Paid Search Director
Cedar Knolls, NJ · On-site
As a Director, Paid Search at Fingerpaint, you will serve as a strategic and operational leader within the paid search discipline across a portfolio of pharmaceutical clients. You will set the ...
Paid Search Director
Cedar Knolls, NJ · On-site
As a Director, Paid Search at Fingerpaint, you will serve as a strategic and operational leader within the paid search discipline across a portfolio of pharmaceutical clients. You will set the ...
Paid Search Director
Cedar Knolls, NJ · On-site
As a Director, Paid Search at Fingerpaint, you will serve as a strategic and operational leader within the paid search discipline across a portfolio of pharmaceutical clients. You will set the ...
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Paid Search Director
Cedar Knolls, NJ · On-site
As a Director, Paid Search at Fingerpaint, you will serve as a strategic and operational leader within the paid search discipline across a portfolio of pharmaceutical clients. You will set the ...
Paid Search Director
Cedar Knolls, NJ · On-site
$150 - $210/hr
As a Director, Paid Search at Fingerpaint, you will serve asastrategic and operational leaderwithinthe paid search discipline across a portfolio of pharmaceuticalclients. You will set the strategic ...
Paid Search Director
Cedar Knolls, NJ · On-site
$150 - $210/hr
As a Director, Paid Search at Fingerpaint, you will serve asastrategic and operational leaderwithinthe paid search discipline across a portfolio of pharmaceuticalclients. You will set the strategic ...
As a Director, Paid Search at Fingerpaint, you will serve asastrategic and operational leaderwithinthe paid search discipline across a portfolio of pharmaceuticalclients. You will set the strategic ...
As a Director, Paid Search at Fingerpaint, you will serve asastrategic and operational leaderwithinthe paid search discipline across a portfolio of pharmaceuticalclients. You will set the strategic ...
As a Director, Paid Search at Fingerpaint, you will serve as a strategic and operational leader within the paid search discipline across a portfolio of pharmaceutical clients. You will set the ...
As a Director, Paid Search at Fingerpaint, you will serve as a strategic and operational leader within the paid search discipline across a portfolio of pharmaceutical clients. You will set the ...
Director, Paid Search
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$130 - $210/hr
The Paid Search Director leads the process and people who work within Paid Search. They will work closely with the Group Director, Performance Media to help oversee the development and execution of ...
Director, Paid Search
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
$130 - $210/hr
The Paid Search Director leads the process and people who work within Paid Search. They will work closely with the Group Director, Performance Media to help oversee the development and execution of ...
The Paid Search Director leads the process and people who work within Paid Search. They will work closely with the Group Director, Performance Media to help oversee the development and execution of ...
The Paid Search Director leads the process and people who work within Paid Search. They will work closely with the Group Director, Performance Media to help oversee the development and execution of ...
Director, Paid Search
Dallas, TX · On-site
The Paid Search Director leads the process and people who work within Paid Search. They will work closely with the Group Director, Performance Media to help oversee the development and execution of ...
Director, Paid Search
Dallas, TX · On-site
The Paid Search Director leads the process and people who work within Paid Search. They will work closely with the Group Director, Performance Media to help oversee the development and execution of ...
Director, Paid Search
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
The Paid Search Director leads the process and people who work within Paid Search. They will work closely with the Group Director, Performance Media to help oversee the development and execution of ...
Director, Paid Search
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
The Paid Search Director leads the process and people who work within Paid Search. They will work closely with the Group Director, Performance Media to help oversee the development and execution of ...
Director, Paid Search
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
The Paid Search Director leads the process and people who work within Paid Search. They will work closely with the Group Director, Performance Media to help oversee the development and execution of ...
Director, Paid Search
Los Angeles, CA · On-site
The Paid Search Director leads the process and people who work within Paid Search. They will work closely with the Group Director, Performance Media to help oversee the development and execution of ...
Paid Search Director
$100/hr
Gather data on consumer, competitor, and market conditions Requirements Requirements * 5+ years of performance marketing experience required, specifically an emphasis on paid search * Experience in ...
Paid Search Director
$100/hr
Gather data on consumer, competitor, and market conditions Requirements Requirements * 5+ years of performance marketing experience required, specifically an emphasis on paid search * Experience in ...
Director, Paid Search
Denver, CO · On-site
Experience handling direct management of Paid Search budgets of at least $1MM in monthly ad spend * Experience directing strategy for B2B Lead Generation clients * Experience in YouTube, App ...
Director, Paid Search
Denver, CO · On-site
Experience handling direct management of Paid Search budgets of at least $1MM in monthly ad spend * Experience directing strategy for B2B Lead Generation clients * Experience in YouTube, App ...
Director, Paid Search
Chicago, IL · On-site
Understanding insights to inform performance changes and direct optimizations * Responsible for defining roles & responsibilities for client Paid Search teams, and responsible for delegating work to ...
Director, Paid Search
Chicago, IL · On-site
Understanding insights to inform performance changes and direct optimizations * Responsible for defining roles & responsibilities for client Paid Search teams, and responsible for delegating work to ...
Director, Paid Search
Chicago, IL · On-site
Experience handling direct management of Paid Search budgets of at least $1MM in monthly ad spend * Experience directing strategy for B2B Lead Generation clients * Experience in YouTube, App ...
Director, Paid Search
Chicago, IL · On-site
Experience handling direct management of Paid Search budgets of at least $1MM in monthly ad spend * Experience directing strategy for B2B Lead Generation clients * Experience in YouTube, App ...
Director, Paid Search
Denver, CO · On-site
Understanding insights to inform performance changes and direct optimizations * Responsible for defining roles & responsibilities for client Paid Search teams, and responsible for delegating work to ...
Director, Paid Search
Denver, CO · On-site
Understanding insights to inform performance changes and direct optimizations * Responsible for defining roles & responsibilities for client Paid Search teams, and responsible for delegating work to ...
Director, Paid Search (Remote)
$115K/yr
Experience handling direct management of Paid Search budgets of at least $1MM in monthly ad spend * Experience directing strategy for B2B Lead Generation clients * Experience in YouTube, App ...
Director, Paid Search (Remote)
$115K/yr
Experience handling direct management of Paid Search budgets of at least $1MM in monthly ad spend * Experience directing strategy for B2B Lead Generation clients * Experience in YouTube, App ...
Director, Paid Search
Sandy Hook, CT · On-site +1
Director, Paid Search Mediassociates · Sandy Hook, CT · Full-time About us Mediassociates is an award-winning independent media planning, buying, and analytics agency in the greater NYC area. We ...
Director, Paid Search
Sandy Hook, CT · On-site +1
Director, Paid Search Mediassociates · Sandy Hook, CT · Full-time About us Mediassociates is an award-winning independent media planning, buying, and analytics agency in the greater NYC area. We ...
Director, Paid Search
Sandy Hook, CT · On-site
Director, Paid Search Mediassociates • Sandy Hook, CT • Full-time About us Mediassociates is an award-winning independent media planning, buying, and analytics agency in the greater NYC area. We ...
Director, Paid Search
Sandy Hook, CT · On-site
Director, Paid Search Mediassociates • Sandy Hook, CT • Full-time About us Mediassociates is an award-winning independent media planning, buying, and analytics agency in the greater NYC area. We ...
Paid Search & Shopping Manager
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$150K - $160K/yr
This is a senior individual contributor role with direct management responsibility - you will own the day-to-day performance of Poshmark's search and shopping channels while guiding and developing a ...
Paid Search & Shopping Manager
Redwood City, CA · On-site
$150K - $160K/yr
This is a senior individual contributor role with direct management responsibility - you will own the day-to-day performance of Poshmark's search and shopping channels while guiding and developing a ...
Director, Paid Search
El Segundo, CA · On-site
$140K - $150K/yr
Overview As Director, Search (SEM), you will own the strategic direction, performance outcomes, and operational excellence of paid search for one of our top clients. You will lead the evolution of ...
Director, Paid Search
El Segundo, CA · On-site
$140K - $150K/yr
Overview As Director, Search (SEM), you will own the strategic direction, performance outcomes, and operational excellence of paid search for one of our top clients. You will lead the evolution of ...
Search Director information
See salary details
$99K - $103.2K
19% of jobs
$104.2K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$103.2K - $107.5K
28% of jobs
The median wage is $108.1K / yr.
$107.5K - $111.7K
20% of jobs
$111.7K - $115.9K
4% of jobs
$120.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$115.9K - $120.1K
4% of jobs
$120.1K - $124.4K
4% of jobs
$124.4K - $128.6K
4% of jobs
$128.6K - $132.8K
4% of jobs
$132.8K - $137K
4% of jobs
$137K - $141.3K
4% of jobs
$141.3K - $145.5K
4% of jobs
$99K
$115K
$145.5K
How much do search director jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for search director in the United States is $114,999.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What does a search director do?
