SEM Specialist

AbelsonTaylor Group•Chicago, IL

2d•$55,000 - $65,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At AbelsonTaylor Group, work that makes you feel good isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are. We believe that when you feel good about your work, and where you work, you bring your best self to it. That’s why we create an environment where creativity thrives, teamwork flourishes, and inclusivity is more than just a value—it’s a way of life. Here, you’ll help propel brands that inspire health and brighter futures, all while finding the support, inspiration, and growth opportunities to reach your own potential. Together, we dream boldly, collaborate deeply, and make a meaningful difference—one idea at a time. We are seeking a SEM Specialist to join our team. The SEM Specialist is primarily responsible for developing, executing and managing paid search engine marketing (SEM) programs (i.e., Google, MSFT/Bing, etc.) to assist ad campaigns by increasing brand visibility on a variety of platforms. Working closely with the copyright and creative teams, the SEM Specialist will exercise judgment with anticipating needs and bid on ad space.

Requirements

Ability to exercise good independent judgment
Ability to multitask & complete tasks efficiently, with high attention to detail
Ability to create analyses that explain 'what happened', 'why it happened' and 'what should be done'
Works well independently and as part of a team
Curious and inquisitive
Showcases initiative
Possesses quantitative analysis skills
Must be a kind human with a great sense of humor
Ability to think outside the box and challenge the ‘status quo’ – always willing to offer unique solutions in order to get the job done
Demonstrate a desire for thought leadership through continuous research
1-3 years data-driven digital marketing experience

Responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day execution and optimization of all assigned client paid SEM programs
Bid, negotiate and/or purchase paid search ads
Create, develop and analyze ad copy in-line with search engine best practices (i.e., Responsive Search Ads, etc.)
Create, develop and analyze ad extensions in-line with search engine best practices (i.e., Sitelinks, Callouts, etc.)
Conduct keyword research and KW list development (and subsequent keyword optimizations) to increase visibility and optimization
New paid SEM account setup within primary search engines (including billing setup and KW/Ad asset trafficking w/in search engine "Ad Editor" tools)
Paid SEM KPI reporting, measurement, and analysis (including daily spend tracking/pacing)
Participate in media planning (to identify target audiences and craft creative and effective campaigns)
Ensure campaign KPIs are met and within budget requirements, tracking costs and ROI
Monitor paid SEM budgets, spend pacing and billing across multiple clients and campaigns
Recommend optimization and budget strategies according to the best performing KWs, creatives, audiences, placements, etc.
Execute internal Media team RFPs and forecasting requests
Alongside the Marketing Intelligence (MI) team, contribute to building and analyzing reports on campaign success, performance summary and narrative
Contribute to drafting educational documents, POVs, best practices and innovative media team solutions