Optimization Strategist, Executive Accounts (Social and Display)

Optimization Strategist, Executive Accounts (Social and Display) United States Job Description 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 and local media organizations, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium‑sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. The Optimization Strategist will work in a pod structure with Account Managers to support our largest clients, providing strategic insights and recommendations for Paid Social and Display campaigns. While Account Managers manage client‑facing communication, the Optimization Strategist is the primary day‑to‑day campaign manager, optimizer, and reporter, analyzing campaign performance data to continually refine targeting, audience segments, ad creative, and placements, delivering results through data‑driven insights. This role requires direct management of social and ad operation marketing platforms and partnership with Account Management teams on overall client strategies and KPIs. Position Responsibilities Monitor, evaluate, and use digital marketing knowledge to manage campaign performance and identify actionable improvement opportunities. Troubleshoot and resolve performance issues using best practices while developing new, innovative solutions. Develop and advise on technical marketing strategies by understanding client business goals, assessing feasibility, and identifying advertising opportunities. Build rapport with internal partners, including digital and marketing staff such as Account Managers, Sales Representatives, Ad Operations, and design teams. Incorporate evolving technologies and processes into client solution delivery. Analyze data, use it to inform optimization strategies, and tell a story to explain performance drivers. Manage specific KPIs for the individual, assigned customers, and the greater Gannett business. Collaborate with designers to optimize creative for maximum view‑through and click‑through results. Proactively seek expansion and optimization opportunities and stay current on channel landscapes. Key Skills Strong technical expertise with creative best practices, social platform algorithms, audience tools, and management platforms. Data analysis skills, ability to interpret complex data and draw actionable insights; strong Excel skills required. Exceptional communication skills to collaborate across teams and present findings to non‑technical stakeholders. Ability to work independently and in fast‑paced environments, managing multiple tasks and meeting SLAs. Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, or related field. 3+ years of hands‑on experience optimizing online/digital advertising campaigns. 2+ years of analytics/reporting experience. Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Advanced knowledge of paid social channels (Meta, YouTube, Snapchat, TikTok) and display. Ability to use data to inform decisions and deliver measurable ROI. Salary Annualized base salary: $45,000.00 - $55,000.00. Variable compensation may apply. EEO Statement 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 click.appcast.io. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission. #J-18808-Ljbffr