Director, Paid Search

Director Of Search Marketing

As the Director of Search Marketing at Razorfish, you will spearhead the development of innovative search strategies that align with client goals and elevate our agency's stature as an inspiring leader in digital marketing. This position emphasizes overseeing all search operations, encouraging collaboration across teams, and fully embracing new technologies, including AI, to optimize campaign performance. You will develop strategic frameworks, deliver insightful analytics, and guide the search team to achieve excellence while ensuring that standard methodologies are integrated across all initiatives.

Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight: Lead comprehensive search strategies that align with client objectives, integrating efforts across various digital marketing services as well as AI and emerging technologies to drive superior business performance.

Performance Management: Monitor and analyze campaign performance, provide strategic insights and recommendations to enhance return on investment and effectiveness.

Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with risk management and quality assurance protocols using RACI documentation to maintain campaign integrity.

Innovation Leadership: Foster a culture of experimentation and innovation, encouraging teams to develop "Next Practice" standards in search marketing.

Strategy Development: Guide the creation of strategic plans and testing frameworks that reflect the industry's standards and drive client success.

Trend Analysis: Stay abreast of digital marketing trends and developments, contributing valuable thought leadership through articles and actionable insights.

Client Relationship Development: Cultivate strong relationships with key clients, providing tailored solutions that drive business growth and satisfaction.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with media, creative, and analytics teams to ensure cohesive and integrated strategies across all marketing channels.

Business Development: Identify growth opportunities within existing accounts, collaborating with senior leadership to craft strategic proposals for expansion.

Team Development: Manage and mentor a team of 5-10 Search Supervisors and Managers, providing guidance and support for their professional growth.

High-Performing Culture: Create a collaborative and high-energy environment that emphasizes accountability and excellence in client service.

Training Facilitation: Lead internal training initiatives to enhance the team's search and overall digital marketing capabilities and promote continuous learning.

Agency Leadership Contribution: Actively participate in management training and cross-departmental initiatives to align objectives and enhance overall service offerings.

Qualifications

7+ years of experience in Search Engine Marketing (SEM) with a proven track record of successful strategy execution and results. Demonstrated experience developing, managing, and optimizing app campaigns across Google Ads and Apple Ads, with a strong understanding of app campaign strategy, app install and in-app conversion measurement and attribution, is a strong plus. 3+ years of supervisory experience, demonstrating effective team management, mentorship, and leadership. Advanced hands-on knowledge of Search Ads 360 (SA360), Google Ads, Google Shopping, and Performance Max, including campaign architecture, bidding, budget management, optimization, troubleshooting, and measurement. Connect paid search strategy to the full retail customer journey by incorporating ecommerce demand, merchandising priorities, promotions, seasonality, product availability, Local Inventory Ads, regional or store-level goals, and online-to-offline measurement where applicable. Experience supporting a home improvement, home furnishings, building materials, or another high-consideration retail client with a large SKU assortment is a plus. Strong client-service orientation, with the ability to build strategic relationships and effectively translate client needs into actionable solutions. Exceptional communication skills for articulating complex concepts and strategies to both executives and internal teams. Comprehensive understanding of digital marketing strategies, including organic search, display, app, and social media, and how they harmonize with search marketing efforts. Proficiency in advanced analytics tools, Python, AI technologies, and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel. Knowledge of online campaign measurement methodologies, with the ability to recommend standards for continual performance improvement. Innovative mindset with a focus on leveraging emerging technologies to enhance overall performance and operational efficiency. Strategic thinker capable of developing comprehensive plans that align with client objectives and adapt to changing market trends. Demonstrated experience in business development, contributing to agency growth and expanding service offerings. Commitment to fostering a culture of learning through training and knowledge-sharing initiatives that enhance team performance. Education BA/BS or equivalent experience required; advanced degrees or certifications in digital marketing are a plus.