Marketing Manager, Paid Search

Strategic Education, Inc

. Own end-to-end paid search strategy for Strayer University across brand and non-brand .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeMinneapolis • Minnesota • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $95,100 - $142,600 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expert-level proficiency in paid search strategy, managing multi-million-dollar budgets, and leading teams to optimize campaign performance. Proficient in advanced analytics, automated bidding, and leveraging data visualization tools to drive strategic recommendations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Paid Search StrategyBudget ManagementPeople LeadershipAdvanced Excel ProficiencyGoogle Ads Certifications

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

PPC/SEM ManagementQuantitative AnalysisForecastingAutomated BiddingCampaign ArchitecturePerformance Max StrategyData VisualizationStatistical TestingConversion TrackingBid Management

Soft Skills

Effective CommunicationDecision MakingAttention to DetailInfluencing Without AuthorityStress Management

Tools & Technologies

Google AdsMicrosoft AdvertisingGA4TableauPower BILooker StudioSkai (Kenshoo)

Certifications & Qualifications

Google Ads Certifications

Industry Keywords

Paid SearchSEM ReportingPerformance MetricsLead QualityAI-Driven CampaignsBiddable Channels

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Tableau

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own end-to-end paid search strategy for Strayer University across brand and non-brand
Manage a multi-million-dollar annual paid search budget, including forecasts, pacing, reallocations, and performance recommendations
Own the multi-quarter paid search roadmap and test-and-learn agenda
Make channel decisions within approved budget and performance guardrails
Serve as enterprise subject matter expert on paid search and recommend positions on platform changes and emerging campaign types
Direct campaign architecture and management, including builds, restructures, match types, audiences, budgets, bids, and ad copy
Set strategy for Performance Max, AI Max for Search, value-based bidding, and portfolio bidding
Own signal quality, including conversion definitions, offline conversion imports, value rules, audience feeds, and first-party data
Govern the paid search bid management platform and related channel technology
Direct SEM reporting and analytics, including dashboards, incrementality testing, and geo-holdout testing
Partner on lead quality outcomes and connect CPL and CPA to downstream application, start, and persistence metrics
Manage, develop, and retain a team of one to five paid search professionals
Establish channel standards, quality assurance protocols, and paid search playbooks
Manage relationships with Google, Microsoft, and other search partners
Lead quarterly business reviews and secure support and co-op resources
Present channel performance, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to senior stakeholders and executives
Partner with Media Strategy, Product Portfolio Marketing, Brand, Digital Experiences, Marketing Operations, Enrollment, and Marketing Analytics teams
Assess readiness for bringing adjacent biddable channels in-house in 2027 and recommend a transition plan
Monitor competitive and industry trends, including AI-generated search experiences

Requirements

What you’ll need

Expert-level proficiency in paid search strategy
Ability to own a channel budget and defend forecast and investment recommendations to senior leadership
Strong quantitative and analytical skills
Ability to build and pressure-test forecasts, size opportunities, and design statistically valid tests
Fluency in automated bidding and AI-driven campaign types
Proven people leadership, including hiring, developing, and retaining talent
Effective communication and presentation skills for executive audiences
Ability to influence without authority across analytics, operations, creative, brand, and product partners
Sound decision making under ambiguity
Meticulous attention to detail and portfolio-level prioritization
Ability to manage multiple internal and external partners simultaneously
Advanced Excel proficiency
Certification or experience with enterprise search bid management platforms, particularly Skai (Kenshoo)
Advanced user of Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising UI and Editor tools
Working proficiency in GA4 and data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or Looker Studio
Google Ads certifications preferred
6+ years’ experience focused on PPC/SEM responsibilities
Minimum of 2 years of direct people leadership
Bachelor Degree
Ability to travel 10% of the time
Ability to lift 15 lbs.
Mobility within the office, including movement from floor to floor
Ability to travel via plane, car, and metro when required
Ability to work more than 40 hours per week when business needs warrant
Regular, dependable attendance and punctuality
Ability to effectively communicate up and down the management chain
Ability to cope with stressful situations
Strong mental acuity

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans
Well-being incentives
Parental leave
Paid time off
Certain paid holidays
Tax saving accounts (FSA, HSA)
401(k) retirement benefit
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Tuition assistance
Entertainment and retail discounts
Overtime pay for eligible non-exempt employees