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Senior Paid Search Manager

ICF International

Reston, VA
Full Time
Senior
81k-138k
6 days ago

Job Description

About the Role

The Senior Paid Search Manager is a leadership role responsible for managing and optimizing paid search campaigns for clients in the Energy utility and Government sectors. Reporting to the Director of Advertising Operations, the role involves developing strategies, mentoring team members, collaborating with stakeholders, and driving performance improvements through data-driven decision making in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The position offers flexible work arrangements and opportunities for professional growth within a company that values innovation and community investment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own the strategic direction of paid search across multiple accounts, aligning with broader campaign goals and client KPIs.
  • Oversee campaign setup, structure, testing frameworks, and optimization strategies in Google Ads and Microsoft Ads.
  • Provide guidance to junior search buyers and specialists, supporting their growth through training, QA, and thought leadership.
  • Monitor performance and trends against KPIs and develop insights that fuel ongoing optimization.
  • Act as the primary search contact for internal stakeholders and clients, translating technical insights into actionable media recommendations.
  • Evaluate emerging tools, automation, and beta opportunities to drive innovation in planning, buying, and measuring paid search.
  • Work closely with analytics teams to define tracking strategies, ensure accurate measurement, and validate performance data.
  • Develop and maintain documentation of paid search best practices, workflows, and QA processes.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience (one year of related experience can substitute for one year of education).
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience managing and optimizing paid search campaigns in Google Ads and Microsoft/Bing Ads.
  • 3+ years of expertise in paid search strategy, campaign structure, bidding models, audience segmentation, and attribution.
  • 2+ years of experience with Google Analytics (GA4) and Google Tag Manager.
  • 2+ years of experience building search strategies that align with larger integrated media plans.
  • Google Ads Search Certification or willingness to obtain upon hire.

Nice to Have

  • Experience mentoring, managing, or providing strategic oversight to junior team members or cross-functional contributors.
  • Strong understanding of KPIs such as CTR, CPC, CPA, ROAS, and Quality Score.
  • Experience with Performance Max, YouTube Ads, or Discovery campaigns.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Analytical, data interpretation, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
  • Ability to troubleshoot tracking and data discrepancies across ad platforms, analytics tools, and reporting dashboards.
  • Familiarity with SEO tools like Spyfu and Optmyzr.
  • Familiarity with paid social or programmatic tools like Meta Ads, LinkedIn Ads, The Trade Desk, or Basis DSP.

Qualifications

  • Educational background includes a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Benefits & Perks

  • Flexible workplace arrangements and work-life balance.
  • Donation matching and volunteer opportunities.
  • Tuition reimbursement and access to professional development resources.
  • 401k matching and Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Working at ICF International

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider that combines expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve complex challenges. The company values building a workplace where everyone can thrive, promotes diversity and inclusion, and encourages collaboration and sharing of expertise to achieve personal and professional goals. ICF is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing reasonable accommodations and fostering a fair, inclusive environment.

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Job Details

Posted AtAug 1, 2025
Job CategoryPaid Search
Salary81k-138k
Job TypeFull Time
Work ModeRemote
ExperienceSenior

Job Skills

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About ICF International

Website

icf.com

Location

Reston, VA

Industry

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