Senior Paid Search Lead for Enrollment Growth

Pearson; Jefferson City (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Pearson is seeking a Lead Specialist, Performance Marketing to lead day-to-day paid search optimization and campaign execution across multiple platforms. You will drive performance improvements, manage internal teams and agencies, and deliver actionable insights to support enrollment goals.

The ideal candidate combines leadership with hands-on search expertise, a data-driven mindset, and a passion for continuous testing and optimization in a fast-paced educational products environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on experience managing Paid Search (SEM) campaigns.
• Expert-level experience with Google Ads and SA360; Microsoft Ads experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of conversion optimization, attribution, bidding strategies, audience targeting, and campaign measurement.
• Experience managing agency relationships and collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders.
• People management, leadership, and development experience.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into action.

Responsibilities

• Own Paid Search programs across Google Ads, SA360, and Microsoft Ads.
• Execute and optimize campaigns to drive product adoption, applications, and enrollments.
• Translate strategy into campaign plans, testing initiatives, and optimization recommendations.
• Monitor campaign performance daily and identify opportunities to improve volume and ROI.
• Lead keyword expansion, audience targeting, bidding, ad copy testing, and structure improvements.
• Coordinate internal teams and agencies to deliver flawless campaign execution.

Skills

Paid Search

Google Ads

SA360

Analytics

Excel

Leadership

Tools

Tag Manager

GA4

Job description

Pearson is seeking a Lead Specialist, Performance Marketing to lead day-to-day paid search optimization and campaign execution across multiple platforms. You will drive performance improvements, manage internal teams and agencies, and deliver actionable insights to support enrollment goals.

The ideal candidate combines leadership with hands-on search expertise, a data-driven mindset, and a passion for continuous testing and optimization in a fast-paced educational products environment.