Associate Director, Paid Search

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Associate Director, Paid Search

🔹 Company: Zeta Global

🔹 Location: Remote - United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 10, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (NYC, Nashville, LA, San Francisco, Miami) or Fully Remote

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing all facets of SEM campaigns: Build, Optimize, Scale
• Optimizing to down-funnel KPIs while bidding to allowable front-end CPLs
• Presenting campaign updates to clients and implementing new tactics
• Writing ad copy and optimizing at every level
• Strategizing with account management to plan budgets, track KPIs, and set achievable growth targets
• Identifying and recommending new areas of growth to capitalize on market demand
• Using SA360 to implement and troubleshoot lead tracking solutions

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of paid search strategies, data analysis, and client communication. The ideal candidate will have experience managing substantial campaign budgets and be comfortable presenting to clients.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Own all facets of SEM management for campaigns under your purview: Build, Optimize, Scale

✅ Optimize to down-funnel KPIs while bidding to allowable front-end CPLs based on matured data

✅ Present campaign updates to clients during weekly status calls and implement new tactics based on business needs

✅ Effectively write ad copy and optimize at every level (ad copy, keywords, search terms, structure)

✅ Strategize with account management to plan budgets, track KPIs, and set achievable growth targets

✅ Identify and recommend new areas of growth to capitalize on market demand

✅ Use SA360 to implement and troubleshoot lead tracking solutions in coordination with client teams

ASSUMPTION: The role involves a mix of strategic planning, tactical execution, and client communication. Strong analytical skills and a data-driven mindset are essential for success in this position.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field

Experience: 3+ years of relevant paid search experience

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of growing SEM budgets and exceeding goals
• Strong analytical ability and data-driven mindset
• Excellent presentation skills
• Proficient in SA360
• Experience managing monthly campaign budgets of $500k+

Preferred Skills:

• Google Ads certification

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a solid foundation in paid search strategies, data analysis, and client communication. Experience with SA360 is required, and Google Ads certification is a plus.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $110,000 depending on location and experience

Benefits:

• Unlimited PTO
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employee Equity and Stock Purchase Plan
• Employee Discounts, Virtual Wellness Classes, and Pet Insurance

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible scheduling

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for mid-level marketing roles with similar responsibilities. Benefits are comprehensive and include health coverage, retirement plans, and additional perks.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Marketing Services

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Founded: 2007

Company Description:

• Zeta Global is a public company specializing in AI-powered marketing cloud solutions
• The company helps enterprise brands and agencies achieve marketing goals through advanced AI and real-time proprietary data
• Zeta Global offers a unified platform for identity, intelligence, and omnichannel activation

Company Specialties:

• CRM
• Email Marketing
• Display Advertising
• Cross-Channel Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Data Management
• Email Service Provider
• Analytics
• Data Warehousing
• Transactional Email
• Database Services
• AI
• Artificial Intelligence
• Customer Acquisition
• Prospect Acquisition
• Customer Data Platform
• Omnichannel Marketing
• Addressability
• Growth Marketing
• and Customer Retention

Company Website: zetaglobal.com

ASSUMPTION: Zeta Global is a well-established company in the marketing services industry, offering a comprehensive suite of AI-powered marketing solutions. Their expertise spans various marketing channels and data management services.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Director of Paid Media

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (NYC, Nashville, LA, San Francisco, Miami) or Fully Remote

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to a Director or Senior Director role with proven success
• possibility to expand responsibilities and manage a team in the future
• Opportunities to work on diverse client accounts and industries

ASSUMPTION: This role offers growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance within the paid media team and expand responsibilities over time.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (NYC, Nashville, LA, San Francisco, Miami) or Fully Remote

Office Location(s): New York, New York; Nashville, Tennessee; Los Angeles, California; San Francisco, California; Miami, Florida

Geographic Context:

• New York, NY: A major global hub for finance, media, and marketing industries
• Nashville, TN: A growing tech and healthcare hub with a lower cost of living
• Los Angeles, CA: A major entertainment and tech hub with a diverse population
• San Francisco, CA: A global tech hub with a high cost of living
• Miami, FL: A vibrant and multicultural city with a growing tech and startup scene

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible scheduling

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid or fully remote work arrangement offers flexibility and the opportunity to work from various locations across the United States.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with the HR team
• Subsequent interviews with the hiring manager and team members
• Final interview with the Director of Paid Media or another senior leader
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Paid search expertise and strategic thinking
• Data analysis and problem-solving skills
• Client communication and presentation skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Zeta Global's values

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant paid search experience and achievements in your resume
• Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and Zeta Global's mission
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on paid search strategies and client communication
• Research Zeta Global's company culture and be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs

ATS Keywords: Paid Search, SEM Management, SA360, Google Ads, Campaign Optimization, Budget Management, KPI Tracking, Growth Strategy, Lead Tracking, Market Demand Analysis, Presentation Skills, Data Analysis, Problem Solving

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's paid search expertise, strategic thinking, and cultural fit. Preparation and research are key to success in the application process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• SA360
• Google Ads
• Microsoft Excel
• Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with SA360 and Google Ads is required for this role. Proficiency in data visualization and project management tools is a plus.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Achieve the Impossible
• Customer-Centric
• Collaborative
• Data-Driven
• Innovative

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Data-driven and analytical
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Results-focused and goal-oriented

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you approach achieving the impossible in your work?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond to meet a client's needs?
• How do you balance data-driven decision-making with creative problem-solving?
• How do you prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment?

ASSUMPTION: Zeta Global values candidates who are customer-centric, collaborative, data-driven, and innovative. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment are essential for success in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple client campaigns and priorities simultaneously
• Keeping up with industry trends and algorithm changes in paid search
• Dealing with client pushback or resistance to data-driven recommendations
• Balancing short-term performance goals with long-term strategic planning
• Adapting to a hybrid or fully remote work environment

ASSUMPTION: This role presents challenges related to managing multiple priorities, staying current in a fast-panging industry, and navigating client relationships. Successful candidates will be able to balance short-term goals with long-term strategic thinking and adapt to a hybrid or remote work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other Associate Director, Paid Search roles, this position offers a broader range of responsibilities, including strategic planning, tactical execution, and client communication
• Zeta Global's focus on AI and data-driven marketing sets it apart from other marketing services companies
• Career progression in this role may involve advancing to a Director or Senior Director position with proven success

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic and tactical responsibilities, with a focus on AI and data-driven marketing. Career progression is based on individual performance and growth potential.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive SEM strategy for a new client, including keyword research, ad copy creation, and bidding strategy
• Optimizing an existing campaign to improve ROI by 20% within three months
• Collaborating with the client team to implement a new lead tracking solution using SA360
• Analyzing campaign performance data to identify trends and make data-driven optimizations

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for the Associate Director, Paid Search role, from strategic planning and execution to data analysis and optimization.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the overall paid media team structure and strategy?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the paid search team currently, and how can this role address them?
• How does Zeta Global support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does Zeta Global measure the success of its Associate Director, Paid Search roles, and what are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this position?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help you understand the role's context within the organization, the team's challenges, and the company's commitment to employee growth and development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight relevant paid search experience and achievements
• Write a cover letter demonstrating your understanding of the role and Zeta Global's mission
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on paid search strategies and client communication
• Research Zeta Global's company culture and be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.