Director, Paid Search (SEM) (Temporary)

Crossmedia Inc•New York, NY

17d•Hybrid

About The Position

Crossmedia is the global media independent. We’re committed to doing media and business the right way, guided by the principles of TRUST, REASON and the pursuit of HAPPINESS. Crossmedia US was founded in NY in 2000 and is one of the largest minority-owned full-service media planning & buying agencies in the nation. We are 500+ Crossmedians worldwide with big ambitions to continue to grow with soul. We focus on what media agencies should do: create innovative connections between brands and people regardless of channel or budget. And we do it in an honest way. We are and always have been a values-based organization. We earn our clients TRUST by ensuring media transparency in our business model and objectivity in decision-making. We apply REASON & logic to finding solutions to our clients' greatest business challenges. The pursuit of HAPPINESS matters to us. Big time. We invest in each colleagues’ professional & personal wellbeing and growth. It’s why we have countless initiatives, clubs & cultural events dedicated to our people and why we have been the top ranked media agency named to Ad Age’s Best Places to Work for the past seven years in a row. We have offices in the US in New York and Philadelphia, with employees across 25+ states, as well as in London, Toronto, and Germany. Our client roster includes U.S. Bank, Invesco, Newell Brands, NASCAR, Planet Fitness, American Cancer Society, Ricola, Herschend Family Entertainment, Edible Arrangements, Illva Saronno, and more. We are seeking a Temporary Director, Paid Search for a Full Time role from late February through June, with the possibility of extending. The Director, Paid Search oversees Crossmedia’s media tactical planning, execution and reporting of paid search campaigns. They utilize their knowledge of the media marketplace and channels to brainstorm and ideate new activations and vendors for media campaigns. Aside from their primary account responsibilities, Directors also play an active role within the agency, participating in New Business pitches and projects as well as gaining visibility through clubs and organizations within the agency (XME365, XMCares, etc.). Key responsibilities of a Director at XM include: Reliable, ethical & operates in the best interest of XM & clients Leads development of strategic approach to client business and ensure that recommendations and decisions are consistent with objectives Assessing brief for not just platform translation but also business factors that will influence biddable strategy Liaisons with Planning/Investment Director to identify gaps, raise questions, and seek clarity needed to translate brief to tactical plan. Maintains a deep understanding of biddable tech, XM biddable department, and agency offerings and ability to share with clients when needs align Maintains working knowledge of relevant platforms, both ones being leveraged and available opportunities within the Paid Search space to create disproportionate advantages for clients. Assumes a lead role in client's media efforts and serve as key client contact for Senior Clients Collaborates with Finance team to maintain billing reconciliation and identify discrepancies. Demonstrates full understanding of client's business Provides client with strategic POVs Focuses on a quality XM product, adhering to XM’s high standards Trains Associate Director and Supervisors in effective management and mentoring approaches Works with team to ensure everyone has a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities across levels, and helps translate growth guide into roadmaps Holds regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports to discuss career growth, deliver/receive feedback, answer questions, and escalate concerns Identifies educational needs across team and leads trainings on performance marketing disciplines, processes, best practices, and the specifics of the client's business and industry Displays a high level of personal dedication and motivation. Displays enthusiasm, curiosity and an eagerness to learn Shows respect for team members, clients, and agency partners

Requirements

8–10+ years of experience in paid search with proven success managing large-scale campaigns
Expertise in Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and related SEM tools; strong analytical and optimization skills.
Ability to develop and execute strategic paid search plans that drive measurable results.
Experience managing and mentoring a team, fostering growth and collaboration.
Strong understanding of audience targeting, bidding strategies, attribution, and conversion tracking.
Strong POVs, proactively engaged in industry and agency thought leadership.
You’ve got a bit of an entrepreneurial streak, so you’re excited at the idea of building the agency with new tools, ideas, and opportunities.
You are looking for a place to learn and build something special. And you want to do it in a casual and collaborative environment
Excellent communication and client-facing skills, including presenting campaign performance and recommendations

Responsibilities

Reliable, ethical & operates in the best interest of XM & clients
Leads development of strategic approach to client business and ensure that recommendations and decisions are consistent with objectives
Assessing brief for not just platform translation but also business factors that will influence biddable strategy
Liaisons with Planning/Investment Director to identify gaps, raise questions, and seek clarity needed to translate brief to tactical plan.
Maintains a deep understanding of biddable tech, XM biddable department, and agency offerings and ability to share with clients when needs align
Maintains working knowledge of relevant platforms, both ones being leveraged and available opportunities within the Paid Search space to create disproportionate advantages for clients.
Assumes a lead role in client's media efforts and serve as key client contact for Senior Clients
Collaborates with Finance team to maintain billing reconciliation and identify discrepancies.
Demonstrates full understanding of client's business
Provides client with strategic POVs
Focuses on a quality XM product, adhering to XM’s high standards
Trains Associate Director and Supervisors in effective management and mentoring approaches
Works with team to ensure everyone has a clear understanding of roles and responsibilities across levels, and helps translate growth guide into roadmaps
Holds regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports to discuss career growth, deliver/receive feedback, answer questions, and escalate concerns
Identifies educational needs across team and leads trainings on performance marketing disciplines, processes, best practices, and the specifics of the client's business and industry
Displays a high level of personal dedication and motivation.
Displays enthusiasm, curiosity and an eagerness to learn
Shows respect for team members, clients, and agency partners

Benefits

Flexibility to work in hybrid manner with in-office and work from home options (depending on role).
Open/Flexible PTO with US & UK specific policies
Sponsored healthcare options and agency-wide physical & mental health support
401k with company match (USA), and generous Pension (UK)
Paid sabbatical at significant milestone anniversaries
Generous paid parental leave policy
Life milestone recognition & support
The Pursuit of Happiness Fund devoted to helping Crossmedians find their happy (be it travel, enrichment class, fitness membership or professional development)
Cell phone/tech reimbursement
Student Loan payment plan (US)
Tuition reimbursement
Learning & Development and training programs
And burgers – lots and lots of burgers