A Search Director is responsible for overseeing and managing a company's search engine marketing (SEM) and search engine optimization (SEO) strategies. They lead teams to develop and implement campaigns aimed at increasing a website's visibility and driving qualified traffic from search engines. The role involves analyzing performance data, optimizing content and paid search campaigns, and staying updated on industry trends to ensure effective search strategies. Search Directors often collaborate with other departments, such as content, analytics, and web development, to achieve overall marketing goals.
What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a search director?
To thrive as a Search Director, you need deep expertise in SEO/SEM strategy, analytics, and digital marketing, supported by a bachelor’s degree in marketing or a related field. Mastery of tools like Google Analytics, Google Ads, SEMrush, and familiarity with bid management systems is typically required. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and communication skills help in guiding teams and presenting actionable insights to stakeholders. These skills ensure successful search campaign execution, maximized ROI, and alignment of search initiatives with overall business goals.
How does a search director typically collaborate with other marketing leaders and departments within an organization?
A Search Director often works closely with other marketing leaders, such as Brand, Content, and Analytics teams, to align search strategy with broader business goals. Collaboration may include coordinating integrated campaigns, sharing data-driven insights, and ensuring consistency across digital channels. This role also regularly interfaces with product managers and IT to optimize website performance and user experience. Effective communication and cross-departmental teamwork are essential for driving measurable results and maximizing ROI on search investments.
What is the difference between Search Director vs Search Manager?
| Aspect | Search Director | Search Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Responsibilities | Oversees entire search strategy, manages teams, and aligns search initiatives with business goals. | Executes search campaigns, manages day-to-day operations, and reports on performance. |
| Required Credentials | Typically requires advanced degrees in marketing, advertising, or related fields; experience in digital marketing and leadership. | Often requires a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or related areas; experience in search marketing. |
| Work Environment | Strategic, leadership-focused, often in corporate or agency settings. | Operational, campaign-focused, often in digital marketing teams. |
The Search Director focuses on high-level strategy and team leadership, while the Search Manager handles daily campaign execution. Both roles require expertise in search marketing, but the Director's role is more strategic and managerial, whereas the Manager's role is more tactical and operational.
More about Search Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Search Director jobs?
Cities with the most Search Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Search jobs?
The most popular types of Search jobs are:
What states have the most Search Director jobs?
States with the most job openings for Search Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Search Director jobs look for?
The top searched job categories for Search Director jobs are:
Job description
Description
Position at Fingerpaint Marketing
Reset your expectations of what a healthcare agency can be. Fingerpaint was founded on a simple, powerful idea: Put people first. By replacing egos with a "Never Paint by Number" philosophy, we empower our teams to create truly original work while delivering integrated marketing and life sciences solutions for patients and providers alike. Fiercely independent, we blend empathy, creativity, and data to solve the industry's most complex challenges, empowering bold thinkers to craft with the courage and purpose needed to break the mold.
Objectives of this Role:
As a Director, Paid Search at Fingerpaint, you will serve as a strategic and operational leader within the paid search discipline across a portfolio of pharmaceutical clients. You will set the strategic vision for your assigned accounts, drive innovation in how we manage and optimize search campaigns, and ensure our capabilities remain at the forefront of the industry.
You will lead and develop a high-performing team of four direct reports, overseeing strategy and activation for your assigned brands. You will also partner with organic search and generative engine optimization counterparts to ensure a holistic, collaborative approach to search strategy. You will also be responsible for forecasting, scoping, and staffing paid search projects to ensure proper management, optimizations, and support is available for your assigned brands. You will serve as the senior point of contact for client relationships, represent paid search in new business opportunities, and lead thought leadership efforts.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Paid Search Strategy & Client Leadership
Team Leadership & Development
Thought Leadership & New Business
Job Requirements:
Don't meet every single requirement? That's okay! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Fingerpaint, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles! Our team of qualified recruiters can match you with the right opportunity.Fingerpaint Group provides equal employment [and affirmative action] opportunities to all applicants and employees. We are proud to recruit qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, ethnic or national origin, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or citizenship status.
