smartdept. is searching for a Paid Search (SEM/PPC) Analyst for a media client located in Chicago, IL. The ideal candidate will come with approximately 1-2 years of paid search experience (internships included) and must currently be actively working in Google Ads. This is a full-time, hybrid opportunity with Tuesdays and Wednesdays in office, and Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays remote. The client offers a fantastic location, a hybrid work schedule, and outstanding benefits, all while fostering a strong commitment to work/life balance.
The Paid Search (SEM/PPC) Analyst will manage and execute paid search campaigns, focusing on Google Ads and potentially Microsoft Ads. The role includes campaign management, budget recommendations, keyword refinement, bidding strategy implementation, and performance reporting. This position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
What You'll Do:
- Manage and execute SEM/Paid Search campaigns in Google Ads (Microsoft Ads experience is a plus).
- Develop and recommend budget levels based on client goals and objectives.
- Create, categorize, and refine keyword lists to build comprehensive campaigns that drive qualified visitors to client sites.
- Implement successful bidding strategies and effective keyword management using third-party software and metrics data.
- Monitor audiences, device, and location targeting efforts regularly to maximize campaign efficiency and performance.
- Communicate regularly on campaign status, timelines, budgets, deliverables, performance reporting, and competitive intelligence analysis.
- Format and prepare regularly scheduled search reports for clients using data visualization platforms or Excel (tables, graphs, summaries, and slides).
- Potentially work with social ad platforms such as YouTube, Facebook/Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter (experience is a plus but not required).
What You'll Need:
Education/Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, advertising, communications, or equivalent.
- Must currently be actively working in Google Ads.
- Google Ads Certifications in Search, Display, and Video (required).
Required Skills:
- Strong communication and presentation skills (written and verbal).
- Strong attention to detail and ability to anticipate tasks and client needs.
- Ability to successfully manage and prioritize multiple campaigns in a deadline-driven atmosphere.
- Strong analytical skills: ability to gather, analyze, summarize, and present data.
- Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft Excel; proficiency in Word and PowerPoint.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Experience with Google Ads, GDN, Microsoft Ads, YouTube, FB/IG, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google Looker Studio, and Google Analytics.