Director, SEM

The Role

The Director of SEM will own Gametime’s paid search strategy end-to-end, driving performance, efficiency, and innovation across mobile and web. You will lead a high-performing team of SEM Managers, partner closely with Data Science/Analytics, Engineering, and SEO and collaborate across the broader Growth organization to define how SEM accelerates business growth.

This is both a strategic and operational leadership role, responsible for scaling one of Gametime’s largest acquisition channels while shaping the next generation of automation, measurement, and experimentation frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and Lead SEM Strategy: Own the vision, roadmap, and execution for Gametime’s global SEM program largely in Google Ads but also in Bing Search, and emerging platforms.
• Performance Leadership: Deliver growth and efficiency through advanced bidding, segmentation, and automation frameworks aligned with company revenue and margin goals.
• AI forward approach: strong curiosity and drive in exploring how different AI based solutions can drive improved relevancy and efficiency in paid search
• Experimentation & Innovation: Oversee structured SEM experimentation, building on Gametime’s strong testing culture to validate bidding, ad copy, landing page, and audience innovations.
• Scale & automation: Work with Data Science and Engineering to develop internal tools, automation pipelines, and performance dashboards that enhance decision-making.
• Google Partnership: Serve as Gametime’s primary liaison with Google to access betas, co-develop testing pilots, and inform product feedback loops.
• Team Development: Lead and mentor a team of SEM managers and analysts, fostering a culture of analytical rigor, curiosity, and operational excellence.
• Measurement & Insights: Partner with Analytics to refine attribution models, incrementality testing, and reporting frameworks that drive transparency and strategic clarity across channels.
• Collaboration Across Channels: Align SEM strategy with CRM, Paid Social, SEO, and Lifecycle teams to ensure an integrated acquisition strategy across the funnel.

Key Skills

• Deep understanding of Google Ads and SEM automation, including bid strategy optimization, audience layering, and advanced account architecture.
• Advanced analytical fluency, comfortable with SQL, large datasets, and advanced experimentation frameworks.
• Strategic mindset with the ability to translate data and experiments into high-impact business decisions.
• Proven ability to influence across marketing, analytics, product, and executive leadership.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; able to motivate teams and articulate clear strategies.
• Passion for live events and the power of performance marketing to connect fans to experiences.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in SEM, with at least 3 years in a leadership role ma