Director, Search

Known•New York, NY

3d•$140,000 - $155,000

About The Position

Known's Media Science team uses advanced analytics, machine learning, statistics, and algorithms to plan and optimize advertising dollars. We partner with our clients to translate their business goals into meaningful metrics, and buy media across all channels to drive those target outcomes. As Director, Search, you manage search performance for a set of accounts within a larger portfolio. You execute paid search strategy in daily account management, contribute to cross-channel planning, and act as a senior client contact backed by the Senior Director. You bring a clear point of view on how generative AI is changing search behavior and paid media execution.

Requirements

A degree from a well-regarded college or university
6+ years of hands-on experience managing paid search strategy and execution in a digital agency or comparable environment
Experience managing gen AI-powered search campaigns, including Performance Max, Responsive Search Ads, Smart Bidding, and emerging generative ad formats across Google and Microsoft
Working knowledge of SEO, including technical SEO, content strategy, and the intersection of organic and paid search
Experience managing a team of 2-4 people
Experience managing client relationships directly, including presenting to client stakeholders
Experience translating goals into KPIs
Ability to think creatively and question conventional platform or channel approaches when the situation calls for it
Experience and interest in AI and GEO/GPT optimization technologies and platforms
Strong grasp of the math behind media buying, including statistics, attribution models, and measurement frameworks, and the ability to turn insights into action
Ability to execute paid search and gen AI search work as part of a single coherent strategy
In-platform fluency with Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising, including AI-powered campaign types
Experience with search audience strategies, keyword architecture, and budget scaling across verticals
Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical clients

Nice To Haves

Experience working with data scientists or technical teams on measurement and optimization problems is a plus

Responsibilities

Own performance and day-to-day client relationships for your accounts, and report progress against portfolio-level targets with clear, data-grounded narratives
Execute paid search and generative AI search strategy, including Performance Max, AI-powered Smart Bidding, and emerging gen AI ad surfaces, and contribute ideas that help shape strategy across the portfolio
Uphold best practices across your team, including testing frameworks, QA standards, and knowledge-sharing processes
Manage and develop 2-4 direct reports, including day-to-day coaching and performance feedback
Serve as a senior client contact, and partner with the Senior Director on issues that need executive-level involvement
Translate client business objectives into search strategies, and connect search activity to the broader channel plan
Manage day-to-day advertising spend across your paid search accounts
Advise clients and internal teams on how machine learning, automation, and generative AI tools can improve search performance
Build and present media plans, performance reports, and strategic recommendations to client stakeholders
Stay current on changes in search and AI, and share findings with your team and the Senior Director to help shape the practice's direction