows SMEs and attends training opportunities to stay current on agency POVs, thought leadership, and industry trends and continuously expand knowledge of digital marketing best practices.
- Ensure new team members are appropriately onboarded to each account, not just with day-to-day knowledge & skills development, but by providing a full deep dive into each client’s business and priorities.
- Take an active role in developing direct reports and others in the team who are people managers; ensure managers effectively convey expectations for growth and/or promotions to those reporting in; drive continuous growth opportunities within the team by ensuring employees complete required training and have exposure to new opportunities, etc.
- Ensure paid search account teams within their portfolio are consistently delegating down to junior team members to make the most of our talent & expertise
- Leverage the PI & Inclusive Meeting Guide to help build more cohesive teams and troubleshoot any interpersonal conflicts
GROWTH EXPECTATIONS
Over time in the role, we expect the Associate Director to be responsible for effectively driving the following:
- Ensuring all team members within their track have career development plans and their managers are creating the right goals, tools, and training to help support career growth
- Maintain a consistent feedback loop with the Client Partners and their Activation team in terms of activation team performance and ability to meet account needs
- Ensure the completion of all administrative duties for their paid search team occurs - time tracking, client spend submission, skip level 1:1s, etc.
- Supports new business search audits & pitches
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 6 years of experience in paid search advertising.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in client facing roles.
- Proven track record of managing successful paid search campaigns for enterprise-level accounts.
- Proficiency in paid search tools and technologies, including Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and analytics platforms.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights.
- Experience leading and managing a team, with a focus on mentorship and professional development.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with clients and internal teams.
- Ability to foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
- Ability to develop and implement strategic paid search plans that align with client objectives and drive business growth.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions and client needs.
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
We are a collaborative, open-door, best-idea-wins environment that fosters personal and company growth and has fun doing it. Here is a snapshot of our benefits package:
- Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage
- 401k plan, plus matching
- PTO
- Paid Company Holidays
- Parental Leave
The anticipated salary ranges for this position and subsequent locations are listed below. Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, expertise, physical location, and organizational impact. This is based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling. Keep in mind, we're flexible.
WE SUPPORT YOU BEING YOU:
DEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is its best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process and workplace, regardless of anyone’s lived experience, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. So tell us about any accommodations you need. It’s totally confidential and only used to make sure you feel fully supported at every step.
DEPT® participates in E-Verify, meaning your Form I-9 information will be sent to the federal government to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
We are a B Corp-certified company passionate about purpose-driven work. Our hope is that you can feel good about the contributions DEPT® is making to the world and we always have an open door for your ideas in making the world a better place.
DEPT® is a pioneering technology and marketing services company that creates integrated end-to-end digital experiences for brands such as Google, KFC, Philips, Audi, Twitch, Patagonia, eBay and more. Its team of 2,500+ digital specialists across 30+ locations on 5 continents delivers pioneering work on a global scale with a boutique culture.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION
At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.
Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine.
We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.
Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here.
#LI-Hybrid #LI-Remote
This is remote role, however you must be located within 50 miles of Salt Lake City, UT to be considered.
Salt Lake City, UT Salary Range
$94,700 - $120,000 USD
This is a hybrid office location with the expectation that you will need to go into the office 3 days week. You must be located within 50 miles of our Denver, CO office located at: 3320 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205
Denver, CO Salary Range
$98,400 - $120,000 USD
This is remote role, however you must be located within 50 miles of Atlanta, GA to be considered.
Atlanta, GA Salary Range
$98,400 - $120,000 USD
This is a hybrid office location with the expectation that you will need to go into the office 3 days week. You must be located within 50 miles of our Chicago, IL office located at: One South Wacker, 1 S Wacker Dr #2250, Chicago, IL 60606.
Chicago, IL Salary Range
$107,300 - $120,000 USD
This is a hybrid office location with the expectation that you will need to go into the office 3 days week. You must be located within 50 miles of our Boston, MA or Newburyport, MA offices located at: 35 India St, Boston, MA 02110; 20 Inn St, Newburyport, MA 01950
Boston, MA; Newburyport, MA Salary Range
$107,300 - $120,000 USD
This is remote role, however you must be located within 50 miles of New York, NY (tri-state area is ok) to be considered.
New York, NY Salary Range
$107,300 - $120,000 USD
This is remote role, however you must be located within 50 miles of San Diego, CA or Los Angeles, CA to be considered.
San Diego, CA; Los Angeles, CA Salary Range
$107,300 - $120,000 USD
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