Associate Director, Paid Search

Hearts & Science; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Hearts & Science, a premier Omnicom media agency in the United States, seeks an Associate Director of Paid Search to lead strategy, planning, and execution of paid search campaigns. You will oversee day‑to‑day operations, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to drive client value.

Ideal candidate has 6+ years in paid search, deep platform knowledge (Google/Microsoft Ads, SA360, SKAI, Marin) and strong analytical skills to optimize performance and scale opportunities.

Qualifications

• 6+ years Paid Search experience and 4+ years managing junior team members.
• Deep knowledge of Paid Search campaign management and optimization.
• Hands‑on with Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, plus bid-management tools.
• Experience with AI buying agents and advanced analytics.
• Strong analytical and data‑driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Develop long‑term paid search strategies aligned with client goals.
• Extract insights from data and provide actionable recommendations.
• Lead and mentor a search team; assign tasks and track progress.
• Present plans to clients and internal teams; maintain relationships.
• Oversee forecasting, budgeting, and pacing within budgets.

Skills

Paid Search

Team Leadership

Data Analysis

Campaign Management

Google Ads

Microsoft Ads

SA360

SKAI

Marin

Google Analytics

Tag Troubleshooting

AI Buying Agents

Scripts

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Post-secondary education or equivalent

Tools

SA360

SKAI

Marin

Google Ads

Microsoft Ads

Google Analytics

Adobe Analytics

Job description

Agency

Hearts & Science

Job Function

Media

Job Subfunction

Performance Media

Job Description

Our thriving paid search team culture is characterized by collaboration, innovation, and a shared passion for data‑driven marketing. The team is supported, empowered, and inspired to excel in their roles while contributing to the team’s overall success. Search practitioners tap into the Omnicom Search Center of Excellence to gain access to specialized knowledge and resources—training, development, best‑practice sharing, tools, and collaboration.

Associate Director, Paid Search

As a Paid Search team leader, the Associate Director is instrumental in developing strategies, planning, and ensuring proper implementation of paid search campaigns and programs to meet and exceed client goals. The successful candidate will bring great attention to detail, complete ownership of education and task completion, and deliver value to clients.

The Associate Director provides oversight of day‑to‑day account operations, develops tactical implementation plans, works with senior leaders on strategic initiatives, and serves as the main point of contact for both clients and internal teams. The role also manages junior team members, ensuring they fully understand client business and market factors, make recommendations, and identify opportunities such as beta tests and industry insights.

Responsibilities

• Paid Search Strategic Planning: Develop long‑term execution plans aligned with client business objectives and track KPIs.
• Paid Search Data Analysis: Extract meaningful insights from data, relate them to client goals, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Team Leadership: Lead and manage a search professional team, assign tasks, track progress, and ensure consistent campaign execution; provide training and mentorship.
• Client Communication: Present strategic and tactical plans to clients, staff, and internal teams; build strong relationships and maintain open communication.
• Paid Search Financial Management: Oversee forecasting, budgeting, and pacing; optimize campaign performance within budget constraints.
• Business Acumen: Identify opportunities for campaign expansion and growth by understanding business concepts and client objectives.
• Asset Creation: Support the strategic vision of all paid search asset creation with a test/learn/scale mindset.
• Quality Assurance: Act as a quality assurance check for all paid search account management deliverables.
• Cross‑Team Collaboration: Work with broader investment and strategic leadership.
• Thought Leadership: Drive best practices in platform execution and produce POVs.

Qualifications

• Relevant post‑secondary education, training, or equivalent experience.
• 6+ years of Paid Search experience and 4+ years managing junior team members.
• In‑depth understanding of Paid Search campaign management, optimization practices, and knowledge of social, video, search retargeting, and other online advertising opportunities.
• Deep understanding of search engine algorithms and best practices.
• Hands‑on keyboard experience with Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and bid‑management tools such as SA360, SKAI, or Marin.
• Hands‑on keyboard experience with Adobe or Google Analytics; experience troubleshooting site tags.
• Experience with multiple AI buying agents such as Google, Bing Performance Max.
• Advanced usage of Scripts.
• Strong analytical skills and data‑driven decision making.
• Proactive self‑starter who thrives in a fast‑paced, results‑oriented agency environment.
• Team player committed to training, cross‑functional collaboration, and communication.
• Strong management, mentoring, coaching, and career/growth facilitation skills.
• Excellent program management and organizational skills; manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Experience leading and managing teams with a proven ability to develop and mentor talent.
• Test‑Learn‑Scale mindset.

Preferred Certifications

• Google Ads Search Certification
• Microsoft Ads Certification
• Google Search Ads 360 Certification
• AI Powered Shopping Ads Certification
• Google Analytics Certification
• AI Powered Performance Ads

Salary

New York: $70,000.00-$125,000.00

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of Omnicom and any of its affiliates to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. EOE/AA/M/D/V/F.