Director, Paid Search

dentsu•New York, NY

1d•$125,000 - $135,000•Hybrid

About The Position

dentsu Media is seeking a Director, Paid Search to lead its paid search team. This high-visibility role provides strategic direction for assigned teams and owns paid search strategy and execution from end to end. The Director builds deep knowledge of clients’ businesses, industries, and competitive landscapes, translates client objectives into media strategies, and serves as a trusted adviser and subject matter expert to clients and colleagues. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational involvement. It includes improving team workflows and operational efficiencies, advancing the paid search practice and its standards, and fostering innovation and thought leadership. The Director manages and develops employees, mentors team members, nurtures client relationships, and collaborates across dentsu teams to deliver strong client results. The position is hybrid, with regular in-person collaboration for employees within commuting distance of designated offices; employees farther away may be designated remote depending on role and business needs.

Requirements

At least 9 years of digital and paid search experience, including leading teams and communicating with clients.
At least 3 years of experience managing employees.
Deep expertise in SEM and a strong understanding of other channels, including product listing ads/shopping, programmatic, display, and paid social.
Ability to discuss the digital media landscape across disciplines and confidently explain the agency’s value and when to apply its services or solutions.
Ability to drive thought leadership, develop points of view and presentations, and foster ingenuity.
Experience across multiple industry verticals and the ability to make strategic, innovative recommendations that advance client goals.
Ability to nurture and retain client and employee relationships.
Proactive problem-solving skills and an optimistic approach.
Ability to analyze complex issues and develop relevant, realistic plans and recommendations to solve client challenges.
High integrity, autonomy, and self-motivation.
Strong storytelling and presentation skills, including the ability to deliver strategic presentations and think on one’s feet.
Ability to build client confidence by listening to challenges and explaining how they will be addressed.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

Responsibilities

Own media strategy and client relationships; serve as a trusted adviser and subject matter expert internally and externally.
Translate client business objectives into media strategies.
Contribute to agency leadership through new business wins and award-winning case studies.
Elevate the paid search practice by sharing advanced tactics, presenting at cross-office meetings, and mentoring employees outside the direct team.
Develop and promote operational standards, best practices, thought leadership, and points of view.
Manage and develop direct reports and take accountability for overall team development, supporting a culture of Appreciation, Accountability, Ingenuity, and Inclusivity.
Lead innovation for high-profile, established clients to advance their businesses.
Provide thought leadership to guide and advise clients, evaluate opportunities, and develop arguments and selling strategies.
Collaborate with cross-functional dentsu teams while balancing client, team, and agency needs.
Stay connected to daily operations and assist junior team members with guidance when needed.
Mentor team members through individualized instruction, rationale, and ongoing feedback.
Develop and deliver strategic presentations and persuasive narratives for varied audiences.