Associate Director, Paid Search

Stamford, CT (Hybrid)

$100K/yr – $120K/yrSenior Level5+ years expFull time

Posted 5 weeks ago

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Job Summary

Own paid search program leadership and team execution across SEM and platform partnerships, driving ongoing optimization while modernizing workflows and governance.

  • Own the SEM strategy, team coaching, and end to end optimization across search and social channels.
  • Lead platform relationships and stay ahead of product updates to keep campaigns innovative and cost efficient.
  • Streamline paid media processes with new procedures and governance to improve throughput and quality.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Lead the Paid Search team and oversee the strategy, execution, and optimization of all SEM campaigns.
  • Manage the end-to-end campaign process, including setup, activation, performance monitoring, and ongoing optimization.
  • Cultivate strong relationships with platform partners and stay informed on emerging product updates, industry trends, and best practices to ensure the team’s offerings remain innovative, competitive, and aligned with client goals.
  • 50%: Manage a team of paid media specialists to support execution and troubleshooting of search and social campaigns.
  • Create and implement new procedures to streamline paid media processes.
  • 20%: Manage platform relationships, product updates, and operational processes.
  • 10%: Manage day-to-day search marketing and social campaigns across multiple platforms, including Google and Bing. Manage bids and budgets across campaign flights to ensure cost efficiency and fulfillment. Compile keyword lists and generate/edit ad copy and ad groups.
  • 10%: Perform quality control on trafficking creative assets and ad tags using third-party ad server tools.
  • 10%: Leverage technology platforms to provide specialized reporting and strategic recommendations. Stay current on platform changes, new channels, competitive landscape, and industry best practices. Collaborate across digital departments to strategically position paid search and within the broader media mix and define tactical plans to support client needs.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent relevant work experience).
  • Experience: - Minimum 5-6 years of proven experience in paid search, with demonstrated success collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop integrated digital strategies. - Minimum 3+ years of experience in people management.
  • Outstanding leadership skills suited to a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
  • Experience coaching and leading others and implementing procedures to streamline internal processes.
  • Specific Knowledge, Skills, Certifications and Abilities: - Strong proficiency working with industry tools including Google Ads, Bing Ads and Google Analytics. - Experience in pixel/tag implementation for campaign setup, attribution and troubleshooting. - Up to date with the latest trends and best practices in paid search. - Self-driven multitasker comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong professionalism, and exceptional attention to detail. - Polished presence and presentation skills. - Strong analytical, organizational, project management, and time management skills.
  • % Travel Required ( Approximate ): Less than 10%

Benefits

  • including medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage
  • unlimited paid time off (PTO)
  • adoption or surrogate assistance
  • donation matching
  • tuition reimbursement
  • basic life insurance
  • basic accidental death & dismemberment
  • supplemental life insurance
  • supplemental accident insurance
  • commuter benefits
Dotdash Meredith logo

Dotdash Meredith

3.7 Glassdoor

Dotdash Meredith is America’s largest digital and print publisher. Our 40+ iconic and fast-growing brands harness the best intent-driven content, the fastest sites, and the fewest ads to help nearly 200 million people every month, including 95% of US women, make decisions, take action, and find inspiration. Dotdash Meredith brands include PEOPLE, Better Homes & Gardens, Verywell, FOOD & WINE, The Spruce, Allrecipes, Byrdie, REAL SIMPLE, Investopedia, Southern Living and more. Dotdash Meredith is based in New York City and is an operating business of IAC (NASDAQ: IAC).

Founded in 2021
New York, New York, USA
1.5K employees (678 in marketing)
68% recommend to a friend
60% CEO approval

Traffic Signals

Monthly Visitors
50.1K
Traffic Source Mix
Search
19%
Direct
60.5%
Referral
17.3%
Social
2.6%
Paid
0.5%

Headcount Trend

Current headcount: ~1.5K

Marketing Team

Marketing Team Size
535 (35% of company)
Median Career Experience
15 years
Median Tenure
4.7 years
Marketing Roles Posted (Last 30 Days)
11

Funding

Total Funding
$400M
Last Raise
$400M
Debt Financing, 9 months ago

Funding History

  • Jun 2025
    Debt Financing • $400M

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