Director, Performance Marketing (Hands-On)

Open position in Portsmouth, NH, St Louis, MO, Kansas City, MO, Minneapolis, MN, Columbia MO; Hybrid work schedule; 2 days in the office, 3 days working from homeVisa sponsorship is not available for this position, now or in the future. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis without requiring employer sponsorship.The OpportunityWe are seeking a SVP, Performance Marketing to lead and scale a high-impact performance team within our agency, Swell Media, part of the broader integrated media holding companies True Independent Holdings, and Meet The People.This role is built for a challenger-minded performance digital leader, someone who thrives in fast-moving, high-accountability environments and knows how to turn media into a true revenue engine.You will own a portfolio of ecommerce and lead generation clients, driving measurable growth through full-funnel strategy, advanced platform execution, and a relentless focus on efficiency (ROAS, CPA, LTV). Internally, you will lead, mentor, and scale teams. Externally, you will serve as a trusted partner to senior client stakeholders, shaping both strategy and business outcomes. Essential Duties And Responsibilities (Other Duties May Be Assigned)Client Leadership & Commercial GrowthOwn performance outcomes across a portfolio of ecommerce and lead generation clients, with direct accountability to revenue, CAC/CPA, and ROAS targetsBuild senior-level client relationships, positioning the agency as a strategic growth partner, not just an executional vendorLead new business pitches, RFP responses, and organic account growth, with a focus on expanding performance-driven servicesIdentify and unlock growth opportunities across the broader holding company’s capabilities (brand, creative, analytics, CRM)Performance Strategy (Ecommerce & Lead Gen Focus) Architect and oversee full-funnel, audience-led strategies tailored to:Ecommerce (feed-driven media, conversion rate optimization, LTV optimization, retention signals)Lead Generation (funnel optimization, lead quality, offline conversion tracking, sales alignment)Ensure seamless integration between upper-funnel investment and lower-funnel efficiency, driving scalable, sustainable growthPush beyond platform defaults, developing differentiated approaches to audience strategy, creative, and biddingServe as the ultimate technical escalation point for the agency, conducting rigorous audits on high-stakes accounts to identify and resolve performance plateausDevelop proprietary testing frameworks that push beyond standard A/B testing into sophisticated incrementality and lift studiesChannel & Platform LeadershipOversee execution across all core performance channels:Primary - paid search, paid socialSecondary - programmatic, affiliate, CTV, and emerging platformsMaintain deep expertise across key platforms:Google Ads (Search, YouTube, Performance Max, Shopping, Merchant Center)Meta, TikTok, LinkedIn, and programmatic ecosystemsLead advanced capabilities across:Feed optimization and automation (critical for ecommerce scale)Creative testing frameworks and iteration velocitySignal development, audience modeling, and incrementalityData, Measurement & MartechOwn the measurement framework and marketing technology ecosystem, including:GA4, Google Tag Manager, CRM integrations (e.g., HubSpot)Attribution models, incrementality testing, and offline conversion trackingReporting and visualization (e.g., Looker Studio)Build closed-loop measurement systems that connect media investment to revenue, pipeline, and customer valueDrive a culture of testing, experimentation, and continuous optimizationTeam Leadership & Challenger Culture Build, lead, and mentor high-performing, performance-driven teams across levelsInstill a challenger mindset, pushing teams to question platform best practices, test aggressively, and innovate beyond standard approachesAct as a player-coach, balancing strategic leadership with hands-on expertise where it mattersDevelop scalable frameworks, playbooks, and training to elevate team performance and consistencyOperational & Financial LeadershipOversee portfolio-level performance, including budget allocation, pacing, and forecastingDrive accountability to client KPIs, SLAs, and agency revenue/margin targetsPartner with executive leadership on resource planning, staffing, and operational efficiencyBuild systems that enable scalable growth without sacrificing performance qualityHolding Company IntegrationCollaborate across the broader media organization to deliver fully integrated, cross-channel strategiesAct as a bridge between performance marketing and brand, creative, analytics, and investment teamsEnsure performance media is fully aligned with brand strategy, creative direction, and broader media planningHelp position the agency as a modern, performance-first leader within the holding company ecosystemQualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.8+ years of experience in performance marketing, with leadership roles in an agency environmentProven success scaling ecommerce and/or lead generation businesses through paid media and conversion optimizationDeep expertise across paid media platforms, analytics, and marketing technologyMastery of advanced scripts, API integrations for automated bidding, and sophisticated CRM-to-platform data loops (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot, and Offline Conversion Tracking at scale)Proven ability to troubleshoot complex tracking and attribution discrepancies in a post-cookie landscapeFemonstrated ability to manage high-growth client portfolios and drive measurable business outcomesStrong track record in new business, client growth, and senior stakeholder managementExperience operating within or alongside integrated media organizations or holding companies preferredExceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skillsTotal Perks PackageThe chance to be a part of a growing company and the next success storyAmazing opportunities for career developmentRecognition programsEmployee referral bonusHybrid work schedule; 2 days in the office, 3 days working from homeFun and collaborative work environmentCasual dress codeInsurance Coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, and disability)401(k) retirement plan, with employer 4% matchWork/life benefits, including mental health and wellbeing supportFlexible Time Off PolicyPaid holidays, including agency soft closing Christmas Eve-New Year's DayPaid leave options, including sick leave, medical leave for self and family, and parental leaveCalifornia Residents - Please review our Privacy Notice here.