Associate Vice President, Paid Search

Zeta Global

Associate Vice President leading paid search strategy for Higher Education clients. Driving measurable business outcomes and managing multimillion-dollar budgets across Google and Microsoft Ads.

Posted 6/11/2026full-timeRemote • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesJuniorMid-Level💰 $140,000 - $160,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Define and evolve Paid Search strategy for Higher Education clients, aligned to enrollment cycles, program mix, and institutional goals
Translate industry trends (e.g., seasonality, program demand, attribution challenges) into scalable, actionable frameworks
Establish POVs on bidding strategies, funnel optimization, and audience targeting specific to EDU
Serve as executive sponsor across key EDU client relationships, guiding long-term strategy and investment decisions
Oversee performance across portfolio, ensuring delivery against KPIs such as CPL, enrollment volume, and efficiency targets
Identify and unlock growth opportunities including new channels, budget expansion, and testing roadmaps
Lead QBRs and executive presentations with a focus on business outcomes and forward-looking strategy
Lead, mentor, and develop a Search team, ensuring strong performance management and career growth
Define team structure, resourcing models, and capacity planning to support current and future business needs
Elevate team capabilities in platform innovation
Ensure best-in-class execution across campaigns, including account structure, budget pacing, and optimization strategies
Implement standardized frameworks for testing, reporting, and performance analysis across accounts
Partner with analytics to refine attribution approaches and measurement strategies, particularly for long consideration cycles
Drive consistency and rigor in how insights are translated into action and client impact
Partner with analytics and ops teams to improve reporting, automation, and scalability
Monitor industry trends, platform changes, and competitive landscape
Deliver clear, data-driven performance reports and insights to clients, diving into the 'why' behind the data
Recommend testing strategies, budget allocation shifts, and bid strategy adjustments based on performance trends
Ensure accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of reporting.

Requirements

What you’ll need

12+ years of relevant paid search experience
Deep expertise in lead generation and performance marketing, ideally within Higher Education or similar verticals
Proven ability to manage and grow multimillion-dollar budgets across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads
Strong track record of driving measurable business outcomes and client growth
Exceptional client communication and executive presence
Experience building and scaling teams, including talent development and organizational design
Advanced analytical mindset, with the ability to translate complex data into clear strategic direction.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Unlimited PTO
Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
Employee Equity
Employee Discounts, Virtual Wellness Classes, and Pet Insurance And more!!

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

paid search strategylead generationperformance marketingGoogle AdsMicrosoft Adsbidding strategiesfunnel optimizationaudience targetingbudget allocationdata analysis

Soft Skills

client communicationexecutive presenceteam buildingtalent developmentorganizational designmentoringperformance managementstrategic directionpresentation skillsinsight translation