Associate Search Director - New York Full Time Regular
New York, NY



As an independent operating unit of Starcom MediaVest Group, SMG Search specializes in the development of innovative, highly measurable, idea-intensive search marketing programs. SMG Search is a team of acutely focused marketers who partner with clients in order to successfully navigate the future of search-based communications and ecommerce.

Position Summary

Working under the direction of and in concert with the group Media Director, the Associate Media Director leads his/her own team or teams in the conception and delivery of innovative, business-building search marketing solutions, including organic and paid optimization, evolving search platforms and advanced analytics applying search to create insight and added accountability. This involves leading the creation, execution and optimization of client search initiatives, unearthing search insights to inform the development of broader media strategies, identifying appropriate accountability solutions, and flawless execution on all fronts. The Associate Search Director often oversees multiple accounts, ranging from 1 account with multiple business units, to 5 or 6 various accounts.

Specific Responsibilities

The Work:
The Associate Search Director will maintain overall control of work-flow and assigned subordinate responsibilities within their group. He or she will oversee the progress of all projects and provide assistance, where necessary, to assure timely completion of projects. Additionally, this individual will ensure that projects are produced completely, correctly and with a maximum of manpower efficiency. In doing so, this person is responsible for:
Setting strategic principles for client search initiatives, based on objectives
Developing action plans for achieving and measuring search campaign success, including determining key metrics, processes for measurement and optimization
Evaluate and recommend full spectrum of search alliances, including all appropriate engine partners, search platforms, bid and campaign management tools
Working with media, account, and agency partners to ensure search complements all client marketing activity
Keeping clients and agency counterparts informed on latest developments in search industry and their potential implications for clients
The Associate Search Director will serve as their accounts library or main source of knowledge for SMG Search and agency partners
He or she will develop better processes for improved work flow within SMG Search, and between agency partners and vendors
This individual will be responsible for growing existing business through new business opportunities and stellar strategy and service
The ASD is frequently involved in client and inter-agency education of search, and will be responsible for preparing and presenting best practices, case studies, and online media strategies developed for prospective clients
ASDs are also responsible for providing quantifiable rationale for searchs inclusion within their clients (or perspective clients) media mix. This will include justification from strategic, financial, and consumer engagement standpoints.

The People:
This individual will be responsible for overseeing a team of dedicated search managers and associates. He or she will stimulate subordinate productivity and growth by:
Providing formal training to new team employees
Educating them about industry best practices
Allocating assignments which combine to make productive and effective use of each persons skills, as well as motivating their interests and challenging their minds
Encouraging thorough evaluation of search marketing strategies, finding opportunity for competitive advantage
Supporting direct contact with account groups and clients
Developing their careers within SMG. As such, the ASD is will provide ongoing feedback and conduct employee evaluations
The Associate Search Director, as part of SMG Searchs upper management, will participate in leading agency initiatives that affect all department employees
The ASD will actively support and participate in agency recruitment activities, including agency hiring practices
This individual will report to a Media Director, and will be responsible for keeping them abreast of team work, employee and client developments


The Client:
The Associate Search Director serves as clients main point of contact, able to provide effective guidance and counsel. This individual will be responsible for:
Mastering, identifying, and communicating trends in search and in client industries
Being familiar with all SMG Search client initiatives and able introduce other client experiences with similar goals and targets to existing or potential partners
Defining, understanding and evaluating clients competition online, as well as how it relates to their search marketing initiatives
He or she will work with the Media Director to establish appropriate account staffing, scope of services, and fee proposals

Required Skills, Experience and Education

Bachelors degree from a four-year college or university
Three+ years of progressive levels of responsibility in search marketing
Experience in both organic and paid search
Experience in applying search marketing to brand-building & direct response initiatives
Strong command of search engine research and reporting resources
Knowledge of syndicated research tools such as ComScore, HitBox, AdGooroo and Ad Relevance
Deep experience with at least one of the major bid management tools
Familiarity with third-party ad serving companies
Demonstrated leadership and management skills
At least 3 years of people-management experience
Demonstrated business acumen and a track record of success in the media/marketing services profession
Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
Strong negotiating skills
Solid interpersonal and teamwork abilities
Ability to build and strengthen client relationships
Demonstrated critical thinking and problem solving abilities
Strong analytical abilities

SMG Search
Name: Human Resources
Email: Contact
Phone:
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