1

Search Startup Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

SEO & Organic Growth Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$117K - $130K/yr

You'll own the strategy behind how traders find us through search, both traditional and AI-driven ... we combine startup innovation with the backing of a FTSE 100 fintech operating across five ...

SEO & Organic Growth Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$117K - $130K/yr

You'll own the strategy behind how traders find us through search, both traditional and AI-driven ... we combine startup innovation with the backing of a FTSE 100 fintech operating across five ...

SEO & Organic Growth Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$117K - $130K/yr

You'll own the strategy behind how traders find us through search, both traditional and AI-driven ... we combine startup innovation with the backing of a FTSE 100 fintech operating across five ...

SEO & Organic Growth Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$117K - $130K/yr

You'll own the strategy behind how traders find us through search, both traditional and AI-driven ... we combine startup innovation with the backing of a FTSE 100 fintech operating across five ...

IL · On-site

$100K - $115K/yr

Senior Industrial EngineerConfidential Search | Western Chicago Suburbs | GMP-Regulated ... startup.Partner directly with Operations, Quality, and EHS to keep every project on budget, on ...

Sales Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$175K - $220K/yr

About the Role We're growing our sales engineering team and are in search of a highly technical ... This is a unique opportunity to join a quickly accelerating startup in a hot space and make an ...

Senior Director of Marketing

Lisle, IL · Remote

$110K - $120K/yr

... paced startup environment, this could be your next chapter. Key Responsibilities Digital & Performance Marketin g * Own digital strategy and hands-on execution across SEM, paid social, paid media ...

Senior Director of Marketing

Lisle, IL · On-site +1

$110K - $120K/yr

... paced startup environment, this could be your next chapter. Key Responsibilities Digital & Performance Marketin g * Own digital strategy and hands-on execution across SEM, paid social, paid media ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Search Startup information

See Illinois salary details

$55

$68

$90

How much do search startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for search startup in Illinois is $68.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59.42 and $79.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a search startup?

A Search Startup is a company or organization focused on developing new search technologies, platforms, or engines that help users find information online or within specific data sets. These startups typically innovate in areas like web search, enterprise search, AI-powered search, or niche-specific search solutions. They aim to improve how information is indexed, retrieved, and presented to users, often leveraging the latest advancements in machine learning and data analysis. Search Startups play a crucial role in shaping the future of information discovery and accessibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a search startup founder?

To thrive as a Search Startup Founder, you need strong expertise in search algorithms, product development, and business strategy, typically supported by a technical degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with search engine technologies (like Elasticsearch or Solr), cloud infrastructure, and data analytics tools is highly valuable. Exceptional leadership, resilience, and the ability to articulate a clear vision are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for building innovative products, attracting investment, and guiding a team through the challenges of a competitive technology landscape.

What are some common challenges faced when working at a search startup, and how can new hires prepare for them?

At a search startup, team members often face the challenge of rapidly iterating on algorithms and features to meet evolving user needs and market demands. The work environment is typically fast-paced, with cross-functional collaboration between engineers, data scientists, and product managers. New hires can prepare by brushing up on their problem-solving skills, staying adaptable, and being proactive in communication. Embracing a growth mindset and being open to feedback will help you thrive and contribute meaningfully in this dynamic setting.
Infographic showing various Search Startup job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,092 per year, or $68.8 per hour.

Analyst, Search (SEM)

Chicago, IL • On-site


Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V
Advertising and Public Relations Services • 10K+ employees

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 52 rated marketing agency

Respectful managers


$49K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Spark Foundry is a global media agency that exists to bring HEAT - Higher Engagement, Affinity, and Transactions - to brands. By combining flawless media fundamentals with aggressive innovation, Spark inspires consumers to pay more attention, to care more about our clients' brands, and to buy more products and services from them.Balancing the nimble spirit of a startup with the powerhouse soul of Publicis Media, Spark Foundry delivers the best of both worlds to a client roster that spans some of the world's best and most beloved brands and companies. We combine boutique-caliber insights and service with the buying clout and first-look access of a global leader, bringing the heat to challenger brands that want to act like giants, and to giant brands that want to act like challengers.With a bottom-up culture that celebrates diversity and aims for all voices to be heard, Spark has become a magnet for the industry's best talent, with one of the best retention rates in the industry. And by applying a whole-person approach to professional and personal development, Spark develops a workforce that is well prepared for today's challenges, and also poised to create meaningful careers in the years to come. Because we know that heat arises the intersection of complementary forces, our professionals come from myriad disciplines and backgrounds: data, analytics, and insights, content and creative production, communications and strategy, finance and marketing, and sociology, psychology, and other liberal arts disciplines.

Overview

The Analyst, Paid Search is responsible for monitoring and maintaining media campaign development and activation on search channels. The ideal candidate requires proficiency in math, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, as well as creativity and an overall interest in and understanding of how consumers leverage search media in the decision path. The Analyst, Paid Search also requires participation in and completion of our agency wide, entry-level training program, and our search specific training track.

Responsibilities
  • Gather research necessary to build a new campaign
  • Assist team in gathering necessary data for plan development
  • Responsible for trafficking approved plan
  • Monitor and maintain campaign budgets, pacing, and bid adjustments
  • Monitor and manage performance and competitive landscape
  • Monitor and optimize paid search performance to meet business objectives
  • Develop optimization recommendations and/or testing plans
  • Utilize bid management tools as well as Google, Bing, and Oath paid search platforms to build campaigns, implement optimizations, pull reporting, and QA campaigns
  • Pull and analyze data to inform campaign reporting and help build insights
  • Granular maintenance of monthly billing cycle
  • Resolve billing discrepancies in partnership with client strategy and billing reconciliation team
  • Learn all relevant tools for reporting, analytics, and competitive analysis as well as bid management platforms, Benchtools, Google Trends, etc.
  • Generate paperwork necessary for purchase authorization and ensure vendor counter signature is received
  • Stay informed on search industry trends and new tools and ad formats
  • Successful completion of training programs and requisite certifications required
Qualifications
  • Some professional or internship experience in SEM/paid media preferred
  • Strong quantitative skills, including analytical abilities and math proficiency
  • Proficiency in MS Suite: Excel, Word, PowerPoint required
  • Solid verbal and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated critical thinking and problem solving skills
  • Ability to work within a team, handle multiple assignments, and meet tight deadlines
  • Detail oriented and demonstrable organizational skills
  • Timely delivery of all work
Additional Information

Our Publicis Groupe motto "Viva La Difference" means we're better together, and we believe that our differences make us stronger. It means we honor and celebrate all identities, across all facets of intersectionality, and it underpins all that we do as an organization. We are focused on fostering belonging and creating equitable & inclusive experiences for all talent. 

Publicis Groupe provides robust and inclusive benefit programs and policies to support the evolving and diverse needs of our talent and enable every person to grow and thrive.  Our benefits package includes medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401K,  as well as parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement, and flexible time off.  If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact USMSTACompliance@publicis.com.

Compensation Range: $49,305 - $65,415 annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 11/05/2025.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

#LI-VA1

#DNI

 Compensation Range: USD $49,305.00 - USD $65,415.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 12/22/2024.Employment Type: OTHER


What Publicis Groupe employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom