Job Description

Role: Associate Director, Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Hybrid/On-site/Remote: Hybrid (On-site 3 days a week)

Salary: $110-130k

Clutch Creative is a rapidly growing staffing agency. We support our clients by identifying unreachable talent that helps their businesses grow.

candidates work with us because they know we have the best opportunities available to them and will help them navigate their next career move.

We care, we're honest, and we hustle—that's what makes us Clutch.

Clutch is looking for an experienced Associate Director, Search Engine Marketing (SEM) for a client of ours.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop, refine, and lead comprehensive paid search strategies aligned with client business objectives and KPIs across various industries.
• Team Management & Mentorship: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of SEM Analysts and Senior Analysts, fostering their growth, providing constructive feedback, and ensuring high-quality execution.
• Campaign Management Oversight: Oversee the creation, implementation, optimization, and analysis of large-scale SEM campaigns across platforms such as Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising, YouTube, and other relevant search and bidding platforms.
• Client Relationship Management: Serve as a primary strategic point of contact for key clients, presenting performance insights, optimization recommendations, and future strategies in a clear and compelling manner.
• Performance Analysis & Optimization: Drive advanced data analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and challenges. Implement sophisticated optimization tactics to maximize ROI, efficiency, and scale.
• Budget & Forecasting Management: Manage and forecast substantial media budgets, ensuring optimal allocation and performance against client goals.
• Innovation & Best Practices: Stay at the forefront of SEM industry trends, algorithm changes, new ad formats, and emerging technologies (e.g., AI in search) to continuously evolve our offerings and maintain a competitive edge.
• New Business & Growth: Contribute to new business pitches and proposals, showcasing our SEM expertise and strategic vision to prospective clients.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with internal teams (e.g., SEO, Analytics, Creative, Account Management) to ensure integrated marketing strategies and seamless client delivery.
• Process Improvement: Identify and implement improvements to SEM processes, reporting, and operational efficiencies.

Qualifications:

• Experience: 5-8+ years of direct, hands-on experience in Search Engine Marketing, with a proven track record of managing significant budgets and driving strong performance results.
• Leadership: 2+ years of experience in a leadership or management role, directly managing and developing a team of SEM professionals.
• Platform Expertise: Expert-level proficiency with Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising, and advanced knowledge of bid management platforms (e.g., SA360/DS3, Marin, Kenshoo, Skai/Kenshoo, Optmyzr).
• Analytical Skills: Exceptional analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to interpret complex data, draw actionable insights, and develop strategic recommendations. Advanced Excel proficiency is required.
• Communication: Outstanding written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly to clients and internal teams.
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to develop holistic, data-driven SEM strategies that align with broader business objectives.
• Client-Facing Acumen: Proven experience in client relationship management, including leading client calls, presentations, and managing expectations.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Analytics, or a related field.
• Certifications: Google Ads Certifications are required. Other relevant certifications (e.g., Microsoft Advertising, SA360, Google Analytics) are a strong plus.

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