Director, Paid Search

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Paid Search

🔹 Company: Spectrum Science

🔹 Location: United States

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid

🔹 Category: Advertising Services

🔹 Date Posted: June 27, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote-friendly, offices in DC, New York, and Chicago)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Strategic and executional leadership of paid search strategies
• Cross-functional team collaboration for integrated media efforts
• Data-driven decision making and performance optimization
• Budget management and resource allocation
• Thought leadership and industry insights

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of paid search platforms, healthcare audiences, and cross-functional team dynamics. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in agency-side leadership within the healthcare/pharma vertical.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and execute growth plan for the paid search practice via organic and new business development

✅ 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

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on campaign management, and team leadership. The ideal candidate will be comfortable wearing multiple hats and adapting to changing priorities.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred

Experience: 8–10+ years of SEM experience, ideally with agency-side leadership in healthcare/pharma verticals

Required Skills:

• 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)

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with AI-driven campaign tools (e.g., Performance Max, RSA optimization, Smart Bidding)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in paid search, with a proven track record in healthcare/pharma verticals. They will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $140,000 - $180,000 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible Time Off
• 13 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Continuous Learning and Development
• Referral Bonus
• Medical Concierge Service
• Thorough Onboarding
• 401k with company match
• Wellness Benefits

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

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level in the healthcare/pharma marketing space. The benefits package is designed to support a flexible work environment and employee well-being.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services, specializing in healthcare and science communications

Company Size: 201-500 employees

Founded: 2005 (as a merger of two agencies)

Company Description:

• Brace your brand. And your career. Spectrum Science is on another frequency all together.
• We’re a fully integrated strategic platform hyper-focused on science.
• We’re redefining partnership with a “one P&L” approach that lets us assemble the right team precisely when our clients need it.
• Our ecosystem of services include: Communications, Clinical Trial Experience, Advertising, Consulting, Media, and Medical Communications – each designed to provide the best solutions for our clients’ unique challenges.
• And not only do we have global presence—we have global resonance as the US partner and chair of Global Health Marketing & Communications (GHMC), the largest independent network of health and science communications agencies worldwide.

Company Specialties:

• Corporate & Employee Comm.
• Issues/Crisis Mngmt
• Digital Strategy
• Educational Campaigns
• Public Affairs
• Event Mngmt
• Public Speaking Training
• Thought Leadership
• and Sustainability Programs

Company Website: http://www.spectrumscience.com/

ASSUMPTION: Spectrum Science is a well-established agency with a strong focus on healthcare and science communications. Their unique approach to partnership and global presence makes them an attractive option for candidates seeking a dynamic work environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior-level, strategic role with significant team leadership responsibilities

Reporting Structure: The Director, Paid Search will report directly to the Head of Media or a similar role within the agency’s leadership team.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (remote-friendly, with offices in DC, New York, and Chicago)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a leadership role within the media department or the agency as a whole
• Opportunities to expand the paid search practice and take on additional responsibilities
• Chance to develop and mentor junior team members, fostering a culture of growth and learning

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand the paid search practice and take on additional leadership responsibilities within the agency.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (remote-friendly, with offices in DC, New York, and Chicago)

Office Location(s):

• 2001 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Second Floor, Washington, DC 20006, US
• 250 Vesey Street, Suite 2630, New York, NY 10281, US
• 675 Ponce de Leon Ave., Suite 223, Atlanta, GA 30308, US
• 71 S Wacker Dr, Suite 1820, Chicago, Illinois 60606, US

Geographic Context:

• The United States, with a focus on the East Coast and Midwest regions
• Offices located in major cities with access to public transportation and amenities

Work Schedule: Flexible, with core hours between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility for employees to work remotely or from one of the agency’s offices. The work schedule is designed to accommodate different time zones and promote work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
• Subsequent video interviews with the hiring manager and potential team members
• Final on-site or virtual interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Paid search expertise and strategic thinking
• Communication and presentation skills
• Team management and leadership abilities
• Cultural fit and alignment with agency 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 agency
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills
• Showcase your knowledge of the healthcare/pharma industry and relevant trends in paid search

ATS Keywords: Paid Search, SEM, Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, YouTube, Campaign Management, Data-Driven, Client-Focused, Budget Management, Cross-Functional Collaboration, HIPAA Compliance, Performance Insights, Team Leadership, AI Integration, Communication Skills, Stakeholder Management

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate’s paid search expertise, strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit. Demonstrating relevant industry knowledge and a strong portfolio will be beneficial.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Google Ads
• Microsoft Ads
• SA360
• YouTube
• Google Analytics
• Adobe Analytics
• SEMrush
• Kantar
• Comscore
• AI-driven campaign tools (e.g., Performance Max, RSA optimization, Smart Bidding)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with the listed tools and be comfortable learning new platforms as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Be Thinkful: Encourage innovation, spark creative solutions, and passionately share unique perspectives and ideas
• Be Curious: Foster a culture of continuous learning and growth
• Be Collaborative: Work together to achieve common goals and support one another’s success
• Be Accountable: Take ownership of your work and hold yourself and others to high standards
• Be Respectful: Treat everyone with kindness, empathy, and respect

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced, with a focus on results and performance
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration
• Flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to take on new challenges and learn new skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with Spectrum’s core values, particularly “Be Thinkful” and “Be Curious”?
• How do you approach working in a hybrid or remote-friendly environment, and what strategies do you use to maintain productivity and communication?
• How do you balance your work style with the agency’s collaborative and dynamic culture?

ASSUMPTION: Spectrum Science values candidates who embody their core values and can thrive in a dynamic, collaborative work environment. Assessing cultural fit is an essential part of the interview process.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple campaigns and teams simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and time management
• Keeping up with evolving SEM trends and industry best practices, necessitating continuous learning and adaptation
• Navigating the unique regulatory environment of the healthcare/pharma industry, requiring a strong understanding of HIPAA compliance and pharma/legal regulations
• Balancing strategic planning with hands-on campaign management, which may involve shifting priorities and workloads

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be comfortable with the challenges listed above and possess the skills and experience necessary to succeed in this role.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike other agency roles, this position requires a strong understanding of both HCP and DTC campaigns, as well as experience with healthcare audience tools
• This role offers significant growth potential and the opportunity to shape the paid search practice within the agency
• Compared to in-house roles, this position offers exposure to a wide range of clients and industries, as well as the chance to work with a diverse, cross-functional team

ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to other agency or in-house positions. Candidates should carefully consider their preferences and career goals when comparing this role to similar opportunities.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive paid search strategy for a new drug launch, targeting both HCP and DTC audiences
• Optimizing ad copy and bidding strategies for an existing campaign to improve CTR and reduce CPC
• Collaborating with the SEO team to create a cohesive search strategy that improves organic rankings and drives traffic to the client’s website

ASSUMPTION: The projects listed above are examples of the types of initiatives the Director, Paid Search might work on. The specific projects will vary depending on the client’s needs and the agency’s priorities.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the agency’s approach to paid search strategy and how this role fits into that framework?
• How does the agency support the professional development and growth of its team members?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the paid search team currently, and how is the agency addressing them?
• How does the agency collaborate with its clients to ensure campaigns align with brand goals and regulatory requirements?
• What is the agency’s approach to work-life balance and employee well-being, particularly in a hybrid work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the agency, and provides valuable insights into the work environment and team dynamics.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the provided link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant paid search experience and achievements
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions focusing on leadership, team management, and problem-solving skills
• Showcase your knowledge of the healthcare/pharma industry and relevant trends in paid search
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your initial application, expressing your continued interest in the role

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