Head of Performance Marketing

Skillz Inc. • San Francisco, CA

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role directly owns Skillz’s most scalable revenue growth lever: paid user acquisition and reengagement across a multi-million dollar ad budget. You’ll drive top-of-funnel volume by acquiring high-LTV, high-intent players across Meta, Google, TikTok, programmatic, and SDK networks — converting ad spend into depositing, retained users. Revenue impact is direct and measurable: improving ROAS, reducing CAC, and increasing D30 retention translates immediately into higher net revenue per cohort and shorter payback periods. For an RMG business, even a 10% lift in payor conversion or deposit retention compounds significantly across cohorts. You’ll also reduce revenue leakage through rigorous compliance with app store and ad network policies. You’ll work cross-functionally with Data Science, Creative, Product, and LiveOps — and lead a team of UA managers in a culture built on rapid experimentation and data-driven decision-making.

Requirements

• Deep knowledge of paid acquisition channels, campaign optimization, bidding strategies, audience targeting, and scaling profitable user growth.
• Ability to interpret complex performance data, attribution models, cohort analyses, and funnel metrics to drive measurable business outcomes.
• Strong grasp of ROAS, CAC, LTV, payback periods, deposit conversion economics, and revenue forecasting.
• Develops long-term growth strategies while balancing short-term performance targets and cross-functional priorities.
• Designs, executes, and scales testing frameworks across creative, audience, bidding, and retention initiatives
• 8–12+ years in performance marketing, growth marketing, or user acquisition with increasing leadership responsibility.
• Proven experience managing multi-million dollar budgets across Meta, Google, TikTok, programmatic, and mobile ad networks.
• Measurable improvements in ROAS, CAC, LTV, retention, and payback periods.
• UA leadership for mobile apps, gaming, consumer technology, fintech, RMG, or other performance-driven digital businesses.
• Deep expertise in mobile attribution platforms (AppsFlyer, Kochava, etc…) and modern measurement frameworks.
• Sophisticated retargeting and reengagement campaign execution across major platforms and ad networks.
• Cohort performance analysis, retention trends, conversion funnels, and player/customer LTV modeling.
• Demonstrated success managing partnerships with Product, Analytics, Creative, CRM, and LiveOps teams.
• Proficiency in SQL and BI tools (Tableau, Looker); fluency in CAC, LTV, payback periods, and cohort analysis.
• Strong track record building and maintaining strategic relationships with ad networks, MMPs, and competitive intelligence vendors (e.g., Sensor Tower).
• Familiarity with app store policies, ad platform compliance requirements, and regulated marketing environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Economics, Analytics, or a related field

Nice To Haves

• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Own and optimize paid UA and reengagement strategy across Meta, Google, TikTok, programmatic, and SDK networks. Continuously improve ROAS, CAC, payback periods, and overall marketing efficiency while managing multi-million dollar annual budgets.
• Maintain strict compliance with Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and major ad network policies for RMG products. Oversee state-by-state frameworks including age-gating and geofencing protocols across the US, mitigating regulatory and market-access risk.
• Lead, mentor, and scale a high-performing growth marketing team. Foster a culture of rapid experimentation, data transparency, and creative excellence.
• Analyze acquisition and retention metrics — deposit conversion, D30 retention, LTV, cohort profitability, and attribution data — to identify growth opportunities. Partner with Data Science on MMP integration and build predictive models for high-value user behavior including payor conversion and deposit retention.
• Lead creative testing and optimization in partnership with the creative studio. Develop, test, and scale high-performing ad concepts across video and static formats. Drive creative pipeline decisions using rigorous performance data.
• Coordinate UA campaigns with in-game LiveOps events, feature launches, and economy changes to improve D1–D30 retention and deposit frequency. Serve as a key cross-functional partner across Product, Analytics, Creative, and CRM/Lifecycle teams

Benefits

• 100% coverage for medical, dental, and vision expenses for both you and your dependents
• 401K matching
• Equity incentives
• Pre-tax benefit options
• Meditation and mental health resources
• Physical fitness coaching and classes
• Family planning assistance
• Health and parenting guidance
• Virtual therapy sessions
• Competitive paid time off (PTO)
• Company holidays
• Free breakfast
• Catered lunches
• Snacks
• Full-size gym with showers
• Commuter benefits
• Insurance
• Team bonding events

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior