Associate Director, Paid Search

Darkroom

. Own and drive overarching paid search strategy across a portfolio of high-growth U.S.

Posted 10/14/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $120,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and executing paid search strategies across multiple platforms, including Google Ads and YouTube, while effectively managing teams and client relationships. Proficient in data-driven decision-making and optimizing e-commerce performance metrics to drive growth and efficiency.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Paid Search StrategyGoogle Ads ExpertiseTeam LeadershipE-Commerce Performance MetricsClient Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Paid Media AdvertisingCampaign OptimizationBudget ForecastingAd Copy DevelopmentAttribution ModelingAudience TargetingPerformance Metrics AnalysisBidding StrategyData-Driven Decision-MakingCreative Testing

Soft Skills

Exceptional Communication SkillsCoaching and DevelopmentProblem-Solving

Tools & Technologies

Google AdsYouTubeMicrosoft AdvertisingAnalyticsAI Search Platforms

Industry Keywords

E-Commerce Marketing FunnelCustomer Acquisition FunnelKPI FrameworksPerformance ReviewsHigh-Growth Consumer Brands

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own and drive overarching paid search strategy across a portfolio of high-growth U.S. brands
Serve as point of contact for senior client stakeholders and present quarterly business reviews, growth roadmaps, and performance forecasts
Partner with the Managing Director to define team OKRs, capacity planning, and service delivery standards
Champion Darkroom’s paid search point of view and stay ahead of auction dynamics, bidding and algorithm changes, and AI search products
Lead annual and quarterly paid search plans, including budget allocation, channel mix, keyword and audience strategy, and creative roadmaps
Oversee campaign architecture, bidding strategy, optimization frameworks, and testing methodologies across accounts spending $500K to $5M+ monthly
Drive performance across Google, YouTube, Bing, App Install, and emerging AI search platforms
Make real-time and proactive ad-buying decisions in response to platform trends
Pioneer innovative strategies blending traditional search, YouTube, and emerging AI search
Establish and enforce KPI frameworks and data-driven decision-making
Architect and pressure-test attribution models with Analytics
Identify growth opportunities through brand and website audits, competitive intelligence, and audience targeting
Own the full customer acquisition funnel from offer to ad to landing page to conversion
Develop quarterly strategies and forecasts based on performance and projections
Serve as senior creative strategist for ad copy, landing pages, YouTube short-form video, and creative testing
Manage, coach, and develop Paid Search Managers and Specialists
Conduct performance reviews and build individualized growth plans
Establish internal quality standards for campaign builds, reporting, and client deliverables
Act as escalation point for complex performance challenges and client issues

Requirements

What you’ll need

7+ years of paid media advertising experience, with at least 5+ years specializing in Paid Search and Google
5+ years managing paid search advertising for high-growth consumer brands with aggregate monthly spends of $1M+ across a portfolio
Experience leading and developing a team of 3+ paid media practitioners
Proven track record of scaling Google ad accounts beyond $1M USD/month while maintaining or improving efficiency metrics
Executive-level client management skills
Expert-level command of Google Ads
Deep familiarity with YouTube, Microsoft Advertising (Bing), and the emerging AI search ad ecosystem
Mastery of the e-commerce marketing funnel
Mastery of e-commerce performance metrics including CPA, CAC, iROAS, nCAC, MER, aMER, CTR, and CPM
Expertise in developing, testing, and optimizing ad copy and short-form video creative
Strong background in data-derived decision-making, budget forecasting, and spend projection modeling
Comfort engaging with e-commerce P&Ls and financial performance metrics
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work 9am–5pm EST; this is non-negotiable
Must be currently eligible to work in the United States
Must not require visa sponsorship now or in the future to continue working in the United States

Benefits

Comp & perks

Unlimited PTO + US holidays
Remote-First Culture
Company-sponsored medical, dental, and vision coverage
Robust 401(k) program with company match
Profit-sharing opportunities
Flexible parental leave
Interdisciplinary growth and professional development opportunities
Performance-based compensation