Sr. Strategist, Paid Search

As our Paid Search Media Strategist, you will support the creation, optimization, and reporting of paid search campaigns across the portfolio assigned to you. You will be the engine behind our accounts—conducting the research necessary to build campaigns, monitoring performance, running rigorous QA for launches and delivering optimization and insights that drive client growth. Key Responsibilities Campaign Creation & Launch: Build and launch comprehensive campaigns across search, Performance Max, Demand Gen, and more, ensuring best‑practice account structure, compelling ad copy, tailored keyword lists, and client‑specific targeting strategies. Deployment: Upload the campaigns to relevant platforms using tools like Google Editor, Google Ads, and Microsoft Ads. Quality Control: Execute rigorous QA on all campaigns before launch to guarantee accuracy and adherence to best practices. Optimization & Management Budgeting: Accurately forecast and pace monthly budgets. Routine Optimization: Manage daily health via SQR, negative keyword maintenance, bid adjustments, competitor monitoring, A/B testing. Auditing: Check campaign settings and performance for best practice adherence. Performance Management Daily Monitoring: Track performance metrics to meet benchmarks. Analysis and Reporting: Deliver results reporting with actionable insights and forward‑looking recommendations. Ad Hoc Requests & Cross‑Functional Communication Assist the account lead with ad hoc requests. Support process documentation, POVs, and product updates. Qualifications & Skills Required Experience & Education 2‑3 years of professional paid search experience. Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Advertising or equivalent work experience. Certifications: Google Ads Certification required; Google Analytics Certification a plus. Technical Competencies Platform Mastery: Mastery of Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Google Ads Editor. Data Analysis & Excel: Strong core Excel and data analysis skills. Analytical Mindset: Strong analytical skills and problem‑solving orientation. Communication & Soft Skills Communication: Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal skills. Presentation: Strong presentation skills. Project Management: Excellent organization and multi‑project management skills. Critical Thinking: Ability to think critically and propose data‑backed solutions. #LI-JK1 #LI-HYBRID Salary range: [$66,850 - $80,200] based on experience, location, etc. The pay range may be modified at any time. Benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401K, Lifestyle Spending Account, Employer‑Paid Life & Disability Insurance, Flexible Time off & Holidays, and more. Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization without requiring future visa sponsorship. MERGE is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity. MERGE believes in transparency and equity. In accordance with state regulations, we’re proud to include salary ranges in our job postings to ensure fair compensation practices. #J-18808-Ljbffr