Data Scientist - SEM Bidding

The Role:

We are looking for an experienced Data Scientist to join our team, a cross-functional group supporting all aspects of Gametime. In this role, you will collaborate closely with the Performance Marketing team to optimize Search Engine Marketing (SEM) campaign performance through predictive modeling and integration of marketplace signals into the Google Ads platform. This includes driving SEM spend optimization, manual bid adjustments, and Target ROAS settings. You will play a key role in campaign structuring, modeling, and performance insights, working towards maximizing efficiency in marketing spend and driving profitable growth. By supporting growth and helping optimize a portfolio of campaigns, you will have a direct impact on the success of the company.

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with SEM and data science models in a marketplace setting, and can thrive in a fast-paced, proactive, and dynamic environment.

Above & Beyond: The Impact You'll Make:

• Predictive Modeling and Optimization: Develop and deploy predictive models to optimize SEM bidding strategies, including spend levels, seasonal adjustments, manual bids, and Target ROAS settings.
• Campaign Structuring and Automation: Use clustering techniques and performance data to structure campaigns for maximum efficiency and scalability. Support the automation of campaign creation and bid management to streamline SEM processes.
• Reporting and Insights: Generate detailed reports on campaign performance, highlighting key metrics and optimization opportunities, and communicate findings to stakeholders across marketing, finance, and data teams.
• Financial Modeling: Collaborate with marketing and finance team members to understand channel incrementality through measurement and experimentation and inform financial scenario planning and target setting.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with the performance marketing, supply, fan happiness, and finance teams to provide data-driven solutions that support SEM and broader marketing goals.
• Competitive Advantage: Stay informed on market and industry trends to help maintain data science as a competitive advantage for the company.

Always Be Curious: Skills You've Learned Along The Way:

Technical Skills:

• SEM Expertise: Strong knowledge and demonstrated experience working with Google Ads and SEM platforms, including campaign structuring, bidding strategies, and auction dynamics in a marketplace setting.
• Machine Learning & Data Science: Experience building machine learning models for SEM bidding optimization, including spend and performance forecasting and Target ROAS.
• Programming and Tooling: Proficient in Python/R and SQL for data analysis, predictive modeling, and optimization workflows.
• Statistical Analysis: Strong foundation in statistics, with experience in A/B testing, performance metrics, and predictive analytics.
• Business Intelligence: Experience working with business intelligence data visualization software, such as Tableau or Sigma. 

Interpersonal Skills:

• Collaboration: Ability to work cross-functionally with teams in marketing, supply, finance, and fan happiness to achieve business goals.
• Communication: Clear and concise communication skills to present technical insights and recommendations to stakeholders, ensuring alignment on SEM strategies.

Problem-Solving and Decision-Making:

• Critical Thinking: Demonstrates strong critical thinking and decision-making abilities, especially under pressure.
• Proactive: Proactive in identifying challenges and implementing solutions and embodies a proactive and “Always be Curious” mindset.

One Team, One Dream: What We Need To Work Together:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or related field.
• Experience: 4+ years of experience in SEM campaign management and optimization, with hands-on experience in a marketplace setting.
• Tools: Expertise with Google Ads, experience with machine learning libraries (e.g., Scikit-learn, TensorFlow), and familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Sigma).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with SEM in a dynamic, high-growth marketplace environment.
• Advanced degree in Data Science or related fields.
• Prior experience with automated bidding systems and Target ROAS optimization.
• Experience in ticketing is a strong plus.

What we can offer:

• Flexible PTO
• Competitive salary & equity package
• Monthly Gametime credits for any event ($1,200/yr)
• Medical, dental, & vision insurance
• Family forming benefits through Carrot Fertility 
• Life insurance and disability benefits
• 401k, HSA, pre-tax savings programs
• Company happy-hours, events and outings
• Wellness programs
• Tenure recognition

Gametime is committed to bringing together individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, feel a sense of belonging, and do great work together. As an equal opportunity employer, we prohibit any unlawful discrimination against a job applicant on the basis of their race, color, religion, veteran status, sex, parental status, gender identity or expression, transgender status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetic information. We respect the laws enforced by the EEOC and are dedicated to going above and beyond in fostering diversity across our company.