Associate Director, Paid Search

Publicis Groupe; New York (NY); On-site; USD 97,000 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid family care

Adoption support

Pet adoption assistance

Wellness reimbursements

Tuition assistance

Flexible time off

Matching gifts

Flexible work arrangements

Work Your World

Employee resource groups

Job summary

Razorfish in New York seeks an Associate Director of Search Marketing to elevate paid search into a strategic, AI-enabled practice. You will oversee a small team of Search Supervisors, Strategists, and Coordinators, shaping POVs, playbooks, and tests that drive client outcomes across digital channels.

You will lead development of innovative search strategies, manage client relationships, orchestrate AI-powered workflows, monitor performance, and collaborate with media, creative, and analytics

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in SEM and digital marketing.
• 1-2 years of supervisory or leadership experience.
• Advanced analytical skills for deriving actionable insights.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of integrated digital marketing including organic search, display, mobile, and social.
• Proficiency with Excel and analytics tools (Google Analytics, SA360, Google Ads, Bing Ads).

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of search strategies aligned with client goals.
• Manage client relationships and tailor search solutions.
• Develop AI-powered experiences for daily search operations.
• Monitor campaign performance and provide data-driven recommendations.
• Collaborate with media, creative, and analytics teams.
• Utilize analytics and AI tools to inform strategies.
• Create quarterly plans and testing frameworks.
• Ensure QA and risk management via RACI.
• Stay updated on industry trends and thought leadership.
• Identify growth opportunities with senior leadership.
• Develop training programs and mentor staff.
• Lead a team of 2-7 search professionals.
• Foster a collaborative, high-energy culture.
• Contribute to thought leadership with POVs and playbooks.
• Engage in cross-department collaboration.

Skills

SEM & digital marketing

Team leadership

Analytics

Communication

Integrated marketing

Excel

Google Analytics

SA360

Google Ads

Bing Ads

Python

LLMs

Client management

Strategic planning

Business development

Mentoring

Tools

Excel

Google Analytics

SA360

Google Ads

Bing Ads

Microsoft Office

Job description

Company description

Hi there—at Razorfish, we’re leaders in what's next. Since the dawn of the internet, we’ve helped brands move first through every era of transformation, defining what digital means for business and now leading brands into the age of AI. Everyone has a prediction. Razorfish has a track record.

Named a Most Innovative Agency three years running (2024–2026) by Campaign US, our work reflects a proven ability not just to anticipate what’s coming, but to help our clients actively shape the future. No matter the trend or cultural moment, delivering real business impact wouldn’t be possible without our people. We bring together curious, driven, and diverse thinkers who challenge convention, push boundaries, and hold a high bar for creative excellence.

If you’re motivated to work alongside top performers, push the boundaries of what’s possible, and help define where technology, business, and marketing are headed next—this is the place to do it.

Join us at razorfish.com.

