Director, Paid Search

Code3 is an integrated marketing agency, powering business growth for digital disruptors and Fortune 500 leaders alike. Our power is at the intersection of Connections, Creative and Commerce – that’s what is in our DNA. By harvesting insights and utilizing audience data, we work with our clients to develop scroll-stopping content and creative that performs and elevates the brands we work with across all digital media platforms.

Our people are energized by challenges and sprint to find unorthodox solutions. We plan, activate and measure as one team, and we’re not afraid to push boundaries and test our way to success. Coders are Relentless, Gritty, Nimble humans who are always striving to be better.

The Paid Search Director is responsible for managing a team and elevating the department's search strategy, activation and thought-leadership against our portfolio of clients. This individual has a breadth and depth of experience that spans across several categories and understands how paid search plays into the broader media ecosystem. You will not only be a functional manager but a transformational leader setting the overarching search practice vision and inspiring the team to drive growth. You will develop a roadmap and facilitate department, agency and team member growth, drive operational excellence and be a visionary on how we can evolve our paid search practice and leverage emerging tools and strategies to unlock revenue and effectiveness. Additionally, your role is to shift thinking beyond basic campaign tactics and connect the dots with broader business objectives and outcomes. We are a hands-on agency and this role also requires a leader that can support hands-on keyboard when needed.

Note: While this is a remote position, this role will be expected to work East Coast hours due to the current client roster.

What you’ll do:

• Define and own the overarching paid search strategy  and deliver activation excellence across search platforms (Google, Microsoft, Yahoo!) and tactics (Brand, Non-brand, Shopping, PMAX, Demand Gen, Competitor)
• Support team and clients on feed management and strategy
• Build and lead a team that delivers unbeatable paid search strategies and ad performance, inclusive of training, process enforcement, and innovation
• Actively identify, test, and scale innovative approaches, automation opportunities, and emerging technologies (including AI applications) within paid search to maintain a competitive edge
• Manage department profitability via strategic improvement of workflow  efficiencies and team utilization (FTEs). Identifying challenges and opportunities for improvement to drive success for the agency while balancing team effectiveness and work-life balance
• Foster collaboration between paid search team, client partnership, creative, growth and activation teams to ensure proper execution of strategy and client stewardship
• Support growth team on new business initiatives and pitches by being the expert paid search voice and driving innovation in strategy and thought leadership
• Representing the agency’s strategic point of view and ethos in internal and external presentations and meetings.
• Leverage storytelling skills to translate complex search strategies into compelling campaign recommendations
• Trains their team in media planning,  forecasting, budgeting & setup best practices, developing learning agendas, and performance analysis
• Be the paid search point of escalation internally and externally with the ability to effectively problem solve and identify areas of opportunity
• Cultivate strategic partnerships with senior-level clients, acting as a trusted advisor on search and digital marketing
• Provide critical perspective and stay ahead of platform updates, industry trends, and emerging technologies
• Support executive leadership in management and negotiation of platform agency partnerships

Who will love this role: 

• Passion for the ever-changing media landscape and the new role paid search plays
• A data-driven decision-maker passionate about exceeding client expectations
• An entrepreneurial spirit who craves building, elevating and adapting process
• An appetite for leveraging AI and other technologies to improve workflows and strategy
• A people person that enjoys close relationships with your team, partners and clients
• A passion for vocalizing thought leadership and new ideas via presentations, blogs and other content distribution channels
• A problem solver with the ability to develop creative solutions 

You should have: 

• 9+ years of proven experience in developing  paid search media plans, strategic presentations, and 2+ years of managing a team
• Background in client and executive relationship management at a senior level
• Advanced business acumen and understanding of client commercial and financial models
• Experience contributing to new business pitches
• Ability to manage a team in paid search strategy, hands-on-keys, and client management
• Ability to anticipate client requests, team and agency needs and provide proactive solutions
• Ability to ensure team is delivering strategy and activation excellence for clients
• Ability to mentor and guide team members growth within the agency and career through performance reviews and development plans
• Proficiency in research platforms, paid search platforms and analytics dashboards
• Excellent senior-level client presentation abilities
• Experience in growing revenue and client roster through strong strategy and relationships
• Experience serving as an escalation point for clients, supporting with fire drills, strategic guidance, and growth
• Certifications in digital marketing and/or paid search media strategy are a plus ( Google Analytics Certification, Microsoft Advertising Search Certification, Google Ads Search Certification, Google AI Powered Shopping Ads Certification etc.)

Perks and Benefits:

• Full medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as generous retirement program 
• Thoughtful parental leave and return program
• Flexible Time Off, holidays, quarterly Company “Recharge” Days, and holiday closure in December
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Commitment to transparent DEIB practices

Code3’s people are what set us apart. We’re dedicated to hiring, retaining, and developing a diverse group of remarkable Coders because we know it’s the way things should be. By prioritizing our commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and safe environment, we are living our mission of fueling the growth of our people. It’s this focus that empowers Coders to not only achieve great work for our clients, but also propel their own development forward and upward. We strongly encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds and all identities to apply even if you don’t feel that you meet all of the requirements above!

If you have any special needs that we can accommodate, please reach out to our team at recruiting@code3.com so we can make accommodations.

Salary Information: The base salary range for this position is $145,500 - $159,500 and is commensurate with candidate experience and location. The position also offers a bonus based on company and client success.

For candidates that are based in California, we encourage you to review this important information for California residents here. For best results, open the link in a new tab.