The Paid Search Associate Director leads strategic direction for client paid search programs, serves as a primary voice of the agency to clients, and contributes actively to team development and new business efforts. This role requires independent strategic decision-making across both client accounts and departmental operations.

What You'll Do Here:

Client Strategy & Communication (40%)

• Serve as the primary agency voice on paid search for assigned client accounts, requiring no QA on external communications.
• Lead and present at client-facing meetings including reporting, QBRs, and strategic reviews.
• Develop and deliver insights and recommendations that project confidence and deep expertise.
• Independently identify and diagnose campaign issues across assigned and non-assigned accounts.
• Regularly evaluate strategic approach across the account portfolio and propose updates proactively.

Team Leadership & Development (25%)

• Manage and mentor Supervisors, Strategists, and Analysts on the Paid Search team.
• Contribute to departmental best practices and the team learning agenda.
• Participate in hiring processes for roles below this level, providing relevant feedback.
• Balance client responsibilities with departmental and company-wide initiatives.
• Provide QA and constructive feedback on team deliverables across all levels.

Technical Execution & Oversight (25%)

• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of conversion goal management in Google, Microsoft Ads, and SA360, including VBB setup.
• Confidently manage search administrative tasks including billing, advertiser verifications, and Google Partner requirements.
• Oversee account architecture, bid strategy, and testing roadmaps across client portfolios.
• Evaluate and implement tools, automation, and platform innovations.

Business Development & Operations (10%)

• Participate in new business pitches including account audits, analyses, and presentation creation.
• Identify process inefficiencies and propose improvements to increase team productivity.
• Establish positive rapport with direct reports and agency stakeholders as a trusted team leader.
• Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.

We Need a Person With:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field required.
• 7+ years of paid search experience, with demonstrated leadership and independent client management.
• Agency experience strongly preferred.
• Track record of owning client relationships and delivering results with minimal oversight.
• Active Google, SA360, and Microsoft Ads certifications required.
• Strong customer service and client management skills.
• Highly organized and detail oriented, with the ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal and written.
• Professional demeanor with the ability to interface with poise and confidence with leadership and clients.
• Ability to ensure confidentiality with business matters and employee privacy.
• Ability to proactively address cross-team needs and drive departmental efficiency.
• Strong industry POV capabilities and ability to serve as agency voice to clients.
• Advanced proficiency in paid search platforms, attribution tools, and tracking frameworks.
• Experience with new business development and pitch presentations.
• Well-versed in Microsoft and Mac applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc).
• Understanding of video meeting platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams).
• Working knowledge of all standard office equipment.
• Proficiency in Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and relevant bid management platforms.
• Familiarity with tools such as SEMrush, Google Trends, SA360, and Google Analytics.