Director, Paid Acquisition

About Stepful Stepful is reimagining allied healthcare training by offering affordable, online, instructor-led, and AI-supported programs that help learners—especially those from underserved communities—launch high-demand healthcare careers. In addition to our direct-to-consumer training, Stepful partners with leading healthcare institutions to build talent pipelines and address the growing shortage of allied health workers. Our graduates, including Medical Assistants, Pharmacy Technicians and more, go on to work at major employers like CVS, NY-Presbyterian, and Walgreens. Stepful is backed by Y Combinator, Reach Capital, and AlleyCorp, with a recent $31.5M Series B led by Oak HC/FT. Additionally we were named the #1 EdTech company in the U.S. by TIME for 2025 and to GSV's 150 Most Transformational Growth Companies in Digital Learning. We’re unlocking the full potential of the global workforce—improving access to quality healthcare for everyone, everywhere. Our values We credit much of our success to our exceptional team. We’re looking for mission-driven individuals who thrive in fast-paced, sometimes ambiguous environments, and embody our four core values: Care first: We do whatever it takes for our students to succeed. Learn quickly: We test, learn with data, and iterate. Build together: We win when we rely on each other. Own it: We show up, take initiative, and show pride. The opportunity We are seeking a strategic, results-oriented Director of Paid Growth to lead and scale our acquisition engine across both our D2C and B2B channels. This is a high-impact leadership role for a growth expert who can bridge the gap between high-level strategy and tactical execution in a fast-paced, scaling startup environment. You will be responsible for the vision and performance of both organic and paid growth initiatives while managing a significant multi-million dollar budget and leading a high-performing team to hit ambitious goals. This hybrid opportunity is based out of our NYC office, reporting directly into our VP of Growth Marketing. What you’ll do Strategic leadership: Define and execute the overarching growth strategy for both direct-to-consumer (D2C) training programs and our B2B enterprise partnerships. Team management: Build, mentor, and lead a team of growth marketers, fostering a culture of data-driven experimentation and high performance. Full-funnel ownership: Oversee end-to-end campaign strategy and optimization across Meta, TikTok, YouTube, search and emerging platforms. Build and iterate on growth loops (referrals, virality, partnerships, content → paid flywheels). Funnel & conversion optimization: Own top of D2C funnel (traffic → signup → purchase) with consideration for down-funnel (enrollment → retention). Budget & ROI accountability: Manage and optimize multi-million dollar monthly budgets while owning core growth metrics (CAC, LTV, payback, retention, CVR rates). Build dashboards and deeply analyze cohort performance and attribution and make data-driven budget allocation decisions to maximize ROI. Innovation: Stay at the forefront of platform shifts and algorithm changes to maintain Stepful’s competitive edge in the market. What you’ll bring 8+ years of growth marketing experience, with at least 3+ years in a leadership/people management role. Proven track record at a high-growth, scaling startup, successfully overseeing both D2C and B2B initiatives. Deep hands-on expertise in scaling paid social and search, ideally managing budgets exceeding $2M+ per month. Experience building and leading teams, with a focus on professional development and performance management. Strong analytical chops with the ability to translate complex data into actionable strategic insights. Exceptional creative instincts and experience leading creative strategy to drive conversion. Bonus points if You’ve worked in EdTech, healthcare, or another mission-driven D2C industry. Interview Process Introductory call with Talent Acquisition team member. Interview with Hiring Manager. Take-Home Assignment. Virtual Panel Interview. On-Site Panel Interview. Benefits and Compensation Meaningful Equity Stake. Subsidized Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plan options. 401(k). FSA, HSA and commuter benefits. Open vacation policy, including: Guidance of 15 days PTO annually. Stepful closed the last week of December. 15 work-from-anywhere days. 10 public holidays observed for 2026. The target base salary range for this opportunity is $180,000 - $210,000, and is part of a competitive total rewards package including performance-based bonus, equity and benefits. Individual pay may vary from the target range and is determined by a number of factors including experience, internal pay equity and other relevant business considerations. Stepful is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. #J-18808-Ljbffr INSIDER