MV Digital is hiring a Paid Search Media Strategist. This position drives strategy, execution, and optimization of paid media campaigns across Google and Microsoft Ads — including Search, Performance Max, AI Max, YouTube, and Demand Gen — to meet advertiser objectives. This includes all elements of campaign execution - from proposal research, competitive analysis, bid and budget management, ongoing performance monitoring, optimization, and performance analysis, while balancing Google’s AI-driven automation with deliberate campaign controls to maximize performance, efficiency, and client investment.
Compensation for this position is comprised of a base salary plus incentive compensation. The base salary range is $53,000 to $65,000 per year. Additional incentives bring total potential compensation to $58,300 to $71,500.
What you’ll be doing:
- Build and manage campaigns across Search, Performance Max, AI Max, Demand Gen, and Shopping formats aligned to client KPIs
- Structure PMax campaigns with asset group segmentation, audience signals, and brand exclusions; apply AI Max URL expansion controls
- Maintain traditional Search campaigns alongside automated formats to preserve keyword-level control and protect branded traffic
- Develop onboarding plans, budget forecasts, and bid strategy recommendations for new and existing clients
- Implement and manage Smart Bidding strategies (tCPA, tROAS, Maximize Conversions/Value) matched to funnel stage and client goals
- Feed quality signals via Enhanced Conversions, consent mode (v2), Customer Match, and audience list layering
- Monitor pacing, adjust budgets, and manage learning periods during seasonal shifts or strategy changes
- Implement and audit conversion tracking via Google Tag Manager, GA4 event tagging, and Enhanced Conversions
- Conduct ongoing optimizations: search term analysis, asset reporting, audience reviews, and landing page alignment
- Build performance reports and communicate insights, trends, and recommendations in client status calls (weekly/bi-weekly/monthly)
- Proactively identify opportunities to improve CPA/ROAS, grow conversion volume, and scale client investment
- Translate client objectives into actionable PPC tactics; partner with internal teams, search engine reps, and client stakeholders
- Stay current on Google/Microsoft product updates, AI tool changes, and industry best practices; share learnings with the team
Our ideal candidate will have the following:
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, communications, or related area or equivalent experience
- Minimum 1 year’s relevant experience executing and optimizing paid Google Ads and Microsoft Ads campaigns
- Active Google Ads certifications required: Search and GA4; Microsoft Advertising preferred
- Google Ads AI-Powered Performance Ads or Google Ads Measurement certification a plus
- Hands-on experience with YouTube, Demand Gen and Performance Max campaign types required
- Experience managing multiple clients across varied industries and budgets simultaneously
- Demonstrated experience with Higher Education, Advocacy and/or B2B clients preferred
- Google Tag Manager, GA4, Enhanced Conversions, and consent mode (v2) implementation and troubleshooting
- Strong analytical skills; proficient in Excel, Google Sheets, or Data Studio for performance reporting
- Familiarity with Display/Video and paid social campaigns a plus
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills; thrives managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Clear communicator able to translate complex PPC strategy for non-technical stakeholders
- Proactive, adaptable, and current on evolving platform capabilities and automation best practices
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, communications, or related area
- Minimum 1 year's relevant experience executing and optimizing paid Google Ads and Microsoft Ads campaigns
- Active Google Ads certifications required: Search and GA4
- Hands-on experience with YouTube, Demand Gen and Performance Max campaign types
- Experience managing multiple clients across varied industries and budgets simultaneously
- Strong analytical skills; proficient in Excel, Google Sheets, or Data Studio for performance reporting
What We Do
Advance Local, one of the largest media groups in the United States, operates the leading news and information companies in more than 20 cities, reaching more than 50 million people monthly with its quality journalism and community engagement.







