Director, Paid Search

Director, Search (SEM)

Canvas Worldwide dares to be the challenger the ad industry needs. Do you "Challenge the Comfortable?" Then you'll fit right in here at Canvas.

Recognized as one of Ad Age's "Best Places to Work" for three consecutive years, Canvas Worldwide is an independent media agency committed to providing creative solutions for brands that challenge the status quo. Our clients include Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, MGM, Zillow and McDonald's (to name a few…).

Our agency cultivates an environment where all are welcome to push outside their comfort zones to solve problems in new ways. We encourage the team to be its best by creating the most positive workplace experience for all. For instance, we outpace the industry on diversity and inclusion AND offer continuous training and workshops for career development. So, if you dare to challenge the comfortable… then keep reading.

Overview

As Director, Search (SEM), you will own the strategic direction, performance outcomes, and operational excellence of paid search for one of our top clients. You will lead the evolution of search across traditional engines, emerging AI/LLM environments, and social search. This role combines deep platform expertise and leadership of a high‑performing team.

You will serve as the senior client lead for search, partnering closely with Strategy, Analytics, Data Science and other channel leaders to shape integrated media strategy and measurement. You will also collaborate with the VP of Search to influence the broader practice's roadmap, innovation agenda, and operational standards.

Responsibilities

Own performance outcomes, budget stewardship, and client satisfaction for your accounts.

Translate business objectives into search strategies that ladder into the broader media plan and marketplace dynamics.

Craft executive‑ready narratives grounded in data, connecting performance to business impact and identifying opportunities to scale, refine, or reallocate spend.

Partner with cross‑channel leads to ensure integrated planning, shared learning, and cohesive client storytelling.

Collaborate with Analytics and Strategy teams on forecasting and scenario planning to guide investment decisions.

Drive specialized initiatives in automation and generative AI for workflow optimization to improve efficiency and performance.

Stay ahead of search, AI, and privacy‑driven measurement changes; translate implications into actionable guidance for clients and internal teams.

Lead, coach, and develop a team of search practitioners, fostering a culture of curiosity, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Set clear expectations and growth plans for team members.

Guide agendas for key partner meetings and executive presentations.

Advise clients and teams on how machine learning, automation, and generative AI can enhance search performance.

Demonstrate mastery of Search and Performance Max as well as how these products within with the partner tech stack and media ecosystem.

Partner with Analytics and Data Science on measurement frameworks including incrementality, conversion modeling, MMM/MTA, and privacy‑safe attribution.

Uphold best practices standards across bidding automation, testing frameworks, QA and knowledge-sharing processes.

Evaluate and manage platform partners, tools, and vendors to ensure best‑in‑class execution.

Qualifications

Proven track record of success in growing and advancing search strategy in previous roles

Ability to present and sell strategies/plans through to the client

Strong knowledge of Search partners and bidding technology, knowledge of Search Ads 360 is a plus

Working knowledge of SEO and AEO/GEO concepts

Must have the ability to synthesize data into actionable insights and next steps

Experience managing large media budgets and achieving monthly goals for spend and key performance metrics

Automotive vertical experience is a plus

7+ years of Paid Search experience

3+ years of managing teams of 3+ members

$140,000 - $150,000 a year

Salary and Benefits

Actual base salary is determined upon factors such as experience, qualifications, training, certifications, and internal equity. The Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Base salary is part of a total rewards package that includes highly competitive benefits like generous medical, dental, vision, pet insurance, commuter benefits, disability and life insurance coverage, 401(k) matching, up to 14 holidays per year, a "Do Good Day," and unlimited PTO.

Additional perks include employee social and wellness events, a DEI Council, auto purchase rebate program, monthly wellness allowance, and in-office amenities such as fresh kombucha and an in-house barista inside our beautiful, new vibrant El Segundo office.

In-Office Work Schedule

This is a hybrid role, requiring a minimum of 3 days in-office per week.

Canvas Worldwide is an Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

CA Applicants: Canvas Worldwide practices Fair Chance Hiring