About Us

Assembly is a leading global omnichannel media agency that merges data, talent, and technology to catalyze growth for brands. Our approach weaves together brand narratives with global media capabilities, driving performance and business expansion. Our initiatives are powered by STAGE, our proprietary operating system, and executed by a global team of over 3,000 professionals across 44 offices worldwide. We are committed to social and environmental impact and are part of Stagwell, the challenger network designed to revolutionize marketing.

Overview

The Associate Director, Paid Search leads strategic direction, client relationships, and team performance across paid search accounts. This role develops long-term, data-driven strategies that drive client growth while ensuring seamless execution, financial oversight, and integration across the broader media ecosystem. Acts as a trusted advisor to clients and internal stakeholders, balancing strategic leadership with operational oversight and team development to drive business outcomes and agency growth.

Responsibilities

Client Leadership & Strategic Direction: Serve as the senior client contact, lead strategic discussions, and present recommendations aligned to business objectives.

Develop and lead long-term paid search strategies reflecting client goals, market dynamics, and growth opportunities.

Build trusted client relationships, acting as a strategic partner and advisor.

Performance Strategy & Optimization: Translate complex performance data into clear, actionable insights for optimization and long-term planning.

Ensure paid search strategies drive measurable outcomes across key performance metrics.

Identify and present growth opportunities including beta tests, platform innovations, and emerging trends.

Account Oversight & Execution: Oversee day-to-day account operations across multiple workstreams, ensuring campaign execution, performance tracking, and budget management.

Lead forecasting, pacing, and financial planning across assigned accounts.

Ensure quality control across all deliverables, including reporting and outputs.

Cross-Channel Integration & Collaboration: Partner with analytics, media, and strategy teams to develop integrated communication, measurement, and media plans.

Ensure paid search strategies are integrated within the broader media ecosystem; collaborate with cross-channel leads to align strategies and execution.

Team Leadership & Development: Manage and mentor Supervisors and their teams, fostering a high-performing, engaged environment.

Support career development and promote operational excellence across the SEM team.

Develop managers by providing coaching, feedback, and leadership guidance.

Operational Excellence & Innovation: Drive workflow efficiency by refining processes, tools, and team operations.

Maintain relationships with vendors and platform partners to enhance innovation and service levels.

Champion testing, automation, scripts, and new platform capabilities.

Business Growth & Thought Leadership: Support business development with upsell and cross-sell opportunities; contribute to POVs and best-practice development.

Keep senior leadership informed of account health, risks, and strategic opportunities.

Required Skills

5–7 years of experience in paid search, performance marketing, or digital media.

Experience managing client relationships and leading teams in a fast-paced, performance-driven environment.

Proven ability to oversee multiple accounts and workstreams.

Advanced expertise in paid search platforms and tools including Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising, Google Merchant Center, Google Editor, and Microsoft Advertising Editor.

Strong strategic thinking with the ability to develop long-term, growth-oriented paid search strategies.

Advanced analytical skills to translate performance data into business insights.

Ability to forecast, model, and set performance expectations.

Proven ability to develop managers and build high-performing teams; strong collaboration skills across channels and functional leads.

High level of accountability for client results and revenue growth.

Proactive, innovative mindset with a focus on testing and continuous improvement.

Benefits

Competitive salaries with annual compensation reviews.

Recognition programs and opportunities for growth and visibility within the organization.

Flexible Time Off policy and caregiver/parental leave policies.

Hybrid in-office/remote policy to balance collaboration and flexibility.

Social and environmental impact initiatives with dedicated Impact Champions.

Employee Resource Groups to support inclusivity and diversity.

Part of Stagwell, a digital-first network focused on transformation of marketing.

Equal Opportunities

Assembly is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other protected status. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories in line with legal requirements. If you require accommodations during the application process, please let us know. EEO Employer M/F/Vet/Disabled.

Compensation

In order to comply with pay transparency laws, the target range of base compensation for this role in the United States is $90,000 – $120,000. Actual compensation is based on factors including experience, skill set, and location.

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