📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Manager, SEM
🔹 Company: SeatGeek
🔹 Location: Remote - United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 28, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 7+ years (2+ years in SEM)
🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading SEM operations, including planning and rollout of campaigns and automation of workflows
- Collaborating with various teams to drive growth and improve performance targets
- Budget allocation based on business goals and real-time data inputs
- Prioritizing team work in line with business priorities
- Identifying and driving near-term opportunities and long-term initiatives
- Scaling wins and learnings quickly through tight feedback loops
- Formulating a clear roadmap for the SEM program
- Staying abreast of new ways of using SEM or new search usages
- Driving a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage and collaborate with multiple teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead SEM operations, including planning and rollout of campaigns and automation of workflows
✅ Collaborate with SEM, Engineering, Analytics, MOPs, and other teams to prioritize work and execute SEM program
✅ Allocate budget based on business goals and real-time data inputs, improving channel predictability and reactivity
✅ Identify and drive near-term opportunities and long-term initiatives to unlock large growth
✅ Scale wins and learnings quickly by tightening feedback loops between paid search strategy and automation engineering
✅ Accelerate collaboration between teams by embedding within each team’s workflows and leading discussions in public channels
✅ Formulate a clear roadmap for the SEM program, with clear timelines and learning objectives for each team member
✅ Stay abreast of new ways of using SEM or new search usages
✅ Drive a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement in the team and with SEM partners
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and team management, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple priorities.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Marketing, Business, or a quantitative discipline)
Experience: 7+ years of working experience, with at least 2+ years in SEM specifically
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in SEM, with a strong understanding of campaign planning, data analysis, and budget allocation
- Excellent team management and collaboration skills
- Strong analytical background, comfortable self-servicing reports and analyzing data directly
- Adaptability: can adjust ways of working as new tools and methods become available
- Creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to break down complex problems into actionable parts and explain solutions clearly
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with SEM automation tools and platforms
- Familiarity with predictive models and lifetime value bidding
- Knowledge of the ticketing industry or similar industries
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in SEM, proven leadership skills, and a data-driven approach will be most successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $125,000 - $180,000 USD per year. Actual compensation packages within that range are based on a wide array of factors unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, years and depth of experience, certifications, and specific location.
Benefits:
- Equity stake
- Flexible work environment, allowing you to work as many days a week in the office as you’d like or 100% remotely
- WFH stipend to support your home office setup
- Unlimited PTO
- Up to 16 weeks of fully-paid family leave
- 401(k) matching program
- Student loan support resources
- Health, vision, dental, and life insurance
- Up to $25k towards family building and reproductive health services
- Gender-affirming care support program
- $500 per year for wellness expenses
- Subscriptions to Headspace (meditation), Headspace Care (therapy), and One Medical
- $120 per month to spend on tickets to live events
- Annual subscription to Spotify, Apple Music, or Amazon Music
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible work arrangements
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a senior-level SEM role. The actual compensation package may vary based on the candidate's unique qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Software Development, focusing on ticketing and live entertainment
Company Size: 501-1,000 employees. This size allows for a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with opportunities for growth and innovation.
Founded: 2009. SeatGeek has since grown to become a leading mobile ticketing marketplace, transforming the way fans buy and sell tickets to their favorite live events.
