Paid Search Acquisitions, VP

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Paid Search Acquisitions, VP

🔹 Company: Citi

🔹 Location: Wilmington, Delaware, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 21, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading operations and execution of Search Engine Marketing (SEM) campaigns for credit card and retail bank acquisitions
• Managing media, technical optimization, budgeting, testing, and reporting processes
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams, agency partners, and industry experts
• Identifying and supporting new marketing channel opportunities, process improvements, and channel expansion

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset with a strong focus on operational excellence and data-driven decision making.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead the technical account restructures and audit programs for efficiency

✅ Manage channel operations with line of business partners and ensure partner compliance to Citi terms and conditions

✅ Own channel reporting outputs, ensuring accuracy of measurement and providing practical insights and recommendations

✅ Lead the tracking, testing, and QA of all SEM campaigns for accuracy, functionality, and documentation

✅ Oversee end-to-end campaign management process, ensuring flawless execution

✅ Manage oversight of the SEM channel’s compliance operations, ensuring required targeting, creative, and modeling compliance approvals

✅ Collaborate with business partners to identify efficiencies and improve effectiveness through innovations in strategy, targeting, process, and new capabilities

✅ Partner with internal stakeholders and business planning teams on reporting, tracking, and forecasting to evaluate program performance and develop future strategies

✅ Apply critical thinking skills to identify and size new acquisition opportunities, assess customer impacts, and make new recommendations to drive business growth

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s/University degree, Master’s degree preferred

Experience: 6-10 years of business experience in development of marketing, product, or offer strategy and/or actively managing channel(s) to target prospects. Search marketing experience strongly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated knowledge of SEM ecosystem, best practices, and data-driven recommendations
• Understanding of channel tracking and measurement capabilities
• Analytic mindset and knowledge of test and learn best practices
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Effective communication, presentation, and influencing skills
• Strong proficiency with Excel and PowerPoint

Preferred Skills:

• Previous hands-on experience with SEM campaign execution
• Innovation experience originating new marketing channels, product launches, or complex projects
• Financial services industry experience

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant industry experience and a proven track record in SEM will be prioritized.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $103,200 - $154,800 per year

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Life, accident, and disability insurance
• Wellness programs
• Paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and company policy.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Financial Services

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: 1812, with a rich history and global presence

Company Description:

• Citi's mission is to serve as a trusted partner to our clients by responsibly providing financial services that enable growth and economic progress.
• The company's core activities include safeguarding assets, lending money, making payments, and accessing the capital markets on behalf of clients.
• Citi has 200 years of experience helping clients meet the world's toughest challenges and embrace its greatest opportunities.

Company Specialties:

• Banking
• Commercial Banking
• Investment Banking
• Wealth Management
• Credit Cards
• Capital Markets
• Equity and Fixed Income Research
• Consumer Lending
• Cash Management
• Transaction Services

Company Website: Citi

ASSUMPTION: Citi's extensive experience and global footprint provide a stable and diverse work environment with numerous growth opportunities.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Experienced (5-10 years of relevant experience)

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Head of Digital Channels and works closely with various internal and external stakeholders.

Work Arrangement: On-site, with potential for hybrid or remote work arrangements based on business needs and individual circumstances.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential career progression within the Digital Channels team or broader Citi organization
• Opportunities to lead and manage teams as the role evolves
• Chance to gain exposure to various aspects of the business, driving personal and professional development

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a clear path for career growth and development within a large, established organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Citi's Wilmington office is a modern, professional environment with collaborative workspaces and state-of-the-art technology.

Office Location(s): Wilmington, Delaware, United States

Geographic Context:

• Wilmington is the largest city in Delaware, located at the confluence of the Christina and Brandywine rivers.
• The city offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a cost of living slightly lower than nearby Philadelphia and Baltimore.
• Wilmington is home to a diverse range of industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for flexible hours based on business needs and individual arrangements.

ASSUMPTION: Wilmington offers a convenient location with easy access to major cities, a reasonable cost of living, and a diverse range of industries and cultural attractions.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• On-site or virtual interview with a panel of stakeholders
• Final round with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Technical knowledge of SEM and related tools
• Data analysis and interpretation skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
• Cultural fit and alignment with Citi's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and experience with SEM campaigns
• Research Citi's mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of the organization

ATS Keywords: Search Engine Marketing, SEM, Paid Search, Acquisition, Marketing Strategy, Channel Management, Data Analysis, Project Management, Communication, Attention to Detail, Problem Solving, Innovation, Compliance, Campaign Management, Strategic Planning, Team Leadership, Stakeholder Management, Budgeting, Testing, Reporting

ASSUMPTION: Citi's application process is designed to assess candidates' technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit for the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Google Ads (AdWords)
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, JIRA)
• Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard tools and platforms is essential for success in this role.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Client Centricity
• Responsibility
• Integrity
• Respect
• Collaboration
• Inclusion
• Diversity

Work Style:

• Data-driven and analytical approach
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic work environment

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you ensure that your marketing strategies align with Citi's client-centric approach?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you identified and capitalized on a new marketing opportunity, demonstrating your ability to innovate and drive business growth?
• How do you balance the need for detailed, accurate reporting with the ability to make data-driven decisions and recommendations in a timely manner?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong alignment with Citi's values and work style will be prioritized for this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Navigating a complex, matrixed organization with numerous stakeholders
• Keeping up with industry trends and best practices in search engine marketing
• Balancing the need for data-driven decision making with the ability to execute campaigns efficiently and effectively
• Working with external agency partners and vendors to ensure compliance with Citi's terms and conditions

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to face these challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on paid search acquisitions for credit card and retail bank products within a large financial institution.
• Compared to agency or in-house marketing roles, this position offers a broader scope of responsibilities and the opportunity to work with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Career progression in this role may lead to leadership positions within the Digital Channels team or broader Citi organization, rather than focusing on a specific marketing channel or product.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it aligns with their career goals and aspirations.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive SEM strategy for a new credit card product launch, including keyword research, ad creative development, and landing page optimization
• Conducting a thorough audit of an existing SEM campaign to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement, resulting in a 20% increase in conversion rates
• Leading a cross-functional team to develop and implement a new SEM tracking and reporting framework, enhancing data accuracy and insights for data-driven decision making

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to provide specific examples of their experience with SEM campaigns and their ability to drive results in a dynamic work environment.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the biggest challenges facing the SEM channel in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?
• How does this role collaborate with other teams within the Digital Channels organization, and what opportunities are there for cross-functional projects and initiatives?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how can I contribute to driving success in these areas?
• How does Citi support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the Digital Channels team?
• What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role, and how can I demonstrate these qualities throughout the interview process?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should use the interview process to assess the fit of the role and organization with their career goals and aspirations.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions, focusing on your problem-solving skills and experience with SEM campaigns
• Research Citi's mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of the organization
• 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.