Associate Director, Paid Search

WHY DEPT®?

We are a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, we create what is next by pioneering ideas, acting fast, and moving further because standing still just is not in our DNA.

We are drawn to people who stay curious, move with intent, and never stop inventing. Our culture runs on three values: better together, relentlessly curious, and get sh*t done. It is how we work, how we grow, and how we make things that matter.

At DEPT®, you will find the freedom to explore, the space to collaborate, and the trust to make a real impact for our clients, for each other, and for the world we are helping to build.

THE ROLE:

As an Associate Director, you are a strategic paid search leader with a proven ability to manage complex SEM accounts from end to end. You excel at developing and executing paid search strategies, building and leading high-performing teams, and translating insights into clear, compelling roadmaps and client-ready presentations. Your leadership combines analytical rigor, creativity, and a strong commitment to performance excellence, ensuring both client success and sustainable growth.

As a trusted mentor and collaborator, the Associate Director fosters strong team cohesion and maximizes individual potential through hands-on coaching and thoughtful guidance. You take a deep-dive approach to onboarding and development, helping new team members quickly understand client priorities, business objectives, and technical best practices. In this role, you set the standard for paid search excellence—driving profitability, elevating strategic thinking, and empowering your team to consistently deliver outstanding results.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Lead channel-specific paid search strategy for complex, multichannel accounts, leveraging deep expertise in paid search, SA360, and DEPT’s broader service offerings to drive client growth across the funnel.
• Serve as the day-to-day paid search strategist for the largest and most complex paid media accounts, aligning tactics with client goals, attribution models, and spend levels.
• Own the paid search component of client roadmaps, ensuring strategic alignment with client priorities, performance goals, and cross-channel initiatives.
• Maintain accountability for paid search budget management, performance delivery, forecasting, and profitability, recommending strategic pivots when needed to meet or exceed KPIs.
• Establish, enforce, and evolve paid search processes and best practices, ensuring consistent use of tools such as Asana, Qontrol, and QA checklists across teams.
• Partner closely with Client Partners and activation teams to deliver cohesive paid search strategies, contribute and approve paid search content for key client deliverables, and provide strategic consultation throughout deck development.
• Act as the primary escalation point for paid search within your portfolio, resolving performance challenges, prioritization conflicts, and team coordination issues to ensure timely execution.
• Build, develop, and lead high-performing teams by overseeing onboarding, driving effective delegation, coaching people managers, and fostering inclusive, collaborative team environments.

WHAT YOU BRING:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in paid search advertising.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in client facing roles.
• Proven track record of managing successful paid search campaigns for enterprise-level accounts.
• Proficiency in paid search tools and technologies, including Google Ads, Bing Ads, and analytics platforms.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights.
• Experience leading and managing a team, with a focus on mentorship and professional development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with clients and internal teams.
• Ability to foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic paid search plans that align with client objectives and drive business growth.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions and client needs

WHAT DO WE OFFER?

We are a collaborative, open-door, best-idea-wins environment that fosters personal and company growth and has fun doing it. Here is a snapshot of our benefits package:

• Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401k plan, plus matching
• PTO
• Paid Company Holidays
• Parental Leave

WE SUPPORT YOU BEING YOU:

DEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is its best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process and workplace, regardless of anyone’s identity, background, beliefs, lifestyle or disabilities. So tell us about any accommodations you need. It’s totally confidential and only used to make sure you feel fully supported at every step.

DEPT® participates in E-Verify, meaning your Form I-9 information will be sent to the federal government to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.

We are a B Corp-certified company passionate about purpose-driven work. Our hope is that you can feel good about the contributions DEPT® is making to the world and we always have an open door for your ideas in making the world a better place.

DEPT® is a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, our 4,000+ specialists deliver growth invention across Brand & Media, Experience, Commerce, CRM, and Technology & Data. We’re 50|50 tech and marketing, partner-led, and first to move. Clients include Google, Lufthansa, Coach, eBay, and OpenAI.

Learn more about DEPT®

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine.

We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.

Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here .

#LI-Hybrid #LI-Remote

The anticipated salary range for this position is listed below. Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, expertise, physical location , and organizational impact. This is based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling. Keep in mind, we’re flexible.

US Remote Range

$100,000—$115,000 USD