Associate Director, Paid Search

At Real Chemistry, making the world a healthier place isn't just an aspiration-it's our everyday reality. Our drive to transform healthcare is informed by our blend of deep scientific expertise, human-centred creativity, and AI-driven insights, fostering a unique environment where innovation thrives and our people are impact-obsessed. As a global agency, we provide a full suite of services across healthcare communications and marketing to our clients, including top players in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.

Our #LifeatRealChem culture is rooted in our people-we believe we are best together and are committed to excellence for both our clients and colleagues. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, if you share our passion for healthcare and connection, we invite you to explore our opportunities.

Discover your purpose. Embrace innovation. Experience #LifeatRealChem.

Job Summary


Detail-oriented, hands-on Associate Director, Paid Search to help drive the execution and performance of paid search campaigns across our portfolio of pharmaceutical clients. In this role, you will take ownership of day-to-day campaign management, optimization, and reporting, while leading a small team and collaborating with internal teams to ensure flawless delivery. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about search marketing, thrives in the weeds of platform execution, and wants to make a tangible impact on strategy & performance.


This is a hybrid role, based in any of our US offices-including Boston, Chicago, Carmel, or Lambertville-or remotely within the US, depending on team and business needs.


What you'll do:

• Lead a team of Managers that own day-to-day management of paid search campaigns across Google Ads & Microsoft Ads
• Build and refine keyword strategies, ad copy, bidding approaches, and audience targeting to meet performance goals
• Help monitor budget pacing and performance across accounts to ensure efficient spend and delivery
• Analyze campaign data regularly to identify optimization opportunities, address underperformance, and implement tactical improvements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (media, analytics, client services) to ensure seamless campaign planning and execution
• Support the creation of test-and-learn strategies to improve performance and unlock new insights
• Assist with client deliverables, including performance reporting, POVs on platform updates, and tactical recommendations
• Stay current with SEM trends, platform features, and industry best practices

This position is a perfect fit for you if:

• Our Company values, Best Together, Impact Obsessed, Excellence Expected, Evolve Always, and Accountability with an "I" , genuinely resonate with how you work and lead.
• You demonstrate the Real Chemistry Can mindset by approaching challenges with optimism, accountability, creativity, and a solutions-oriented attitude, always looking for ways to make a meaningful impact for our clients, colleagues, and communities.
• You are adaptable, resilient, and comfortable adjusting your scope, responsibilities, and priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment. As our business grows and changes, so do we.
• You are proactive, driven, and resourceful, with strong prioritization skills, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to leverage data to inform decisions and drive outcomes.
• You are energized by innovation and the transformative potential of AI, actively exploring new technologies, identifying opportunities to work smarter, and championing practical, responsible AI adoption that drives meaningful business impact.

What you should have:

• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• 6+ years experience in search engine marketing (SEM), including hands-on experience with Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and associated tools (e.g., SA360, Google Ads Editor)
• 2+ years of people management experience
• Pharmaceutical Industry experience is Required
• Deep understanding of SEM tactics, campaign structure, keyword research, bid strategies, audience segmentation, and testing frameworks
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, foster collaboration, and build scalable processes
• Advanced proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite
• Strong analytical mindset and creative problem-solving skills
• Desire to continually learn, improve, and grow within the media buying industry
• Ability to self-manage under deadlines
• Demonstrates professional verbal and written communication skills

Pay Range: $100,000 - $120,000

The anticipated salary range for this position is listed above. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on job-related, non-discriminatory factors including but not limited to experience, skills, qualifications, geographic location, and internal parity.


In addition to base salary, Real Chemistry offers a comprehensive benefits package and a variety of programs designed to support our employees' well-being, growth, and success.


Real Chemistry reserves the right to update compensation and benefits programs at any time.


Real Chemistry is proud to be Great Place to Work® certified; check out what our people shared about our culture and workplace on our Great Places to Work Profile here.

We believe we can do our best when feeling our best, which is why we've put together a benefits program designed to give you the support you and your family need at every stage of life. Real Chemistry offers a comprehensive benefit program and perks, tailored to your region. Globally, this includes offices in our key markets with free snacks to keep you running all day long, generous holiday and paid time off, options for private medical, dental, and vison plans, and support in saving for the future. Other perks include mental wellness coaching and support and access to more than 13,000 online classes with LinkedIn Learning. Learn more about our great benefits and perks and search specific offerings in your region at:

At Real Chemistry, we believe we're at our best when we're connected. Our Real Hybrid and Regional Teams (Real HART) approach is designed to foster collaboration, learning, innovation, and meaningful relationships while providing flexibility where appropriate. Because our workforce spans multiple countries, regions, and client needs, work arrangements may vary by role and location. Some positions offer hybrid or remote flexibility, while others require regular in-office presence. For example, certain teams and regions, including some of our UK operations, have office-based requirements. Your recruiter will discuss the specific expectations for the role you're pursuing during the interview process and keep you informed throughout the hiring journey. For employees located within a one-hour commute of a Real Chemistry office, we require in-person attendance two days per week, either from a Real Chemistry office or when working onsite with clients. Employees in regions without a nearby office may work remotely and come together throughout the year for collaboration, culture-building, learning, and team connection opportunities. While these guidelines reflect our current workplace model, we understand that everyone's circumstances are unique. If you require additional flexibility, we welcome an open conversation with your recruiter and our HR team to discuss your needs and determine what may be possible.

Real Chemistry is an Equal Opportunity employer. We continually strive to build and sustain an inclusive and equitable work environment where our employees feel empowered to leverage all they bring from their personal lived experience and professional expertise, to make our team the best in the industry. We encourage motivated and qualified applicants to apply without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, ethnic or national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local employment discrimination laws where Real Chemistry operates. Should you require accommodations throughout the interview process please let your recruiter know.

*Notice: Real Chemistry and its affiliates' names are being misused by scammers through messaging services, fake websites, and apps. Do not share personal or financial information or make payments to any unverified sources claiming to be connected to Real Chemistry. We are working to stop these unauthorized activities and protect our community. Read more here.