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Search Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Canvas Worldwide

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 ...

Syneos Health

Media Director, Search

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$130 - $150/hr

Santa Monica, CA, United States Job ID: 15772-OTHLOC-C5xvYfwP Job Responsibilities Evolvics is looking for a Search Director to build out our presence within search engines and other performance ...

Omnicom

Manager, Paid Search

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Responsibilities • Work with search director to develop campaign strategies and is responsible for the execution of search campaigns against the strategy • Lead virtual and in-person ...

Omnicom

Manager, Paid Search

Los Angeles, CA

Responsibilities Work with search director to develop campaign strategies and is responsible for the execution of search campaigns against the strategy Lead virtual and in-person presentations in a ...

Canvas Worldwide

Director, Paid Search

El Segundo, CA · Hybrid

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 ...

Canvas Worldwide

Director, Paid Search

El Segundo, CA · Hybrid

$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 ...

Guitar Center

Director, SEO

Westlake Village, CA · On-site

As Director of SEO, your tasks will include performing keyword research, setting performance metrics, devising SEO strategies and content marketing campaigns, analyzing the results of past and ...

Upgrow

SEO Director

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

Upgrow is seeking an organized, motivated, and creative SEO Director to lead our growing digital marketing agency in San Francisco, CA. You will oversee and manage SEO projects involving research ...

Upgrow

SEO Director

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Upgrow is seeking an organized, motivated, and creative SEO Director to lead our growing digital marketing agency in San Francisco, CA. You will oversee and manage SEO projects involving research ...

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All JobsSearch JobsSearch Director JobsSearch Director Jobs in California

Search Director information

See California salary details

$97.7K

$113.5K

$143.6K

How much do search director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for search director in California is $113,494.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,600.00 and $123,400.00 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?

AspectSearch DirectorSearch Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees 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 CredentialsTypically 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 EnvironmentStrategic, 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Search jobs in California?

The most popular types of Search jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Search Director jobs in California?

For Search Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Search Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Search Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Search Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Search Director job openings:

Search Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Search Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,494 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

Director, Paid Search

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Canvas Worldwide
Marketing • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Canvas Worldwideexternal

$140K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Canvas Worldwide dares to be the challenger the ad industry needs. Do you "Challenge the Comfortable?" Then you'll fit right in here at Canvas.
Recognized as one of Ad Age's "Best Places to Work" for three consecutive years, Canvas Worldwide is an independent media agency committed to providing creative solutions for brands that challenge the status quo. Our clients include Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, MGM, Zillow and McDonald's (to name a few...).
Our agency cultivates an environment where all are welcome to push outside their comfort zones to solve problems in new ways. We encourage the team to be its best by creating the most positive workplace experience for all. For instance, we outpace the industry on diversity and inclusion AND offer continuous training and workshops for career development. So, if you dare to challenge the comfortable... then keep reading.
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 across traditional engines, emerging AI/LLM environments, and social search. This role combines deep platform expertise and leadership of a high-performing team.
You will serve as the senior client lead for search, partnering closely with Strategy, Analytics, Data Science and other channel leaders to shape integrated media strategy and measurement. You will also collaborate with the VP of Search to influence the broader practice's roadmap, innovation agenda, and operational standards.
Responsibilities
  • Own performance outcomes, budget stewardship, and client satisfaction for your accounts.
  • Translate business objectives into search strategies that ladder into the broader media plan and marketplace dynamics.
  • Craft executive-ready narratives grounded in data, connecting performance to business impact and identifying opportunities to scale, refine, or reallocate spend.
  • Partner with cross-channel leads to ensure integrated planning, shared learning, and cohesive client storytelling.
  • Collaborate with Analytics and Strategy teams on forecasting and scenario planning to guide investment decisions.
  • Drive specialized initiatives in automation and generative AI for workflow optimization to improve efficiency and performance.
  • Stay ahead of search, AI, and privacy-driven measurement changes; translate implications into actionable guidance for clients and internal teams.
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of search practitioners, fostering a culture of curiosity, innovation, and continuous improvement.
  • Set clear expectations and growth plans for team members.
  • Guide agendas for key partner meetings and executive presentations.

Technical Depth and Platform Excellence
  • Advise clients and teams on how machine learning, automation, and generative AI can enhance search performance.
  • Demonstrate mastery of Search and Performance Max as well as how these products within with the partner tech stack and media ecosystem.
  • Partner with Analytics and Data Science on measurement frameworks including incrementality, conversion modeling, MMM/MTA, and privacy-safe attribution.
  • Uphold best practices standards across bidding automation, testing frameworks, QA and knowledge-sharing processes.
  • Evaluate and manage platform partners, tools, and vendors to ensure best-in-class execution.

Qualifications
  • Proven track record of success in growing and advancing search strategy in previous roles
  • Ability to present and sell strategies/plans through to the client
  • Strong knowledge of Search partners and bidding technology, knowledge of Search Ads 360 is a plus
  • Working knowledge of SEO and AEO/GEO concepts
  • Must have the ability to synthesize data into actionable insights and next steps
  • Experience managing large media budgets and achieving monthly goals for spend and key performance metrics
  • Automotive vertical experience is a plus
  • 7+ years of Paid Search experience
  • 3+ years of managing teams of 3+ members

$140,000 - $150,000 a year
Salary and Benefits
Actual base salary is determined upon factors such as experience, qualifications, training, certifications, and internal equity. The Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Base salary is part of a total rewards package that includes highly competitive benefits like generous medical, dental, vision, pet insurance, commuter benefits, disability and life insurance coverage, 401(k) matching, up to 14 holidays per year, a "Do Good Day," and unlimited PTO.
Additional perks include employee social and wellness events, a DEI Council, auto purchase rebate program, monthly wellness allowance, and in-office amenities such as fresh kombucha and an in-house barista inside our beautiful, new vibrant El Segundo office.
In-Office Work Schedule
This is a hybrid role, requiring a minimum of 3 days in-office per week.
Canvas Worldwide is an Equal Opportunity Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
CA Applicants: Canvas Worldwide practices Fair Chance Hiring
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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