The Star Tribune is the Upper Midwest’s largest news organization, with audience numbers consistently in the top five in the country amongst regional and national peers. Building on an extraordinary legacy that includes seven Pulitzer Prizes and hundreds of other awards, the Star Tribune is an unrivaled force for journalistic excellence in Minnesota. It is also a company under transformation – realigning its core purpose for a new age of media consumption through innovative new partnerships, technology strategies, and a refreshed strategic direction. Our company has a new vision to create the leading model for local news in America – driving innovation in media to make every Minnesotan’s life better. We’re looking for dynamic leaders to help create that model. We’re excited to work with people who care about journalism and democracy and are eager to re-invent one of our state’s most trusted companies for a completely new era of growth that embraces new technologies and strategies for excellence.

Job Summary: 

The Star Tribune is seeking a Paid Search Specialist to manage Search Engine Marketing (SEM) activities. Specific responsibilities will include performing campaign analysis, revenue/sales forecast reporting, managing paid search budgets and supporting the sales team in ongoing efforts to maximize ROI, drive traffic and grow and retain customers. In this capacity, you will also work closely with Advertising Sales teams to share key campaign insights and ensure optimization efforts are executed in a timely and accurate manner.

The ideal candidate is passionate about Search Engine Marketing and is easily adaptable to an ever-changing environment.

Responsibilities:

• Support current Search Engine Marketing and Local SEO campaigns through analysis and optimization.
• Manage campaign expenses by staying on budget, estimating monthly costs and reconciling discrepancies.
• Execute tests, collect and analyze data, identify trends and insights in order to achieve maximum ROI in paid search campaigns.
• Track, report, and analyze website analytics and Search Engine Marketing initiatives and campaigns.
• Optimize ad copy and extended assets for paid search marketing campaigns.
• Perform ongoing paid keyword discovery, expansion and optimization.
• Research and analyze competitor advertising links.
• Manage campaign billing reconciliation.
• Work with supervisor to define and maintain internal process implementations.

 Qualifications:

• At least one-year SEM experience and success managing PPC campaigns across different Search Platforms.
• Well-versed in performance marketing, conversion, and online customer acquisition.
• Experience with bid management tools, specifically Kenshoo.
• Strong analytical skills and experience generating SEM reports.
• Familiarity with A/B and multivariate experiments.
• Desired certifications include Bing Ads Certification, Google AdWords Certification, Google Analytics Certification or relevant course work and education.
• Robust communication, interpersonal, and written skills are required.

More about the Star Tribune:

At the Star Tribune, we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. We go above and beyond to ensure their happiness, growth, and overall well-being. Here is a glimpse into the exceptional benefits we offer:

Modern downtown office with a free fitness center and rooftop patio. Commuting subsidy, medical, dental, and vision insurance. Wellness program with financial incentives. Paid time off which includes flexible holidays to honor the preferences of employees, plus one volunteer day and 2 wellness days. 401(k) with company match, parental and caregiving leaves, flexible work arrangements, employee assistance program, pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, flexible spending, and health savings accounts.

Selected in 2023 to Diversity MBA's inaugural list of Top 25 Outstanding Leadership and Diversity Impact Awards.

Equal Opportunity Employer

If you're interested in this role but don't meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. The Star Tribune is dedicated to fostering a more diverse and inclusive workplace, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.