Associate Director, Paid Search

Job Title

Associate Director, Paid Search

Job Description

About The Position | Major Goals and Objectives and Location Requirements: 

The Associate Director, Paid Search is responsible for leading the Paid Search team and overseeing the strategy, execution, and optimization of all SEM campaigns. This role manages the end-to-end campaign process, including setup, activation, performance monitoring, and ongoing optimization. The Associate Director also cultivates strong relationships with platform partners and stays informed on emerging product updates, industry trends, and best practices to ensure the team’s offerings remain innovative, competitive, and aligned with client goals.

Hybrid 3x a week- (Stamford or NYC) 

In-office Expectations: This position is hybrid in-office, with the ability to work remotely for up to 2 days per week.

About The Team | The Team and/or Brand:

D/Cipher is People Inc.’s in-house media platform and activation team, fueled by the rich user engagement data of People Inc., the nation’s largest publisher.  D/Cipher helps advertisers make informed media buying decisions on and off People Inc. content. The Paid Search team is responsible for the execution, trafficking, and quality assurance of all paid search campaigns. The team works cross-functionally with sales teams, clients, creative agencies, and third-party vendors.

About The Position’s Contributions:

Weight % Accountabilities, Actions, and Expected Measurable Results

• 50%: Manage a team of paid media specialists to support execution and troubleshooting of search and social campaigns. Create and implement new procedures to streamline paid media processes.

• 20%: Manage platform relationships, product updates, and operational processes.

• 10%: Manage day-to-day search marketing and social campaigns across multiple platforms, including Google and Bing. Manage bids and budgets across campaign flights to ensure cost efficiency and fulfillment. Compile keyword lists and generate/edit ad copy and ad groups.

• 10%: Perform quality control on trafficking creative assets and ad tags using third-party ad server tools. 

• 10%: Leverage technology platforms to provide specialized reporting and strategic recommendations. Stay current on platform changes, new channels, competitive landscape, and industry best practices. Collaborate across digital departments to strategically position paid search and within the broader media mix and define tactical plans to support client needs.

All other duties as assigned.

The Role’s Minimum Qualifications and Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent relevant work experience).

Experience:  

• Minimum 5-6 years of proven experience in paid search, with demonstrated success collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop integrated digital strategies.

• Minimum 3+ years of experience in people management.

• Outstanding leadership skills suited to a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

• Experience coaching and leading others and implementing procedures to streamline internal processes.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, Certifications and Abilities:

• Strong proficiency  working with industry tools including Google Ads, Bing Ads and Google Analytics.

• Experience in pixel/tag implementation for campaign setup, attribution and troubleshooting.

• Up to date with the latest trends and best practices in paid search.

• Self-driven multitasker comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong professionalism, and exceptional attention to detail.  

• Polished presence and presentation skills.

• Strong analytical, organizational, project management, and time management skills.

% Travel Required (Approximate): Less than 10% 

It is the policy of People Inc. to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental