Associate Media Director Paid Search

Job description

Company Description

This agency is an integrated marketing agency known for its channel-agnostic approach and collaborative culture. They pride themselves on being future-focused, strategically rigorous, and delivering measurable results for their clients. Their “no egos allowed” philosophy fosters an environment where the best ideas win and teamwork drives success. This role offers the opportunity to work on meaningful client challenges, collaborate with talented cross-functional teams, and make a significant impact on campaign performance and team development.

Job Description

Our agency client is seeking an experienced Associate Media Director to lead paid search strategy and execution for a major client account in an AI-evolving search landscape. This role requires a strategic leader who can balance hands-on campaign management with team oversight, client relationship building, and cross-functional collaboration while navigating the shift toward AI Overviews (AIO), AI-powered search experiences, and evolving Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) strategies. The ideal candidate brings 6-10+ years of paid search expertise with proven leadership experience and forward-thinking approach to AI’s impact on search marketing.

Contract Details:

• 35-40 hours/week
• 3-6 month engagement, temp-to-perm contract possibility
• Mid-to-late February start
• Looking for candidates based in Boston or NYC but the role will be remote. EST is ideal
• $60-75/hr

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and lead comprehensive paid search strategies across Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising (Bing), and other search platforms aligned with client business objectives
• Own full-funnel search strategy from brand awareness through conversion, optimizing performance at each stage while adapting to AI-driven search experiences and reduced traditional SERP visibility
• Provide strategic direction on campaign structure, keyword strategy, bidding approaches, and audience targeting in context of AI Overviews, SGE (Search Generative Experience), and evolving answer engines
• Identify and implement platform betas including AI-powered features (Performance Max, Demand Gen, Gemini integration, automated bidding), and innovative tactics that leverage machine learning
• Develop Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) strategies to ensure brand visibility in AIgenerated responses and conversational search results
• Partner with planning, analytics, SEO, and creative teams to ensure integrated search marketing approach that accounts for AI-driven discovery shifts

Campaign Execution & Optimization

• Lead hands-on campaign setup, account structure, keyword research, ad copy creation, and QA across search platforms with consideration for AI-influenced search behavior
• Manage multi-million dollar search budgets with disciplined pacing, AI-assisted bid management, and performance monitoring
• Develop and execute rigorous testing frameworks for ad copy, landing pages, automated bidding strategies (Target CPA, Target ROAS, Maximize Conversions), and audience segmentation
• Implement conversion tracking, enhanced conversions, offline conversion imports, and advanced analytics while leveraging Google’s AI capabilities for attribution modeling
• Drive continuous optimization through search query mining, negative keyword management, performance analysis, and strategic use of broad match with AI-powered smart bidding
• Optimize Quality Score, ad relevance, and landing page experience to improve efficiency in an increasingly AI-mediated search environment

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage and mentor a team of 2-4 paid search specialists and coordinators
• Provide guidance, training, and professional development to build team capabilities, including education on AI’s impact on search marketing
• Establish team workflows, QA processes, and best practices for campaign excellence in automated and AI-assisted campaign environments
• Foster collaborative team environment aligned with the agency’s integrated, no-ego culture

Client Management & Communication

• Serve as primary paid search point of contact for client stakeholders
• Present campaign strategies, performance updates, competitive insights, and optimization recommendations including implications of AI Overviews and changing search behavior
• Translate complex search marketing concepts, AI-driven changes, and data into clear, actionable business insights
• Build strong client relationships through proactive communication and strategic consultation on navigating the AI-transformed search landscape
• Manage client expectations and navigate performance challenges with transparency and solutions

Platform & Vendor Partnerships

• Cultivate relationships with Google and Microsoft platform representatives and support team
• Secure beta access to AI-powered features, training opportunities, and value-added support for clients
• Stay current on algorithm updates, automation features, AI capabilities (Gemini, Performance Max enhancements, SGE developments), and emerging search capabilities including AIO impact on SERP positioning

Qualifications

Required

• 6-10+ years of hands-on paid search experience in agency or brand environments
• Expert proficiency in Google Ads (Search, Shopping, Performance Max, Display, YouTube) and Microsoft Advertising
• Deep understanding of AI’s impact on search including AI Overviews (AIO), Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and Search Generative Experience (SGE)
• Proven track record managing multi-million dollar paid search budgets
• Demonstrated success leading teams (2-4+ direct reports) with mentorship and development
• Strong analytical skills with expertise in Google Analytics, conversion tracking, and attribution modeling in AI-assisted environments
• Advanced knowledge of keyword research, match types, automated bidding strategies, and campaign structure best practices
• Experience with Google Tag Manager, Google Analytics 4, and conversion tracking implementation
• Excellent client-facing communication and presentation skills
• Must be available to work EST hours (8am-5pm EST)

Preferred

• Experience developing strategies to maintain visibility in AI-generated search results and answer engines
• Understanding of how conversational search and voice search impact paid search strategy
• Experience working with higher education, B2B, or complex consideration funnel clients
• Google Ads certifications (Search, Shopping, Display, Measurement, AI-Powered Performance Ads) and Microsoft Advertising certification
• Experience with bid management platforms (SA360, Marin, Kenshoo) and automation tools
• Knowledge of SEO principles, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and how organic and paid search work together in an AI-driven search ecosystem
• Familiarity with CRO (conversion rate optimization) and landing page best practices
• Experience with first-party data activation, Customer Match, and audience segmentation leveraging AI capabilities
• Understanding of broader digital media ecosystem (social, programmatic, CTV)
• Based in EST timezone (NYC, Boston, or surrounding areas preferred)

Additional Information

Success Metrics

• Achievement of client KPIs (CPA, ROAS, conversion rate, cost per acquisition, Quality Score)
• Campaign delivery accuracy and budget stewardship
• Performance improvements through testing, optimization, and strategic initiatives
• Successful adaptation to AI-driven search landscape changes while maintaining or improving performance
• Team development and performance excellence
• Client satisfaction and relationship strength
• Innovation in platform utilization and strategic approach to emerging AI search capabilities

We Are Rosie is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical​​​ condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or ​expression, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.