Sr. Associate, Paid Search

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Sr. Associate, Paid Search

🔹 Company: IPG Mediabrands

🔹 Location: New York, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: July 17, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and optimizing paid search campaigns for clients
• Mentoring junior team members on campaign development and optimization
• Analyzing and reporting on campaign performance to improve overall performance
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to support strategic initiatives
• Proactively managing client relationships and leading status meetings with vendors

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the SEM industry, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

📋 Key Responsibilities

Campaign Management:

• Develop, optimize, and maintain paid search campaigns for clients
• Analyze and report on campaign performance on a weekly/bi-weekly/monthly basis
• Proactively optimize campaigns to improve overall performance against pre-determined benchmarks

Team Leadership & Mentoring:

• Mentor junior team members on pacing, optimization, and campaign development
• Support the team leadership and contribute to higher-level strategic initiatives

Client Relationship Management:

• Responsible for leading status meetings with vendors, including proactive optimization efforts and troubleshooting communications
• Maintain and optimize client campaigns to improve overall performance against pre-determined benchmarks on an ongoing basis

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: No specific degree required, but a relevant field of study is preferred

Experience: 2-5 years of experience in paid search, with a proven track record of success

Required Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of Microsoft Excel
• Strong working understanding of the SEM industry, including major players and supporting technology (bid management tools (SA360, Marin/Kenshoo), AdWords, and Microsoft Ads)
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Excellent quantitative and qualitative analysis skills
• Strong process-oriented mindset with excellent time management skills
• Proven ability to understand high-level client goals and translate them into media strategy
• Expert ability in keyword research, ad copywriting, landing page optimization, and bid management

Preferred Skills:

• Ample experience in SEM/PPC experience, preferably with agencies, including experience in social media, web analytics, and SEO
• Experience working on enterprise-level PPC accounts with large budgets
• Technical background (conversion tagging, FTP, HTML, etc.)

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the SEM industry, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000 USD per year

Benefits:

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• 401(k) Plans
• Flex Spending
• Life Insurance
• Disability
• Employee Discount Program
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Paid Family Benefits
• Discretionary Time Off
• Company-wide Appreciation Weeks
• Wellness Days

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

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for a mid-level paid search role in the New York area. Benefits are competitive and include a range of health and wellness benefits, as well as discretionary time off and company-wide appreciation weeks.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services

Company Size: 10,001+ employees

Founded: 1961 (as Interpublic Group)

Company Description:

• IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG)
• Manages over $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients
• Offers a wide range of services, including media planning and buying, digital media, branded content, and more
• Clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from various industry sectors
• Employs over 18,000 diverse marketing communication professionals in more than 130 countries

Company Specialties:

• Media Planning & Buying
• Automation & Programmatic
• Digital Media
• Branded Content
• Media Barter
• Online, Mobile, and Social Media Marketing
• Sponsorship and Sports Marketing
• ROI and Consumer Research
• Hyper-Local and Multicultural Marketing
• Out-Of-Home Advertising

Company Website: www.ipgmediabrands.com

ASSUMPTION: IPG Mediabrands is a large, global advertising agency with a diverse range of clients and services. This role offers the opportunity to work with high-profile brands and gain experience in various aspects of the advertising industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level (2-5 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the team leadership and may have supervisory responsibilities for junior team members

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time (40 hours per week)

Growth Opportunities:

• Proven track record of success in this role may lead to advancement to a management or senior-level position
• Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and gain experience with diverse clients
• Access to professional development and training opportunities through IPG Mediabrands

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to advance within the company and gain experience working with high-profile clients.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office

Office Location(s): New York, NY

Geographic Context:

• New York City is a major global hub for the advertising and marketing industry
• Offers a diverse range of cultural, entertainment, and dining options
• Has a competitive job market with many advertising and marketing agencies

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a one-hour lunch break)

ASSUMPTION: Working in New York City offers unique opportunities to network and gain experience in the advertising industry, but also comes with a competitive job market and higher cost of living.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-depth behavioral and technical interviews with the team
• Final interview with the team lead or director

Key Assessment Areas:

• Technical skills in paid search and optimization
• Communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving and analytical skills
• Cultural fit and team dynamics

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to work in a team environment
• Demonstrate your understanding of the SEM industry and relevant trends

ATS Keywords: Paid Search, SEM, PPC, Optimization, Campaign Development, Client Management, Team Leadership, Microsoft Excel, Bid Management, Ad Copywriting, Landing Page Optimization

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's technical skills, communication abilities, and cultural fit within the team. Demonstrating a strong understanding of the SEM industry and relevant trends will be crucial for success.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Excel
• Bid management tools (SA360, Marin/Kenshoo)
• AdWords and Microsoft Ads
• Google Analytics
• Tag management tools (e.g., Google Tag Manager)
• HTML and FTP

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is essential for success in this role. Candidates should have a strong working understanding of each tool and be able to use them effectively to manage paid search campaigns.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Excellence

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Frequent interaction with high-profile clients

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you handle working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you had to collaborate with a team to achieve a common goal?
• How do you approach learning new tools and technologies to improve your skills?

ASSUMPTION: IPG Mediabrands values candidates who are innovative, collaborative, and committed to delivering excellence. Successful candidates will be able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment and demonstrate strong teamwork and communication skills.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple campaigns and tasks simultaneously can be challenging and stressful
• Working with high-profile clients may require additional attention to detail and communication
• Keeping up with industry trends and new tools may require continuous learning and adaptation
• The competitive job market in New York City may present challenges in finding and retaining top talent

ASSUMPTION: While this role offers many opportunities for growth and development, it also presents unique challenges that candidates should be prepared to face.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other mid-level paid search roles, this position may offer more opportunities to work with high-profile clients and gain experience in a large agency setting
• However, the role may also come with increased pressure and expectations due to the high-profile nature of the clients
• Career progression may be more competitive in a larger agency, but there may also be more opportunities for advancement and growth

ASSUMPTION: When comparing this role to similar positions, candidates should consider the unique opportunities and challenges that come with working in a large agency setting with high-profile clients.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive optimization strategy for a large e-commerce client's paid search campaigns
• Collaborating with the creative team to A/B test ad copy and landing pages to improve conversion rates
• Analyzing and reporting on the performance of a global brand's paid search campaigns across multiple regions

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and opportunities that may be available to the right candidate in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits into the broader organization?
• What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the most important qualities you look for in a candidate for this role?
• How does the company approach work-life balance for its employees?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and allows you to gain a better understanding of the company culture and expectations.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the following link: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/mediabrands/jobs/4791257007
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences for this role
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills and ability to work in a team environment
• Demonstrate your understanding of the SEM industry and relevant trends
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the position

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