Senior SEM Director: Strategy, AI & Growth

PMG; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-Based Rewards

Professional Development

Generous Time Off

Parental Leave

Retirement Benefits

Fertility and Family Support

Healthcare

Pet Insurance

Lifestyle Spending Account

Commuter Benefits

Volunteering Opportunities

AI Tools and Training

Job summary

PMG is seeking an experienced Paid Search Marketing Director to lead advanced search strategies that drive measurable business results for global clients. You will steer strategic client partnerships, manage complex programs, and mentor a growing SEM team.

You will collaborate with media, creative, analytics, strategy, and technology teams to maximize the impact of Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and the Alli platform while driving innovation and efficiency through AI and automation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in paid search, digital media, or performance marketing with a bachelor’s degree.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across complex paid search programs.
• Lead development of advanced paid search strategies on Google Ads and Microsoft Ads.
• Serve as senior partner to clients, linking search performance to business priorities.
• Oversee performance and optimization, guide bidding, segmentation, and creative testing.
• Lead planning and budget strategy for paid search investments.
• Establish test-and-learn frameworks across paid search.
• Guide measurement and reporting to connect activity to outcomes.
• Build relationships with search platforms and partners.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align paid search with broader programs.
• Drive adoption of Alli and automation across paid search.
• Use AI and automation to improve efficiency and decision-making.
• Stay ahead of industry developments and translate trends into opportunities.
• Mentor and develop team members.
• Help establish SEM best practices and standards.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Paid search strategy

Google Ads

Microsoft Ads

Data analysis

Forecasting

Budget management

Performance reporting

A/B testing

Cross-channel perspective

Excel

Google Analytics

Client relationship

Mentoring/talent development

Communication

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Alli platform

Job description

PMG is seeking an experienced Paid Search Marketing Director to lead advanced search strategies that drive measurable business results for global clients. You will steer strategic client partnerships, manage complex programs, and mentor a growing SEM team.

You will collaborate with media, creative, analytics, strategy, and technology teams to maximize the impact of Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and the Alli platform while driving innovation and efficiency through AI and automation.