Sr. Search Strategist

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USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should be completing an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers via Dayforce. Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid. If you are a California resident, you acknowledge that by applying for a job with us, this California Job Applicant Privacy Notice will apply to our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. To connect with us, visit

Are you a paid search expert who loves turning campaign data into strategies that drive measurable results?

We’re looking for a Senior Paid Search Strategist to lead strategy for some of our largest National, Enterprise, and Multi-Location clients. You’ll serve as a trusted advisor, analyzing campaign performance, uncovering opportunities, and developing recommendations that help clients maximize their digital advertising investment.

This is an individual contributor role with significant visibility and influence. You’ll partner closely with Client Success, Sales, Data Science, and other digital teams while playing a key role in both existing client strategy and new business opportunities.

What You’ll Do

• Develop and execute SEM/PPC strategies aligned with client goals and KPIs.
• Analyze campaign performance and identify opportunities to improve ROI, conversions, and overall account performance.
• Optimize campaigns across Google Ads and other paid advertising platforms, including budget, bidding, keywords, targeting, ad copy, and Shopping campaigns.
• Turn complex performance data into clear, actionable recommendations and compelling client stories.
• Lead strategic client conversations, including performance reviews and optimization recommendations.
• Partner with Client Success, Sales, Data Science, Creative, and other teams to implement strategies and improve results.
• Support new business opportunities by contributing paid search expertise to proposals, RFPs, and pre-sales recommendations.
• Stay ahead of paid search trends, platform changes, automation, and emerging digital advertising strategies.

What You Bring

• 5+ years of hands-on SEM/PPC experience , including building and optimizing campaigns from the ground up.
• Advanced knowledge of Google Ads , paid search strategy, bidding, budgeting, keyword strategy, and campaign optimization.
• Experience with Shopping campaigns and familiarity with platforms such as Amazon and Yelp.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with Google Analytics, Looker Studio or similar reporting tools, and Excel .
• Ability to translate data into meaningful insights and strategic recommendations.
• Strong client-facing communication and presentation skills.
• Experience managing complex or large-scale accounts in an agency or fast-paced digital environment.
• A collaborative mindset and a passion for solving challenging performance problems.

#LI-REMOTE
#LOCALiQ
#LI-LL

The annualized base salary for this role will be $70 000,00 - $85,000.00. Variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, location, and union representation, if applicable.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at View email address on aiapply.co. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.