Overview

As the Associate Director of Search Marketing at Razorfish, you will transition from subject matter expertise in paid search to a strategic leadership role focusing on digital marketing as a whole. In this position, you will oversee the executional workflow of Search Supervisors, Search Strategists, and Search Coordinators, driving campaign performance while cultivating a high-performing team. You'll play a key role in developing points of view (POVs), playbooks, and strategic tests that not only optimize client outcomes but also enhance the overall effectiveness of our digital marketing initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Vision:Lead the development and execution of innovative search marketing strategies that align with client goals while integrating AI and emerging technologies to drive superior business performance.
• Client Relationship Management:Serve as the primary contact for clients, building strong relationships and deeply understanding their objectives to deliver tailored and effective search solutions.
• Innovate through AI-powered experiences: Create and orchestrate teams of AI agents to support daily search campaign operations, enhancing workflow efficiency and ensuring seamless execution of routine tasks.
• Campaign Oversight:Monitor and analyze campaign performance, providing actionable insights and data-driven recommendations to enhance ROI and overall effectiveness.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:Partner with media planning, creative, and analytics teams to ensure cohesive and integrated campaign strategies across all digital marketing channels.
• Data-Driven Insights:Utilize advanced analytics and AI tools to inform strategies and assess the effectiveness of search initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
• Quarterly Strategy Development:Create comprehensive quarterly plans and testing frameworks aligned with client expectations, incorporating industry best practices and insights.
• Risk Management and Quality Assurance:Ensure compliance with quality assurance processes and risk management protocols, documented via a RACI framework, to uphold campaign integrity.
• Industry Trends and Thought Leadership:Stay at the forefront of industry developments and advancements in digital marketing, sharing insights to position Razorfish as a thought leader.
• Business Development:Identify growth opportunities within existing accounts and collaborate on strategic proposals with senior leadership to expand service offerings.
• Training and Knowledge Sharing:Develop and implement training programs aimed at enhancing team skills and fostering a culture of continuous learning and best practices.
• Team Development:Support the onboarding of new talent and mentor staff to encourage professional growth and development.
• Team Management:Lead and inspire a team of 2-7 Search Supervisors, Strategists, and Coordinators, providing direction, feedback, and support for their professional growth.
• Cultivating a Collaborative Culture:Foster a high-energy, accountable team environment that prioritizes excellence in service delivery.
• Contributing to Thought Leadership:Actively contribute to the agency's thought capital by developing POVs and playbooks that outline best practices and innovative strategies in search marketing.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration:Engage in initiatives designed to align efforts across departments, enhancing overall service offerings and client solutions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Search Engine Marketing (SEM)and digital marketing, with a successful track record in developing and executing effective strategies.
• 1-2 years of supervisory or leadership experience, demonstrating strong team management and mentorship skills.
• Advanced analytical skillsfor deriving actionable insights from data to inform campaign optimization.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skillsfor effective collaboration with clients, teams, and stakeholders.
• Thorough understanding of integrated digital marketing strategies, including organic search, display, mobile, and social media.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly advanced Excel, and familiarity with analytics tools such as Google Analytics, SA360, and Google/Bing Ads.
• Knowledge of online campaign measurement methodologiesfor performance analysis, optimization, and improvement.
• Expertise in utilizing advanced technology, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and Python or other programming languages,to improve campaign strategies, enhance content generation, and optimize marketing workflows.
• Strong client-service orientation, with the ability to cultivate relationships and position the agency as a trusted strategic partner.
• Strategic thinkerwith demonstrated experience in developing comprehensive plans and frameworks that align with client objectives.
• Proficiency in identifying business development opportunitiesand contributing to agency growth.
• Passionate about mentoring team membersand fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Innovative mindsetwith a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies and staying updated on industry trends.

Additional information

The Power of One starts with our people! To do powerful things, we offer powerful resources.

• Paid Family Care for parents and caregivers for 12 weeks or more
• Monetary assistance and support for Adoption, Surrogacy and Fertility
• Monetary assistance and support for pet adoption
• Employee Assistance Programs and Health/Wellness/Comfort reimbursements to help you invest in your future and work/life balance
• Tuition Assistance
• Paid time off that includes Flexible Time off Vacation, Annual Sick Days, Volunteer Days, Holiday and Identity days, and more
• Matching Gifts programs
• Flexible working arrangements
• ‘Work Your World’ Program encouraging employees to work from anywhere Publicis Groupe has an office for up to 6 weeks a year (based upon eligibility)
• Business Resource Groups that support multiple affinities and alliances

The benefits offerings listed are available to eligible U.S. Based employees, are reviewed on an annual basis, and are governed by the terms of the applicable plan documents.

Razorfish is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment decisions are made without regard to actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, medical condition as defined by applicable state law, genetic information, marital status, military service and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact [e-mail].

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation Range: USD $97,375.00 - USD $155,961.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third‑party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 11/15/2026.