Director, Paid Search

Connecting humankind to its best healthlife is not just our mission at Spectrum; it’s what drives us to “Be Thinkful.” A term we use to encourage innovation, spark creative solutions to our client’s greatest challenges and your invitation to passionately share your unique perspective and ideas. As the only full-service, fully-integrated, science-focused firm that unites global marketing, communications, and media under a single P&L, we specialize in going beyond the science quo to deliver best-in-class work for our clients.Position OverviewThe Director, Paid Search is a strategic and executional leader responsible for shaping high-impact paid search strategies within the healthcare and pharmaceutical marketing space. The ideal candidate is data-driven, client-focused, and thrives in a collaborative, performance-oriented environment. They bring a strong understanding of paid search platforms, healthcare audiences (HCP + DTC), and cross-functional team dynamics.This role combines marketing strategy with platform expertise, budget management, and campaign innovation. As a senior voice within the Paid Search team, the Director will lead integrated media efforts across multiple accounts, ensuring campaign alignment with brand goals and regulatory requirements.Key Responsibilities

• Develop the agency vision for paid search products and services
• Develop and execute growth plan for the paid search practice via organic and new business development
• Manage and report on team resourcing and capacity
• Lead the development and execution of SEM strategies across Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and YouTube
• Collaborate with integrated teams (SEO, Paid Social, Programmatic, Analytics, Client Engagement) to deliver cross-channel consistency
• Translate complex brand messaging and scientific content into effective search campaigns
• Own campaign management workflows from briefing and setup to optimization and reporting
• Ensure campaigns are HIPAA-compliant and aligned with pharma/legal regulations
• Present media plans, performance insights, and optimization strategies to internal teams and clients
• Manage pacing, forecasts, and budget allocation across multiple campaigns
• Develop structured testing agendas (ad copy, bidding strategies, landing pages, etc.)
• Oversee junior team members, providing mentorship, feedback, and career development
• Stay ahead of evolving SEM trends including automation, AI integration, and privacy policies
• Lead thought leadership efforts including POVs, webinars, and industry insights

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 8–10+ years of SEM experience, ideally with agency-side leadership in healthcare/pharma verticals
• Expertise in Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, SA360, YouTube, and campaign reporting tools
• Strong experience managing both HCP and DTC campaigns
• Google Ads certification required (or must obtain within 60 days of hire)
• Hands-on experience with healthcare audience tools (e.g., Swoop, Crossix, DeepIntent)
• Knowledge of Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, SEMrush, Kantar, and Comscore
• Demonstrated ability to lead clients in budget discussions and performance storytelling
• Deep understanding of search landscape (paid + organic) and consumer behavior
• Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience managing, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams
• Knowledge of AI-driven campaign tools (e.g., Performance Max, RSA optimization, Smart Bidding)

The anticipated salary range for this position will be $140,000-$180,000. Salary is based on job-related factors such as: years of relevant experience, qualifications and/or certifications. Spectrum reserves the right to modify this pay range at any given time.We want to ensure our employees are living their best (health and professional) life and offer a variety of benefits and perks which support our flexible work environment.

• All positions are remote friendly. At Spectrum, you choose where you work. We are a hybrid work environment with options to work in one of our three offices (D.C., New York, and Chicago), remotely from anywhere in the United States, or a combination.
• No matter where you work, you’ll benefit from the monthly cell phone reimbursement.
• Flexible time off. Take the time you need in addition to company holidays, voting time, jury duty and bereavement. We also offer a Sabbatical Program after 7 years of service.
• 13 weeks paid Parental Leave, inclusive of adoption and foster care placement.
• Continuous learning and development through Greatest Potential Self (proprietary talent program), tuition reimbursement programs, and in-house 1:1 coaching with access to talent and productivity-based assessments.