Associate Director, Search Marketing

About the role

Digitas is the Networked Experience Agency, built on the vision that we create magnetic experiences that earn the right for brands to exist in human networks. Today, and tomorrow. We deliver Networked Experiences by leveraging comprehensive data, technology, creative, media and strategy capabilities. Digitas delivers ambitious outcomes via unique solutions that include Creative Experiences, Integrated Media, Addressable Relationships, Social Marketing and Total Commerce. Celebrated by AdAge as Data and Insights Agency of the Year, U.S Campaign’s Brand Experience Agency of the Year, Media Network of the Year and celebrated by Forrester and Gartner, Digitas serves the world’s leading brands through a global network comprised of more than 5,500 employees across over 65 offices in 43 countries. The Digitas culture is made up of fearless, inventive and generous Unicorns of all kinds.

Responsibilities

• Manage the strategy and oversee planning, optimization and reporting of Digitas client SEM campaigns.
• Help integrate SEM with other capabilities.
• Serve as escalation point of contact for day-to-day clients.
• Shape and articulate the department and agency’s view on customer segmentation, media strategy tactics and execution.
• Manage the strategic components of an integrated SEM campaign, with other digital and offline media.
• Oversee development of program strategies and analyses for clients (e.g., target audience recommendations, timing/scheduling strategy, etc.).
• Accountable for testing schedule, learning agenda, performance forecasts.
• Draw insights from program results, keeping clients and internal teams looped in on strategic implications.
• Identify and address client issues, as well as new opportunities within existing client business.
• Own and clearly respond to client questions and issues related to media, serving as day-to-day contact.
• Manage assigned accounts within the media department with minimal oversight, including media planning, media negotiations and implementation, performance tracking and analysis, and various associated projects.
• Work closely with account, creative and measurement teams to ensure media plans and creative/measurement work are strategically aligned, client needs are met and quality levels are maintained.
• Manage and motivate junior staff, providing them ongoing feedback, performance evaluation, career direction and training.
• Prioritize teamwork, delegating responsibilities, and implementing a task management system that is universally accepted and applied.
• Provide creative solutions to client challenges; resourceful and able to troubleshoot issues with limited direction.
• Foster relationship with internal teams (Media, S&A and other capabilities) and external teams while managing multiple client stakeholders.
• Understand big picture implications and how insights can be applied in other programs and channels.
• Engage in active knowledge sharing with capability and broader agency.

Qualifications

• A four-year degree and 7 to 9 years of digital media experience, 6+ years of SEM experience.
• Deep familiarity with the digital environment and a clear understanding of media planning and buying process (multi-channel knowledge and DoubleClick Search expertise required).
• Strong understanding of media research tools – know their strengths/weaknesses, and when and how to effectively use them.
• Keen attention to detail and an analytical approach to achieving objectives.
• Solid quantitative and research skills; proven data interpretation capability, proven ability to translate data insights into a story.
• Fluency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel). Experience working with Tag Management Solutions, DMP, MTA and Site Analytics tools.
• Strong ability to understand client objectives and how they translate into search and media strategies.
• Excellent client presence and ability to lead discussions with internal and external leadership.
• Stellar communication and presentation skills – poised, articulate and convincing.
• Willingness to travel as needed – open to new places, new faces and new ideas.
• Familiarity with