Associate Media Director - Paid Search

Our agency client is seeking a Search Buying AMD to oversee self-service buying operations and yield optimization of client programs in an AI-evolving search landscape. In this critical role, you'll oversee a hands-on-keyboard team, managing a portfolio of campaigns across multiple client accounts. You'll work with leading clients, account teams, media and platform strategy teams, as well as with platform technology partners. The ideal candidate has a passion for media, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, is a self-directed, self-starter, and out-of-the-box thinker who can navigate the shift toward AI Overviews (AIO) and Answer Engine Optimization (AEO).

Contract Details:

• 35-40 hours/week
• 3-6 month engagement, temp-to-perm contract possibility 
• Mid-to-late February start
• Looking for candidates based in Boston or NYC but the role will be remote. EST is ideal 
• $65-75/hr

Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership & Execution 

• Lead search execution and performance across clients (Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising
• Oversee operation of digital media buying technologies across search platforms while adapting to AI-driven search experiences
• Guide advanced optimization strategy to push the boundaries for current campaigns and align with clients' business and KPI goals in context of AI Overviews and SGE
• Drive yield optimization across search campaigns to maximize performance and efficiency
• Provide direction on campaign design, including suggestions for new or different use of platforms to achieve optimal performance, leveraging AI-powered features (Performance Max, automated bidding)
• Develop Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) strategies to maintain brand visibility in AI-generated search results
• Achieve delivery and KPI goals, providing input and feedback to ensure campaign success across multiple client accounts

Team Leadership 

• Manage a team of Search Buyers who execute hands-on-keyboard campaign operations
• Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development to build team capabilities, including education on AI's impact on search marketing
• Establish team workflows, QA processes, and best practices for campaign excellence in automated and AI-assisted environments
• Foster collaborative team environment aligned with Hill Holliday's integrated, no-ego culture

Client & Internal Collaboraiton 

• Partner with internal teams to ensure adherence to best practices, timelines, business objectives and media KPIs for successful campaigns in market
• Provide valuable feedback and insight on performance to internal and client teams, with optimization rationale and recommendations to exceed performance goals, including implications of AI Overviews
• Contribute to improvements in processes, both technical and business

Platform & Partner Relationships 

• Cultivate relationships with Google and Microsoft platform representatives and support team
• Secure beta access to AI-powered features, training opportunities, and value-added support for clients
• Stay current on algorithm updates, automation features, AI capabilities (Gemini, Performance Max enhancements, SGE developments), and emerging search capabilities including AIO impact on SERP positioning

Specifications

• Takes accountability and drives the team to do their best work
• Provides leadership to the team and is a responsible steward of deliverables
• Can flex between managing the team and being a collaborative member of the team
• Experience developing and communicating ingenious strategies in how the team meets goals and delivers work
• Ability to manage up, down and across
• Ensures team members take accountability for on-time and on-budget quality execution

Required

• 6+ years of professional experience in search media buying
• Advanced understanding of the search advertising ecosystem with expertise in Google and Bing platforms
• Deep understanding of AI's impact on search including AI Overviews (AIO), Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and Search Generative Experience (SGE)
• Advanced understanding of the supply and data ecosystems and the appropriate application of each within campaigns
• Search performance expertise required
• Experience managing a hands-on-keyboard team responsible for search campaign execution, media and business performance results
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in dealing with new challenges as they arise
• Self-directed, self-starter with out-of-the-box thinking abilities
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or related field
• Must be available to work EST hours (8am-5pm EST)

Preferred

• Experience developing strategies to maintain visibility in AI-generated search results and answer engines
• Understanding of how conversational search and voice search impact paid search strategy
• Google Ads certifications (Search, Shopping, Display, Measurement, AI-Powered Performance Ads) and Microsoft Advertising certification
• Experience with automated bidding strategies (Target CPA, Target ROAS, Maximize Conversions) and Performance Max
• Knowledge of SEO principles, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and how organic and paid search work together in an AI-driven search ecosystem
• Experience with Google Analytics 4, Google Tag Manager, and conversion tracking in AI-assisted environments
• Based in EST timezone (NYC, Boston, or surrounding areas preferred)

Success Metrics

• Achievement of client KPIs and delivery goals across multiple client accounts
• Yield optimization and campaign efficiency improvements
• Successful adaptation to AI-driven search landscape changes while maintaining or improving performance
• Team development and performance excellence
• Quality of strategic insights and optimization recommendations
• On-time and on-budget campaign execution
• Innovation in platform utilization and strategic approach to emerging AI search capabilities

We Are Rosie is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical​​​ condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or ​expression, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.