Position at Fingerpaint Marketing
Reset your expectations of what a healthcare agency can be. Fingerpaint was founded on a simple, powerful idea: Put people first. By replacing egos with a "Never Paint by Number" philosophy, we empower our teams to create truly original work while delivering integrated marketing and life sciences solutions for patients and providers alike. Fiercely independent, we blend empathy, creativity, and data to solve the industry's most complex challenges, empowering bold thinkers to craft with the courage and purpose needed to break the mold.
Objectives of this Role:
As a Director, Paid Search at Fingerpaint, you will serve as a strategic and operational leader within the paid search discipline across a portfolio of pharmaceutical clients. You will set the strategic vision for your assigned accounts, drive innovation in how we manage and optimize search campaigns, and ensure our capabilities remain at the forefront of the industry.
You will lead and develop a high-performing team of four direct reports, overseeing strategy and activation for your assigned brands. You will also partner with organic search and generative engine optimization counterparts to ensure a holistic, collaborative approach to search strategy. You will also be responsible for forecasting, scoping, and staffing paid search projects to ensure proper management, optimizations, and support is available for your assigned brands. You will serve as the senior point of contact for client relationships, represent paid search in new business opportunities, and lead thought leadership efforts.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Paid Search Strategy & Client Leadership
- Set the strategic direction for paid search campaigns across Google, Microsoft (Bing), YouTube, and other biddable search-based platforms, ensuring alignment with client business goals, strategic imperatives, and broader media objectives
- Present complex paid search strategies, performance insights, and optimization recommendations to external stakeholders in a clear, confident, and digestible manner
- Oversee and strategically contribute to targeting, keyword research, ad copy development, landing page assignments, and KPIs/measurement objectives with consideration for campaign outcomes beyond the click, such as deep content engagement and Rx conversion
- Proactively identify emerging opportunities in the paid search landscape, including automation, AI-powered bidding, and new platform capabilities, and translate them into actionable client strategies
- Serve as the senior point of contact for assigned brands, partnering closely with clients and internal team leads across other departments to integrate paid search within the broader omnichannel media plan
Team Leadership & Development
- Foster a high-performing team culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence
- Set clear expectations and goals for team members, providing regular feedback, mentorship, and career development guidance
- Ensure quality assurance across all team deliverables, including campaign builds, keyword research, bid management, financial actualizations, and client reporting
- Prioritize and delegate tasks across the team in the areas of account creation, QA, optimization, pacing, bid management, targeting, and reporting
- Oversee scope development, staffing forecasts, and utilization planning in coordination with media, account, and project management teams
Thought Leadership & New Business
- Lead thought leadership efforts by authoring and reviewing search-related POVs, case studies, and insights based on industry updates, trends, and campaign performance findings
- Serve as a paid search subject matter expert in new business pitches and proposals, articulating Fingerpaint's capabilities and point of view to prospective clients
- Contribute to the development and refinement of agency-wide paid search processes, best practices, and capability offerings
- Stay informed about the latest trends, technologies, and regulations in the search marketplace through research, industry events, and conferences
Job Requirements:
- 6-8 years of hands-on experience managing paid search accounts, with progressive leadership and management responsibilities; agency experience strongly preferred
- Deep expertise in paid search campaign strategy, management, analysis, and optimization across Google Ads, Microsoft Advertising, YouTube, and Search Ads 360
- In addition to experience in pharmaceutical industry, non-pharma experience is welcome
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex data and campaign performance into clear, actionable strategic recommendations
- Strong proficiency with analytics and data visualization platforms (Google Analytics, Tableau, Looker Studio, or Google Data Studio)
- Experience working with AI tools, such as Gemini, Claude, and ChatGPT, to improve day to day efficiencies within your and your team's workloads
- Experience contributing to and leading new business pitches and proposals is a plus
- Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills
- Proficient in MS Office, particularly Excel (V-Lookups, Pivot Tables, financial modeling) and PowerPoint
- Experience with or exposure to organic SEO is a plus
- Experience with generative engine optimization (GEO) and working within LLMs is a plus
- Experience with advanced claims-based analytics (e.g., Crossix DIFA) is a plus
Don't meet every single requirement? That's okay! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Fingerpaint, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles! Our team of qualified recruiters can match you with the right opportunity.Fingerpaint Group provides equal employment [and affirmative action] opportunities to all applicants and employees. We are proud to recruit qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, ethnic or national origin, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or citizenship status.