Paid Media Director

Marketwake; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Marketwake is seeking a seasoned Director of Paid Media to lead and scale our paid media practice. You will oversee performance, growth, and cohesion of the team while shaping client strategies across Google, Meta, LinkedIn, and emerging platforms.

You will mentor managers, drive cross-channel campaigns, and partner with Account Management, Creative, and Analytics to deliver measurable ROI for high-profile clients in a fast-paced agency environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in digital advertising, with 2+ years in a team leadership or director-level role.
• Deep experience in both Paid Search and Paid Social.
• Agency experience strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Own the vision and execution of Marketwake’s paid media department, driving innovation, performance, and collaboration across channels.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Paid Media Managers and Channel Leads, fostering growth and accountability.
• Define quarterly and annual goals for the Paid Media department, including revenue, retention, and team KPIs.
• Assist in team resourcing, onboarding, and performance evaluations to scale a high-functioning department.
• Serve as the senior strategic lead on key accounts, developing holistic paid media strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Attend and lead key client presentations and check-ins as a strategic partner and paid media expert.
• Ensure all paid media efforts across Search, Social, etc. are best-in-class and data-driven.
• Maintain hands-on keys time for new business, launches, or high-stakes campaigns.
• Provide guidance on campaign architecture, budget allocation, creative testing, and data interpretation.
• Support the implementation of new tools, processes, or beta opportunities to stay ahead of trends.
• Work with Account Management, Creative, and Strategy teams to deliver measurable ROI.
• Lead cross-functional brainstorms and campaign audits, ensuring media strategy aligns with messaging and creative.

Skills

Google Ads

Meta Ads Manager

LinkedIn Ads

Microsoft Ads

TikTok Ads

Programmatic Advertising

Looker Studio

Google Analytics 4

Google Tag Manager

Excel/Google Sheets

Cross-Channel Strategy

Team Leadership

Marketing Analytics

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or related field

Tools

Asana

Job description

Position Overview

Marketwake is in search of a seasoned, innovative, and strategic Director of Paid Media to lead and elevate our Paid Media department. As a pivotal leader in our growing agency, this individual will oversee the performance, growth, and cohesion of the Paid Media team while also contributing directly to high-impact client accounts. This is a hybrid role that blends strategic leadership, team development, and hands-on campaign execution.

The ideal candidate is an expert in digital advertising strategy across Google, Meta, LinkedIn, and emerging platforms - paired with a strong passion for mentoring and scaling high-performing teams. If you're equal parts strategic thinker, tactical executor, and team leader, this role is for you.

This role will report directly to the VP of Marketing and work cross-functionally with Account Management, Creative, and Analytics to drive exceptional client outcomes and scale Marketwake’s paid media service offering.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Own the vision and execution of Marketwake’s paid media department, driving consistent innovation, performance, and collaboration across channels.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Paid Media Managers and Channel Leads, fostering a culture of growth, accountability, and performance.
• Partner with agency leadership to define quarterly and annual goals for the Paid Media department, including revenue, retention, and team KPIs.
• Assist in team resourcing, recruitment, onboarding, and performance evaluations to scale a high-functioning department.

Client Strategy & Oversight

• Serve as the senior strategic lead on key accounts, developing and communicating holistic paid media strategies that align with broader business objectives.
• Attend and lead key client presentations and check-ins as a strategic partner and paid media expert.
• Ensure all paid media efforts across Search, Social, etc. and are best-in-class and grounded in performance data.

Hands-On Execution

• Maintain a portion of platform work and “hands-on keys” time, especially for new business, key client launches, or high-stakes campaigns.
• Provide guidance on campaign architecture, budget allocation, creative testing, and data interpretation.
• Support the implementation of new tools, processes, or beta opportunities to keep our offering ahead of industry trends.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Account Management, Creative, and Strategy teams to develop integrated strategies that deliver measurable ROI.
• Lead cross-functional brainstorms and campaign audits, ensuring media strategy is aligned with messaging and creative direction.

Attributes

• Visionary and proactive leader with strong business acumen and emotional intelligence
• Skilled problem-solver who can balance strategic depth with tactical execution
• Passionate about teaching, mentoring, and investing in others’ success
• Adaptable and comfortable leading in a fast-paced, agency environment
• Confident communicator with a client-first mindset
• Tech-savvy with curiosity about new platforms and marketing technology
• Approaches leadership with positivity, resilience, and a healthy sense of humor

Skills

• Expert-level proficiency with Google Ads, Meta Ads Manager, and other paid platforms (LinkedIn, Microsoft Ads, TikTok, Programmatic, etc.)
• Strong experience with reporting platforms like Looker Studio, Google Analytics 4, and Google Tag Manager
• Proficient in media forecasting, budget management, and cross-channel strategy development
• Advanced Excel/Google Sheets skills for campaign analysis and decision-making
• Experience with team leadership, project management tools (Asana, etc.), and marketing tech integrations
• Exceptional presentation and storytelling skills to translate data into strategic recommendations

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in digital advertising, with 2+ years in a team leadership or director-level role
• Deep experience in both Paid Search and Paid Social required
• Agency experience strongly preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Communications, or related field preferred
• Various Paid Media certifications are a plus