Associate Director, Paid Search

Job Summary

Detail-oriented, hands-on Associate Director, Paid Search to help drive the execution and performance of paid search campaigns across our portfolio of pharmaceutical clients. In this role, you will take ownership of day-to-day campaign management, optimization, and reporting, while leading a small team and collaborating with internal teams to ensure flawless delivery. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about search marketing, thrives in the weeds of platform execution, and wants to make a tangible impact on strategy & performance.

This is a hybrid role, based in any of our US offices—including Boston, Chicago, Carmel, or Lambertville—or remotely within the US, depending on team and business needs.

What you’ll do:

• Lead a team of Managers that own day-to-day management of paid search campaigns across Google Ads & Microsoft Ads
• Build and refine keyword strategies, ad copy, bidding approaches, and audience targeting to meet performance goals
• Help monitor budget pacing and performance across accounts to ensure efficient spend and delivery
• Analyze campaign data regularly to identify optimization opportunities, address underperformance, and implement tactical improvements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (media, analytics, client services) to ensure seamless campaign planning and execution
• Support the creation of test-and-learn strategies to improve performance and unlock new insights
• Assist with client deliverables, including performance reporting, POVs on platform updates, and tactical recommendations
• Stay current with SEM trends, platform features, and industry best practices

This position is a perfect fit for you if:

• Our Company values, Best Together, Impact Obsessed, Excellence Expected, Evolve Always, and Accountability with an "I", genuinely resonate with how you work and lead.
• You demonstrate the Real Chemistry Can mindset by approaching challenges with optimism, accountability, creativity, and a solutions-oriented attitude, always looking for ways to make a meaningful impact for our clients, colleagues, and communities.
• You are adaptable, resilient, and comfortable adjusting your scope, responsibilities, and priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment. As our business grows and changes, so do we.
• You are proactive, driven, and resourceful, with strong prioritization skills, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to leverage data to inform decisions and drive outcomes.
• You are energized by innovation and the transformative potential of AI, actively exploring new technologies, identifying opportunities to work smarter, and championing practical, responsible AI adoption that drives meaningful business impact.

What you should have:   

• Bachelor's Degree preferred
• 6+ years experience in search engine marketing (SEM), including hands-on experience with Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and associated tools (e.g., SA360, Google Ads Editor)
• 2+ years of people management experience
• Pharmaceutical Industry experience is Required
• Deep understanding of SEM tactics, campaign structure, keyword research, bid strategies, audience segmentation, and testing frameworks
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, foster collaboration, and build scalable processes
• Advanced proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite
• Strong analytical mindset and creative problem-solving skills
• Desire to continually learn, improve, and grow within the media buying industry
• Ability to self-manage under deadlines
• Demonstrates professional verbal and written communication skills

Pay Range: $100,000 - $120,000

The anticipated salary range for this position is listed above. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on job-related, non-discriminatory factors including but not limited to experience, skills, qualifications, geographic location, and internal parity.

In addition to base salary, Real Chemistry offers a comprehensive benefits package and a variety of programs designed to support our employees' well-being, growth, and success.

Real Chemistry reserves the right to update compensation and benefits programs at any time.