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Marketing & Advertising, Media, Information Technology, Business Services

Associate Director, SEM

Chicago, ILOnsiteFull TimeDirector$75,000–$180,000 /yrPosted 18 days agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

  • Paid Search
  • SEM
  • Google Ads
  • Bing Ads
  • Google Analytics
  • Web trends
  • Omniture
  • Google AdWords Editor
  • Bing Ads Editor
  • client-facing

Nice to have

  • vendor management
  • media mix

Role summary

As an Associate Director, Paid Search, you will be responsible for all day-to-day Paid Search operations, serving as the primary client contact. You will provide strategic direction within the digital group to develop effective communication plans, manage the career development of your team, and maintain strong client relationships. This role requires significant client-facing experience, proven team management skills, and expertise in analytical and search engine desktop tools, with a minimum of 5 years of experience in these areas. You will train and develop junior team members, improve operational efficiencies, and keep senior management informed of client opportunities and risks.

About WPP Media

WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world’s leading brands. With exceptional talent, trusted data and intelligence, and world-class partnerships – all united by our pioneering agentic marketing platform, WPP Open – we help clients navigate change, capture opportunity, and deliver transformational growth. 

WPP Media is WPP's AI-driven media operating unit, bringing together media, data, and partnerships to deliver creative personalisation at scale. Connected through WPP Open and powered by Open Intelligence, clients see exactly where, how, and why their media investment is working.

For more information, visit wppmedia.com.

Role Summary & ImpactAs an Associate Director, Paid Search, you will be accountable for all day-to-day Paid Search operations and be the main point of contact for an account. You will provide strategic direction and leadership inside the digital group to deliver the most effective and advanced communication plans. You will manage the career paths of supporting staff within the Paid Search team and will be expected to function at a highly efficient level, manage teams on multiple accounts, and maintain a strong client relationship.Skills and Experience

  • Lead and own the day-to-day management of search team workflow and oversight of search recommendations, execution details, budgets/accounting and performance.
  • Develop positive relationships with the search community, vendors and Directors for optimal service levels and results.
  • Study and understand the client’s product, marketing objectives and digital goals with an emphasis on paid search, ensuring your recommendations are insightful and consistent.
  • Interface and present to senior clients on a regular basis.
  • Train, motivate and develop Search Managers, Senior Associates and Associates, performing as a leader with minimal supervision. A key result will be developing talent. We need you to elevate the practice by developing your own team members to be strategic about the role of paid search in the media mix.
  • Develop and write up standard methodologies for improving operational efficiencies within the team and the group.
  • Keep senior management apprised of key client opportunities, potential risks and other key nuances which affect the health of the business.
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Analytics, Marketing, Communications, Advertising; OR equivalent professional work experience.
  • 5+ Years experience in Analytical Tools (Google Analytics, Web trends, Omniture), Search Engine Desktop Tools (Google AdWords Editor, Bing Ads Editor).
  • Significant client-facing and relationship management experience.
  • Prior experience managing a team; demonstrating a proven track record in training and growing junior team members.
  • Exhibit passion through appropriate participation in team, agency, and industry initiatives.
  • Excellent verbal and written skills; exceptional organizational skills, multi-tasking capabilities, and attention to detail.

    • Life at WPP Media & Benefits

    Our passion for shaping the next era of media is powered by our commitment to Be Extraordinary, investing in our employees to inspire transformational creativity. We also Lead Optimistically, firmly believing in and Championing Growth and Development for every individual. This commitment allows WPP Media employees to leverage the extensive global WPP Media & WPP networks to pursue their passions, build vital professional connections, and learn at the cutting edge of marketing and advertising.

    We Create an Open Environment built on trust and respect, where everyone feels they belong and has opportunities to progress. This inclusive culture is fostered through employee resource groups and frequent in-office events showcasing team wins, sharing thought leadership, and celebrating holidays and milestone events. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects this commitment, including competitive medical, group retirement plans, vision and dental insurance, significant paid time off, preferential partner discounts, and employee mental health awareness days.

    WPP Media is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to characteristics. We believe the best work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection in an open and supportive environment. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach, with teams in the office around four days a week. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process. Please note that while our philosophy is the same across WPP, benefits may vary by office/country.

    Please read our Privacy Notice for more information on how we process the information you provide.

    The base salary range for this position at the time of this posting is indicated below. Individual compensation varies based on job-related factors, including location, business needs, level of responsibility, experience, and qualifications. We offer a competitive benefits package, go to https://mybenefits.wpp.com/public/welcome for more details.

    US Pay Range$75,000—$180,000 USD

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