Director, Paid Search

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, Paid Search

🔹 Company: Fusion92

🔹 Location: United States (Remote)

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: June 23, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in-office for IL & MI, fully remote for TX & CO)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading and managing end-to-end paid search strategy across multiple clients and verticals
• Serving as the senior strategic advisor for all things SEM, owning client relationships, results, and recommendations
• Managing and mentoring a team of SEM managers and specialists
• Overseeing campaign planning, execution, testing, and optimization to meet performance goals
• Collaborating cross-functionally with analytics, media, and client teams to deliver holistic media plans

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of paid search platforms and best practices.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead and manage end-to-end paid search strategy across multiple clients and verticals (Google Ads, Bing, Performance Max, YouTube, etc.)

✅ Serve as the senior strategic advisor for all things SEM—owning client relationships, results, and recommendations

✅ Manage and mentor a team of SEM managers and specialists, ensuring continual growth, learning, and performance

✅ Oversee campaign planning, execution, testing, and optimization to meet performance goals (ROAS, CPL, CPA, etc.)

✅ Oversee audience segmentation, keyword strategies, bid strategies, ad extensions, and ad copy testing

✅ Analyze performance metrics and partner with Analytics team to deliver monthly reporting with actionable insights tied to appointment bookings or lead generation

✅ Partner with cross-functional teams (Media, Analytics, Creative, Data Science) to deliver holistic media plans

✅ Stay ahead of trends in AI, automation, privacy changes, and Google/Bing ad platform innovations

✅ Lead quarterly business reviews and reporting presentations for key clients

✅ Partner with ad ops, analytics and client teams to implement and maintain offline conversion tracking from CRM systems and call tracking integrations

✅ Ensure SEM work integrates seamlessly into omnichannel strategies (including paid social, programmatic OLV/Display)

✅ Develop processes, playbooks, and best practices to scale SEM efforts efficiently and effectively

✅ Mentor a team of paid search managers and associates, ensuring strategy execution aligns with client goals and industry best practices

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a hands-on approach, with a balance between strategic thinking and day-to-day management of campaigns and team members.

🎯 Required Qualifications

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

Experience: 7+ years of hands-on experience in Paid Search, with 3+ years in a client-facing/leadership role

Required Skills:

• Proven success managing SEM budgets of $1M+ monthly across multiple accounts
• Deep understanding of campaign structures, keyword strategies, bidding models, ad copywriting, and platform tools
• Proficient in Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Search Ads 360, and analytics platforms (e.g. GA4)
• Hands-on experience with offline conversion tracking, including Google Ads Enhanced Conversions for Leads and CRM integrations
• Proven success optimizing CPL, CPA, and ROAS across multi-location or regulated service areas
• Strong communication and client presentation skills
• Ability to lead strategic conversations and influence stakeholders at all levels
• Agency experience strongly preferred; B2B and/or DTC exposure a plus
• Google Ads certification(s) preferred

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in healthcare marketing regulations (HIPAA and PHI)
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a proven track record in paid search, with a strong understanding of both strategic and tactical aspects of the role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 annually (based on experience and location)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Flexible work arrangements
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible hours and remote work options

ASSUMPTION: Salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a Director-level role in paid search, with consideration for the candidate's experience and location.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Marketing Services

Company Size: 201-500 employees

Founded: 1999

Company Description:

• Fusion92 is a marketing transformation partner that combines business consulting, data science, and marketing services to drive measurable impact for clients
• The company offers a range of services, including internet marketing, PPC, SEO, email marketing, web development, video production, and more
• Fusion92 is headquartered in Chicago with hubs in Detroit, Austin, and Denver

Company Specialties:

• Internet Marketing
• PPC
• SEO
• Email Marketing
• Web Development
• Video Production
• Social Media Marketing
• Integrated Campaigns
• Innovation
• Digital Media
• Data
• Technology
• Offline-to-Online solutions
• Full-Scale Creative
• Broadcast TV
• Web3
• Activation
• Strategy
• Marketing Transformation
• Performance Marketing
• Marketing Services
• Shopper Technology
• e-Comm Marketing
• Data Science
• AI
• Content Management
• Media Activation
• Conversion Rate Optimization
• Brand Strategy
• Integrated Communications Strategy
• Retail Marketing Solutions
• Managed Media Services
• Consulting
• Data Modeling
• Artificial Intelligence
• Digital Transformation
• Growth Consulting
• Content Management System
• Healthcare Marketing
• Finance Marketing
• Retail Marketing
• and Technology Marketing

