SEM Analyst, Paid Search Activation

Citi is looking for a Paid Search Analyst to join the Paid Search Activation team within the U.S. Consumer Cards Paid Media group — one of the largest and most dynamic digital marketing operations in financial services. In this role, you will deliver accurate, compliant, and timely paid search campaigns across Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and SA360, forming a critical part of the SEM execution model that drives new card account acquisition at scale. This is a hands-on, detail-oriented position that builds deep platform knowledge and campaign management skills within a high-volume, highly regulated environment. Responsibilities Set up paid search campaigns in Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and SA360, configuring keywords, ad groups, and targeting parameters to meet campaign specifications. Traffic ad copy and implement campaign extensions, ensuring all creative assets are accurately deployed across platforms. Conduct quality checks on campaign builds to verify accuracy, completeness, and alignment with provided briefs and compliance requirements. Validate campaign components including URLs, budgets, and naming conventions to maintain consistency and meet regulatory standards. Monitor daily campaign pacing and spend levels, identifying and escalating discrepancies or delivery issues to senior team members promptly. Apply campaign tracking elements such as UTM parameters and support tracking implementation to ensure accurate performance measurement. Maintain campaign trackers, QA logs, and execution documentation to provide clear visibility into delivery progress across the team. Coordinate with Analytics, Technology, and Compliance teams to ensure campaigns are ready for launch on schedule. Required qualifications & skills 2 or more years of experience in digital marketing, advertising, or a closely related field. Bachelor's degree or equivalent university qualification. Demonstrated attention to detail with the ability to follow structured processes accurately and consistently. Organised approach to work with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. Analytical mindset with a practical approach to identifying and resolving problems as they arise. Comfortable working collaboratively within a team-oriented environment and contributing to shared delivery goals. Beneficial skills & qualifications Hands-on experience with Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, SA360, or comparable digital advertising platforms. Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets for tracking, reporting, and data organisation tasks. Familiarity with campaign tagging practices such as UTM parameters or similar tracking methodologies. Curiosity about paid search optimisation, automation tools, and evolving performance marketing techniques. What we offer Joining Citi's U.S. Consumer Cards Paid Media team means working at the centre of one of the most ambitious digital marketing transformations in the financial services industry. You will gain direct exposure to large-scale paid search operations, build technical platform expertise, and develop your career within a team that values precision, collaboration, and continuous improvement. A hybrid working model with 3 days in the office and 2 days working remotely, giving you flexibility alongside meaningful in-person collaboration. Structured onboarding and ongoing training to build proficiency in SEM platforms, campaign execution processes, and compliance requirements from day one. Clear career progression within a large, established paid media function, with exposure to senior analysts and managers who invest in your development. The opportunity to work on campaigns that reach millions of customers across a diverse portfolio of card products, giving your work real and measurable impact. Access to Citi's global network, wellbeing support programmes, and financial benefits designed to support you both professionally and personally. Apply today to build your paid search career at one of the world's leading financial institutions and contribute to campaigns that shape how millions of people discover and choose Citi's card products. ------------------------------------------------------ Job Family Group: Marketing ------------------------------------------------------ Job Family: Advertising, Branding and Media ------------------------------------------------------ Time Type: Full time ------------------------------------------------------ Primary Location: New York New York United States ------------------------------------------------------ Primary Location Full Time Salary Range: $64,350.00 - $85,520.00 In addition to salary, Citi’s offerings may also include, for eligible employees, discretionary and formulaic incentive and retention awards. Citi offers competitive employee benefits, including: medical, dental & vision coverage; 401(k); life, accident, and disability insurance; and wellness programs. Citi also offers paid time off packages, including planned time off (vacation), unplanned time off (sick leave), and paid holidays. For additional information regarding Citi employee benefits, please visit citibenefits.com. Available offerings may vary by jurisdiction, job level, and date of hire. ------------------------------------------------------ Most Relevant Skills Please see the requirements listed above. ------------------------------------------------------ Other Relevant Skills For complementary skills, please see above and/or contact the recruiter. ------------------------------------------------------ Anticipated Posting Close Date: Jul 09, 2026 ------------------------------------------------------ Citi is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a person with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to use our search tools and/or apply for a career opportunity review Accessibility at Citi. View Citi’s EEO Policy Statement and the Know Your Rights poster.