Director of Paid Search, EDU

The Role

We’re looking for a strategic, data‑driven Director of Paid Search to support a Higher Education division of our search team. You’ll be responsible for shaping paid search strategy across EDU clients, ensuring best‑in‑class execution, and driving measurable business outcomes.

This role requires a balance of strategic vision and hands‑on management. You’ll be responsible for guiding client strategy, overseeing performance, and ensuring flawless execution of paid search campaigns from end to end.

• Translate client business goals into full‑funnel search strategies across Google and Microsoft Ads
• Lead account planning including budget allocation, forecasting, audience strategy, and testing roadmaps
• Identify performance opportunities and risks, proactively recommending optimizations and growth strategies
• Serve as a strategic lead in client conversations, QBRs, and performance reviews

• Oversee end‑to‑end execution of paid search campaigns, including account setup, budget pacing, optimization, and reporting.
• Accountable for enrollment performance outcomes and KPIs such as CPL, CPE, CPS, and overall efficiency
• Establish testing frameworks and innovation pipelines to continuously improve results
• Oversee account structure, bidding strategies, audience layering, and automation approaches
• Ensure consistent use of measurement best practices, attribution models, and conversion tracking
• Drive adoption of new betas, AI‑driven features, and automation tools

• 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

• 8‑12+ years of relevant paid search experience
• Hands‑on experience managing monthly budgets of $500k+
• Experience optimizing to full funnel outcomes for EDU clients, such as CPE and CPS

• Google Ads Certifications is a plus

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

The salary range for this role is $120,000‑$140,000, depending on location and experience.

Zeta considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Zeta discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

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