Director, Paid Search

Director, Paid Search

The Director, Paid Search is a senior performance media leader responsible for setting the strategic vision and driving business impact across clients' paid search programs. This role owns paid search strategy, financial stewardship, and senior level client relationships while leading teams responsible for planning, optimization, and performance delivery.
As a Director, you will act as a thought leader internally and externally, guiding clients through an evolving search landscape, shaping innovation, and ensuring paid search is fully integrated into holistic media strategies. This role balances strategic leadership with operational excellence, people development, and accountability for business results.
Responsibilities

Lead and inspire paid search teams in the development, execution, and optimization of campaigns that meet or exceed client performance and financial goals
Build and maintain strong senior level relationships with clients and internal stakeholders, serving as a trusted strategic advisor
Define success frameworks for paid search programs, including KPIs, measurement approaches, and optimization strategies
Advocate for the value of paid search, educating clients and teams on platform innovation, automation, and evolving capabilities within the search ecosystem
Guide teams in improving performance through advanced optimization techniques, platform automation, and AI-supported bidding and forecasting tools, while applying sound strategic judgment
Lead client and internal presentations that clearly communicate strategy, insights, and performance outcomes
Own financial management for assigned accounts, including P&L oversight, forecasting, and staffing plans
Drive holistic media planning by partnering with cross-channel leaders across analytics, programmatic, paid social, and broader media disciplines
Establish and reinforce best practices, quality assurance standards, and scalable processes across paid search operations
Partner with department leads to identify opportunities for innovation, growth, and integrated solutions for clients
Keep senior leadership informed of client opportunities, risks, and overall account health
Develop a deep understanding of each client's business, category, and objectives to proactively shape strategic recommendations
Participate in ongoing client meetings and executive level conversations, navigating complex stakeholder environments
Support problem solving and conflict resolution with professionalism and diplomacy
Lead advanced performance analysis and measurement approaches, including attribution, ROI analysis, forecasting, and media effectiveness
Utilize syndicated research and platform insights to benchmark performance, inform planning, and manage expectations
Foster a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and continuous learning across teams
Drive innovation and paid search thought leadership internally and externally
Coach, mentor, and develop talent through training, feedback, and performance management
Contribute to the development and documentation of best practices that improve operational efficiency and team effectiveness
Qualifications

7+ years of experience in paid search, digital media, or performance marketing, with increasing levels of responsibility
5+ years of experience using data and insights to drive strategic marketing and media recommendations
4+ years of people management experience, leading high performing teams
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate performance data into actionable insights
Deep understanding of paid search platforms, measurement frameworks, and optimization strategies
Comfort presenting to executive level stakeholders and influencing decision making
Strong leadership, communication, and relationship building skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced Excel capabilities
Bachelor's degree preferred
Additional Information

Starcom 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.
The Power of One starts with our people! To do powerful things, we offer powerful resources. Our best-in-class wellness and benefits offerings include:
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 U.S. based employees, are reviewed on an annual basis, and are governed by the terms of the applicable plan documents.
Compensation Range: $121,315 - $174,300. 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. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility 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 7/6/2026.
If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact USMSTACompliance@publicis.com. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.