Director, Paid Search

SearchSolutionsEnrollmentStudent SuccessBrandingInstitutional StrategyDigital AdvertisingCase StudiesOhio Wesleyan UniversityThe University of MississippiKettering UniversityFlorida Southern CollegeUniversity of Texas at TylerTaylor UniversitySee AllThe Director of Paid Search leads Paid Search strategy for a smaller portfolio of high-impact clients while managing 2–4 team members. This role ensures campaigns are executed efficiently, aligned with client goals, and optimized for success. The Director also drives team development, maintains quality standards, and contributes to the growth of Paid Search at Carnegie especially through the rapidly evolving, AI-driven search landscape.Duties and Responsibilities: Team Leadership & DevelopmentManage and coach 2–4 Paid Search employees on campaign strategy, setup, and optimization.Lead training sessions, onboarding, and professional development for direct reports.Conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.Support hiring and workflow planning for the team.Campaign Management and ReportingOversee end-to-end Paid Search strategy and execution for assigned accounts.Guide campaign strategy through the evolving AI-driven search landscape, leveraging automation, and emerging AI features to drive performance.Partner with Digital Strategists on proposals, RFPs, and strategic pivots.Use tools such as Clarity, GA4, and dashboards to ensure campaigns meet performance goals.Join client calls as needed.Internal Team & Thought LeadershipCollaborate with cross-functional teams to share best practices and drive innovation.Maintain expertise in Paid Search trends and bring forward process improvements, tests, and company-wide training opportunities.Work closely with Google Account Executives to support agency Google Premier Partnership initiatives.Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:Excellent attention to detail and the ability to effectively multitask in a deadline-driven atmosphereDemonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills through independent troubleshooting of issues before escalating to other team membersQuick learner and ability to adapt to new and changing technologiesClear written communication skills, both internally and externallyPassion, energy, and enthusiasm for digital marketing and client successDue to the remote environment, effective communication and time management skills are required, as well as the ability to use/learn multiple technology platforms and switch between them on a regular basisCurrently certified or willing to get certified in Google Ads Paid Search Physical requirement: Must be able to work at a computer for prolonged periodsCredentials and Experience:Bachelor’s degree required; Marketing/Advertising major or concentration is preferred5 or more years of experience working in Paid Search in the Google Ads platform; Lead generation is a plus.Minimum of 2 years of management experience with direct reports requiredTeam leadership experience in an agency or digital marketing department requiredData analysis expertise, particularly experience in analyzing digital campaign metrics to measure successExperience with Asana or other project management tools and Google-based products (Docs, Sheets, and Slides) is a plusAbout CarnegieFor more than 30 years, Carnegie has been a leader and innovator in higher education marketing and enrollment strategy, offering groundbreaking services in the areas of Research, Strategy, Digital Marketing, Lead Generation, Slate Optimization, Student Search, Website Development, and Creative that generate authentic connections.Learn more about who we are, what we do, and what we care about.No phone calls or unscheduled visits to the office, please. Carnegie is an equal-opportunity employer.