Associate Director, Paid Search

At Real Chemistry, making the world a healthier place isn’t just an aspiration—it’s our everyday reality. Our drive to transform healthcare is informed by our blend of deep scientific expertise, human-centred creativity, and AI-driven insights, fostering a unique environment where innovation thrives and our people are impact-obsessed. As a global agency, we provide a full suite of services across healthcare communications and marketing to our clients, including top players in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Our #LifeatRealChem culture is rooted in our people—we believe we are best together and are committed to excellence for both our clients and colleagues. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your career, if you share our passion for healthcare and connection, we invite you to explore our opportunities. Discover your purpose. Embrace innovation. Experience #LifeatRealChem. Job Summary   Detail-oriented, hands-on Associate Director, Paid Search to help drive the execution and performance of paid search campaigns across our portfolio of pharmaceutical clients. In this role, you will take ownership of day-to-day campaign management, optimization, and reporting, while leading a small team and collaborating with internal teams to ensure flawless delivery. This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about search marketing, thrives in the weeds of platform execution, and wants to make a tangible impact on strategy & performance.   This is a hybrid role, based in any of our US offices—including Boston, Chicago, Carmel, or Lambertville—or remotely within the US, depending on team and business needs.   What you’ll do:    Lead a team of Managers that own day-to-day management of paid search campaigns across Google Ads & Microsoft Ads   Build and refine keyword strategies, ad copy, bidding approaches, and audience targeting to meet performance goals   Help monitor budget pacing and performance across accounts to ensure efficient spend and delivery   Analyze campaign data regularly to identify optimization opportunities, address underperformance, and implement tactical improvements   Collaborate with cross-functional teams (media, analytics, client services) to ensure seamless campaign planning and execution   Support the creation of test-and-learn strategies to improve performance and unlock new insights   Assist with client deliverables, including performance reporting, POVs on platform updates, and tactical recommendations   Stay current with SEM trends, platform features, and industry best practices   This position is a perfect fit for you if:      Our Company values,  Best Together, Impact Obsessed, Excellence Expected, Evolve Always, and Accountability with an "I" , genuinely resonate with how you work and lead.   You demonstrate the Real Chemistry Can mindset by approaching challenges with optimism, accountability, creativity, and a solutions-oriented attitude, always looking for ways to make a meaningful impact for our clients, colleagues, and communities.   You are adaptable, resilient, and comfortable adjusting your scope, responsibilities, and priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment. As our business grows and changes, so do we.   You are proactive, driven, and resourceful, with strong prioritization skills, intellectual curiosity, and a desire to leverage data to inform decisions and drive outcomes.   You are energized by innovation and the transformative potential of AI, actively exploring new technologies, identifying opportunities to work smarter, and championing practical, responsible AI adoption that drives meaningful business impact.   What you should have:      Bachelor's Degree preferred   6+ years experience in search engine marketing (SEM), including hands-on experience with Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and associated tools (e.g., SA360, Google Ads Editor)   2+ years of people management experience   Pharmaceutical Industry experience is Required   Deep understanding of SEM tactics, campaign structure, keyword research, bid strategies, audience segmentation, and testing frameworks   Demonstrated ability to lead teams, foster collaboration, and build scalable processes   Advanced proficiency with Excel, PowerPoint, and Google Suite   Strong analytical mindset and creative problem-solving skills   Desire to continually learn, improve, and grow within the media buying industry   Ability to self-manage under deadlines   Demonstrates professional verbal and written communication skills   Pay Range: $100,000 - $120,000 The anticipated salary range for this position is listed above. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on job-related, non-discriminatory factors including but not limited to experience, skills, qualifications, geographic location, and internal parity.  In addition to base salary, Real Chemistry offers a comprehensive benefits package and a variety of programs designed to support our employees' well-being, growth, and success.  Real Chemistry reserves the right to update compensation and benefits programs at any time.  Real Chemistry is proud to be Great Place to Work® certified; check out what our people shared about our culture and workplace on our Great Places to Work Profile  here . We believe we can do our best when feeling our best, which is why we’ve put together a benefits program designed to give you the support you and your family need at every stage of life. Real Chemistry offers a comprehensive benefit program and perks, tailored to your region. Globally, this includes offices in our key markets with free snacks to keep you running all day long, generous holiday and paid time off, options for private medical, dental, and vison plans, and support in saving for the future. Other perks include mental wellness coaching and support and access to more than 13,000 online classes with LinkedI