Company Description:
- SeatGeek was built in 2009 as the only mobile ticketing marketplace created with fan experience top of mind
- The company aims to be a force for good in live entertainment by bringing a technology-first approach to the entire industry
- SeatGeek's acquisition of TopTix marks its entrance into the primary market, providing the premier primary ticketing solution on the market
Company Specialties:
- Tickets
- Internet and technology
- Data analysis
- Sports
- Entertainment
- Media
Company Website: http://seatgeek.com
ASSUMPTION: SeatGeek's focus on fan experience and technology-driven approach sets it apart in the ticketing industry, offering applicants a unique opportunity to grow and innovate.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level role, reporting directly to the VP of Growth
Reporting Structure: This role will lead a team of SEM, Engineering, Analytics, and MOPs professionals, collaborating with various teams to drive growth and improve performance targets
Work Arrangement: Remote OK, with a flexible work environment allowing for remote work or in-office work as preferred
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow within the marketing department or take on additional responsibilities as the company expands
- Opportunities to collaborate with various teams, gaining exposure to different aspects of the business
- Chance to work on high-impact projects that directly influence the company's growth and success
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential, as SeatGeek continues to expand its offerings and enter new markets.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Flexible work environment, with the option to work remotely or in the office
Office Location(s): Multiple locations, including New York, NY; Portland, OR; Manchester, GB; Ahihud, IL; New Castle, GB; Berlin, DE; Copenhagen, DK; Oradea, RO; Ivrea, IT
Geographic Context:
- SeatGeek's global presence allows for a diverse and inclusive work environment, with opportunities to collaborate with team members from various backgrounds and locations
- The company's focus on live entertainment provides unique opportunities to engage with fans and event organizers worldwide
- SeatGeek's commitment to fan experience and technology-driven approach creates a dynamic and innovative work environment
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and the option to work remotely
ASSUMPTION: SeatGeek's flexible work environment and global presence offer applicants the opportunity to work in a dynamic and inclusive setting, with the potential for international collaboration and growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the hiring manager or HR
- Technical assessment or case study
- Final interview with the VP of Growth
Key Assessment Areas:
- SEM expertise and strategic thinking
- Leadership and team management skills
- Analytical skills and data-driven approach
- Adaptability and creativity in problem-solving
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your SEM experience, leadership skills, and data-driven approach
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your experience in SEM, team management, and problem-solving
- Research SeatGeek's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit for the role and organization
ATS Keywords: SEM, campaign planning, data analysis, budget allocation, team collaboration, continuous improvement, automation engineering, analytics, engineering, people management, adaptability, operational excellence, growth strategy, testing roadmap, audience targeting
ASSUMPTION: SeatGeek's interview process focuses on assessing candidates' SEM expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit, with a strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making and strategic thinking.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SEM platforms (e.g., Google Ads, Bing Ads)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Excel)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
ASSUMPTION: SeatGeek uses industry-standard tools and platforms for SEM, data analysis, project management, and communication, with a focus on efficiency and collaboration.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Fan-first approach
- Technology-driven innovation
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Continuous learning and improvement
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Data-driven decision-making
- Strong emphasis on collaboration and teamwork
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How have you demonstrated a fan-first approach in your previous roles?
- Can you describe a time when you used data to drive a strategic decision in SEM?
- How have you adapted to new tools or methods in your previous roles, and how did you ensure your team was able to do the same?
ASSUMPTION: SeatGeek's company culture emphasizes fan experience, technology-driven innovation, and collaboration, with a strong focus on data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a remote team and ensuring effective collaboration across multiple time zones
- Balancing the need for strategic planning with the demands of day-to-day campaign management
- Keeping up with the latest trends and best practices in SEM, as well as new tools and platforms
- Navigating the unique dynamics of the live entertainment industry
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges related to remote team management, balancing strategic planning and day-to-day tasks, and staying current with industry trends and best practices.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike traditional marketing roles, this role requires a strong focus on SEM and data-driven decision-making
- Compared to other senior-level marketing roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to lead a team and drive growth in the live entertainment industry
- Career path for this role may include progression to a VP or Director of SEM, or transition to a broader marketing leadership role within the company
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of SEM expertise, leadership, and strategic thinking, with potential for growth and progression within the marketing department or the broader organization.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive SEM strategy to drive ticket sales for a major sporting event
- Optimizing campaign performance through A/B testing and data analysis, resulting in a 20% increase in conversion rates
- Leading a team to automate key workflows in the SEM process, improving efficiency and reducing manual effort by 50%
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, data-driven, and collaborative nature of the role, as well as the opportunity to drive meaningful impact on the company's growth and success.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does SeatGeek support the professional development and growth of its SEM team members?
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the SEM department, and how does this role fit into that structure?
- How does SeatGeek approach collaboration and communication across remote teams?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
- How does SeatGeek's focus on fan experience and technology-driven innovation translate into the day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
ASSUMPTION: These interview questions aim to provide insight into the role's day-to-day responsibilities, team dynamics, and the company's approach to professional development and growth.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your SEM experience, leadership skills, and data-driven approach
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that focus on your experience in SEM, team management, and problem-solving
- Research SeatGeek's company culture and values to demonstrate your fit for the role and organization
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR within one week of submitting your application, expressing your interest in the role and inquiring about the next steps in the interview process
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
