📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: InVue SEM Strategist
🔹 Company: Hearst Newspapers
🔹 Location: Buffalo, New York, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full time
🔹 Category: Marketing & Advertising
🔹 Date Posted: June 30, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Intermediate (2-5 years)
🔹 Remote Status: Remote (Solely)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Strategizing and managing multiple agency search and display marketing campaigns
- Day-to-day management of PPC campaigns, including performance optimization, budget management, and campaign development
- Collaborating with colleagues to implement new strategies and improve current processes
- Acting as a go-to SEM resource for agency sales, staff, and clients
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of PPC and digital marketing, particularly in Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, as well as excellent communication and organizational skills.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Overseeing the strategy and performance of multiple agency search and display marketing campaigns
✅ Day-to-day management of PPC campaigns, including performance optimization, budget management, and campaign development in Google Ads and Microsoft Ads platforms
✅ Working with colleagues to implement new strategies and improve current processes
✅ Acting as a go-to SEM resource for agency sales, staff, and clients
✅ Performing quality assurance prior to launching campaigns
✅ Presenting weekly and/or monthly updates to agency clients and partners regarding performance, metrics, and trends
✅ Appropriately managing client budgets to ensure appropriate pacing in order to meet campaign goals
✅ Achieving stated campaign goals through appropriate budget allocation and optimization of campaigns in order to consistently deliver a strong return on investment for our clients
✅ Performing in-depth keyword research, strategic analysis, competitive assessment, ad production, and campaign development
✅ Recommending content and layout suggestions for websites to improve user experience and lead conversion
✅ Implementing and refining Google Ads and Google Analytics tracking using Google Tag Manager, including troubleshooting errors and setting up goal or eCommerce tracking
✅ Monitoring and implementing new and emerging trends in SEM, and helping to educate team members and clients on these trends
✅ Utilizing AI tools to assist with campaign management and daily optimizations
✅ Performing other related duties as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive approach to campaign management, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field
Experience: 2-5 years of experience in paid search engine marketing or a related field
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in paid search engine marketing and digital marketing
- Strong understanding of PPC and what it takes to drive results for a client
- Expertise in Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, their interfaces, requirements, and best practices
- Self-motivation, ability to multitask, and hold oneself accountable for work and associated deadlines
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to manage stress, perform well in fast-paced environments, and utilize available resources to maintain workload
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks and requests
- Proactive approach to work and consistently bringing new ideas to the table
- Desire and ability to learn and develop quickly
- Strong determination to go above and beyond to ensure clients surpass their competition
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager
- Knowledge of AI tools for campaign management
- Familiarity with emerging trends in SEM
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in digital marketing agencies or in-house marketing teams may be at an advantage for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year (Based on industry standards for intermediate SEM strategists in the Buffalo, NY area)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
- Tuition reimbursement
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST, with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Newspaper Publishing, with a strong focus on digital marketing services
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large network of resources while maintaining a local focus
Founded: 1887, with a rich history in journalism and a commitment to informing and engaging communities
Company Description:
- Hearst Newspapers (HNP) is a leading provider of local and regional news, with an unparalleled commitment to the communities it serves
- HNP encompasses more than 75 brands across a national network, including 50+ leading websites, 28 daily and 50 weekly publications, and innovative digital products and businesses
- HNP partners with thousands of local, regional, and national businesses, providing best-in-class advertising and marketing services each year
Company Specialties:
- Digital marketing services, including search engine marketing, social media marketing, and content marketing
- Newspaper publishing and digital news platforms
- Advertising and marketing solutions for businesses
Company Website: JoinHNP.com
ASSUMPTION: Working at HNP offers the opportunity to create your story and evolve the local news landscape while being part of a large, established organization.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the InVue Digital team and works closely with agency sales, staff, and clients
Work Arrangement: Remote (Solely), with the option to work from anywhere
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to senior or management roles within the InVue Digital team or broader Hearst organization
- Expanding skills and expertise in digital marketing and SEM
- Potential to work with a diverse range of clients across various industries
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and evolving industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Remote (Solely), with the option to work from anywhere
Office Location(s): While the InVue Digital team is headquartered in Buffalo, NY, employees are encouraged to work from wherever they please
Geographic Context:
- Buffalo, NY is located in western New York, with a population of approximately 258,000 people
- The city is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities
- Buffalo has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST, with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: Working remotely for this role allows for a flexible work-life balance and the opportunity to live and work from various locations.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
- In-depth interview with the InVue Digital team
- Final interview with the director of InVue Digital
Key Assessment Areas:
- Understanding of PPC and digital marketing strategies
- Communication and presentation skills
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Hearst's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills
- Research Hearst Newspapers and the InVue Digital team to demonstrate your interest and understanding of the organization
ATS Keywords: Paid Search Engine Marketing, PPC, Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Budget Management, Digital Marketing Performance Metrics, Keyword Research, Ad Production, Campaign Development, Google Analytics, Google Tag Manager, AI Tools, Communication Skills, Organizational Skills, Stress Management, Team Collaboration
ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, cultural fit, and ability to thrive in a remote work environment.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Google Ads and Microsoft Ads platforms
- Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager
- AI tools for campaign management and optimization
- Project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Slack)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity: Uphold the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our business
- Quality: Deliver exceptional products and services that exceed customer expectations
- Innovation: Foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement
- Collaboration: Work together to achieve common goals and drive success
- Accountability: Take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves and others accountable for results
Work Style:
- Self-motivated and proactive
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks
- Adaptability and willingness to learn and grow
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a passion for paid search engine marketing and digital marketing as a whole?
- Are you comfortable working remotely and collaborating with distributed teammates?
- Do you have strong verbal and written communication skills, and can you explain complex situations in an easy-to-understand manner?
- Are you able to manage stress, perform well in fast-paced environments, and utilize available resources to maintain your workload?
- Do you have a strong desire and ability to learn and develop quickly?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Hearst's values and work style are more likely to succeed and be satisfied in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple agency search and display marketing campaigns simultaneously
- Keeping up with emerging trends in SEM and digital marketing
- Working effectively in a remote environment with distributed teammates
- Balancing the needs and priorities of multiple clients and stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to campaign management.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other SEM strategist positions in its focus on agency search and display marketing campaigns, rather than in-house or client-side campaigns
- Industry-specific context: Newspaper publishing and digital marketing services
- Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and evolving industry
ASSUMPTION: Understanding the unique aspects of this role and its industry context is essential for making an informed career decision.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive SEM strategy for a new client, including keyword research, ad production, and campaign development
- Optimizing an existing PPC campaign to improve performance and reduce costs for a long-standing client
- Collaborating with the InVue Digital team to create and execute a successful Google Ads and Bing Ads campaign for a major retail client's holiday season
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this role and how they may vary depending on the client or campaign?
- How does the InVue Digital team collaborate and communicate with agency sales, staff, and clients to ensure consistent and effective campaign management?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the InVue Digital team and broader Hearst organization?
- How does the company support work-life balance and employee well-being, particularly for remote workers?
- What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of working in this role, according to current team members?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions can help you better understand the role, the team, and the company culture, enabling you to make a more informed decision about your application.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role, including specific examples of your SEM and digital marketing expertise
- Prepare a cover letter that explains your interest in this role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit for the position
- If applicable, prepare examples of your SEM campaign work or other relevant projects to showcase your skills and accomplishments
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