Company Website: http://www.fusion92.com

ASSUMPTION: Fusion92's diverse range of services and expertise enables it to provide comprehensive marketing solutions for clients across various industries.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Director/Manager

Reporting Structure: This role will report directly to the SVP, Media & Activation and oversee a team of SEM managers and specialists

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days in-office for IL & MI, fully remote for TX & CO)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow into a senior leadership role within the media team or across the agency
• Opportunities to work on diverse client accounts and verticals
• Chance to mentor and develop junior team members

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand their leadership and strategic skills.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (2 days in-office for IL & MI, fully remote for TX & CO)

Office Location(s): Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Austin, TX; Denver, CO

Geographic Context:

• Chicago: A major city with a vibrant marketing industry, offering numerous networking opportunities and cultural attractions
• Detroit: A city with a strong automotive industry, providing unique marketing challenges and opportunities
• Austin & Denver: Both cities have thriving tech industries and offer a high quality of life

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible hours and remote work options

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
• Interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
• Final interview with the SVP, Media & Activation
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Paid search expertise and strategic thinking
• Leadership and mentoring skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with company values

Application Tips:

• Highlight your relevant paid search experience and achievements in your resume
• Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
• Prepare for interview questions by researching Fusion92's clients, services, and company culture

ATS Keywords: Paid Search, SEM Strategy, Google Ads, Bing Ads, Performance Max, YouTube Ads, Analytics, Client Management, Team Leadership, Campaign Optimization, Conversion Tracking, Ad Copywriting, Bidding Models, Audience Segmentation, Data Analysis, Communication

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's technical skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Google Ads
• Microsoft Ads
• Search Ads 360
• Google Analytics (GA4)
• CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Call tracking platforms (e.g., DialogTech, Invoca)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and platforms is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Curiosity: Fusion92 values employees who are curious and driven to learn and grow
• Fearlessness: The company encourages team members to take risks and challenge the status quo
• Teamwork: Collaboration and cross-functional partnerships are essential for success at Fusion92
• Leadership: Employees are expected to take ownership of their work and drive results

Work Style:

• Strategic: This role requires a strategic mindset and the ability to develop and execute long-term plans
• Data-driven: Decisions should be based on data and analytics to optimize performance
• Collaborative: Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential for success in this role

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of driving results through paid search strategies?
• Are you comfortable leading and mentoring a team of SEM managers and specialists?
• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and enjoy working with diverse clients and verticals?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Fusion92's core values and work style will be most successful in this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple client accounts and verticals may require strong organizational skills and time management
• Keeping up with trends in AI, automation, and platform innovations can be challenging and requires continuous learning
• Working with regulated industries (e.g., healthcare) may present unique challenges and require additional compliance considerations
• Balancing remote work and in-office collaboration may require strong communication and time management skills

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, continuous learning, and effective communication.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other paid search roles, this position offers a unique blend of strategic leadership and hands-on campaign management
• Fusion92's diverse range of services and clients provides opportunities to work on a wide variety of projects and verticals
• This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand their leadership and strategic skills

ASSUMPTION: This role stands out due to its unique blend of strategic and tactical responsibilities, as well as the diverse range of clients and projects offered by Fusion92.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive paid search strategy for a multi-location healthcare client, focusing on appointment bookings and lead generation
• Optimizing a B2B client's CPL and CPA across multiple verticals, utilizing advanced bidding models and audience segmentation
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver a holistic media plan for a retail client, integrating paid search with other channels (e.g., paid social, programmatic OLV/Display)

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and opportunities offered by this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the media team?
• How does Fusion92 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 Fusion92 approach work-life balance and employee well-being?
• What are the most rewarding aspects of working at Fusion92, according to current employees?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help candidates better understand the role, team dynamics, and company culture.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant paid search experience and achievements
• Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
• Prepare for interview questions by researching Fusion92's clients, services, and company culture
• Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

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