Associate Director, Paid Search

Company Description

Hi there—at Razorfish, we’re leaders in what's next. Since the dawn of the internet, we’ve helped brands move first through every era of transformation, defining what digital means for business and now leading brands into the age of AI. Everyone has a prediction. Razorfish has a track record.

 

Named a Most Innovative Agency three years running (2024–2026) by Campaign US, our work reflects a proven ability not just to anticipate what’s coming, but to help our clients actively shape the future. No matter the trend or cultural moment, delivering real business impact wouldn’t be possible without our people. We bring together curious, driven, and diverse thinkers who challenge convention, push boundaries, and hold a high bar for creative excellence.

 

If you’re motivated to work alongside top performers, push the boundaries of what’s possible, and help define where technology, business, and marketing are headed next—this is the place to do it.

Join us at razorfish.com.

Overview

As the Associate Director of Search Marketing at Razorfish, you will transition from subject matter expertise in paid search to a strategic leadership role focusing on digital marketing as a whole. In this position, you will oversee the executional workflow of Search Supervisors, Search Strategists, and Search Coordinators, driving campaign performance while cultivating a high-performing team. You'll play a key role in developing points of view (POVs), playbooks, and strategic tests that not only optimize client outcomes but also enhance the overall effectiveness of our digital marketing initiatives. 

Responsibilities

• Strategic Vision: Lead the development and execution of innovative search marketing strategies that align with client goals while integrating AI and emerging technologies to drive superior business performance. 

• Client Relationship Management: Serve as the primary contact for clients, building strong relationships and deeply understanding their objectives to deliver tailored and effective search solutions. 

• Innovate through AI-powered experiences: Create and orchestrate teams of AI agents to support daily search campaign operations, enhancing workflow efficiency and ensuring seamless execution of routine tasks.    

• Campaign Oversight: Monitor and analyze campaign performance, providing actionable insights and data-driven recommendations to enhance ROI and overall effectiveness. 

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with media planning, creative, and analytics teams to ensure cohesive and integrated campaign strategies across all digital marketing channels. 

• Data-Driven Insights: Utilize advanced analytics and AI tools to inform strategies and assess the effectiveness of search initiatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. 

• Quarterly Strategy Development: Create comprehensive quarterly plans and testing frameworks aligned with client expectations, incorporating industry best practices and insights. 

• Risk Management and Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with quality assurance processes and risk management protocols, documented via a RACI framework, to uphold campaign integrity. 

• Industry Trends and Thought Leadership: Stay at the forefront of industry developments and advancements in digital marketing, sharing insights to position Razorfish as a thought leader. 

• Business Development: Identify growth opportunities within existing accounts and collaborate on strategic proposals with senior leadership to expand service offerings. 

• Training and Knowledge Sharing: Develop and implement training programs aimed at enhancing team skills and fostering a culture of continuous learning and best practices. 

• Team Development: Support the onboarding of new talent and mentor staff to encourage professional growth and development. 

• Team Management: Lead and inspire a team of 2-7 Search Supervisors, Strategists, and Coordinators, providing direction, feedback, and support for their professional growth. 

• Cultivating a Collaborative Culture: Foster a high-energy, accountable team environment that prioritizes excellence in service delivery. 

• Contributing to Thought Leadership: Actively contribute to the agency's thought capital by developing POVs and playbooks that outline best practices and innovative strategies in search marketing. 

• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Engage in initiatives designed to align efforts across departments, enhancing overall service offerings and client solutions. 

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Search Engine Marketing (SEM) and digital marketing, with a successful track record in developing and executing effective strategies. 

• 1-2 years of supervisory or leadership experience, demonstrating strong team management and mentorship skills. 

• Advanced analytical skills for deriving actionable insights from data to inform campaign optimization. 

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with clients, teams, and stakeholders. 

• Thorough understanding of integrated digital marketing strategies, including organic search, display, mobile, and social media. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly advanced Excel, and familiarity with analytics tools such as Google Analytics, SA360, and Google/Bing Ads. 

• Knowledge of online campaign measurement methodologies for performance analysis, optimization, and improvement. 

• Expertise in utilizing advanced technology, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and Python or other programming languages, to improve campaign strategies, enhance content generation, and optimize marketing workflows. 

• Strong client-service orientation, with the ability to cultivate relationships and position the agency as a trusted strategic partner. 

• Strategic thinker with demonstrated experience in developing comprehensive plans and frameworks that align with client objectives. 

• Proficiency in identifying business development opportunities and contributing to agency growth. 

• Passionate about mentoring team members and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. 

• Innovative mindset with a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies and staying updated on industry trends. 

Additional Information

The Power of One starts with our people! To do powerful things, we offer powerful resources.

 

Our best-in-class wellness and benefits offerings include:Paid Family Care for parents and caregivers for 12 weeks or moreMonetary assistance and support for Adoption, Surrogacy and FertilityMonetary assistance and support for pet adoptionEmployee Assistance Programs and Health/Wellness/Comfort reimbursements to help you invest in your future and work/life balanceTuition AssistancePaid time off that includes Flexible Time off Vacation, Annual Sick Days, Volunteer Days, Holiday and Identity days, and moreMatching Gifts programsFlexible working arrangements‘Work Your World’ Program encouraging employees to work from anywhere Publicis Groupe has an office for up to 6 weeks a year (based upon eligibility)Business Resource Groups that support multiple affinities and alliances

 

The benefits offerings listed are available to eligible U.S. Based employees, are reviewed on an annual basis, and are governed by the terms of the applicable plan documents.

 

Razorfish is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment decisions are made without regard to actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, medical condition as defined by applicable state law, genetic information, marital status, military service and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

 

If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact [email protected].

 

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

 

Compensation Range: USD $97,375.00 - USD $155,961.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 11/15/2026.