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 SummaryThe Paid Search Manager has the primary task of leading the SEM department. The Paid Search Manager is responsible for holistically driving how the business leverages search to grow existing and land prospective consumers.
This position is a great opportunity for an experienced candidate to take the next step into a leadership role. The most important role of the Paid Search Manager is leadership. In this role the manager is the go-to thought-leader and visionary of the SEM team. The ideal candidate has demonstrated excellent customer service, a commitment to continuous learning, and the ability to coach others to help them reach their maximum potential. The Paid Search Manager reports directly to the Director of Digital Audience Campaign Strategies and Client Retention
Responsibilities

• Create success roadmaps by defining KPIs and tactics to achieve them.
• Hire, train, and develop an accomplished team.
• Work with media buying and sales teams to ensure paid search campaigns are cooperative components of integrated campaigns.
• Provide training to sellers so they can best position our unique selling propositions.
• Maintaining superior campaign performance.
• Stay current on industry trends and share them with the SEM team as well as the selling teams.
• Review technology partners to ensure we maintain best in class status.
• Manage trouble shooting in regard to code and tag implementation as well as provide expertise within Google Analytics.
• Maintain a test and learn environment with a goal of continuous improvement.
• Provides leadership in demonstrating potential benefits of growing campaigns in alignment with client goals.
• Sets standards of reporting to demonstrate success to clients.
• Supports sales growth by implementing new digital products and services that add value to client campaigns and grows departmental revenue.
• Works with media buying team to manage relationships with key partners like Google, Facebook, etc.
• Works with sales team to present findings and recommendations to clients.
• Provides oversight and expertise to our organic and local SEO efforts.

We have established a culture of trust and accountability within the paid search team, and it will be incumbent upon the Paid Search Manager to foster this environment.
Required Qualifications

• 3 years of experience as primary architect of search campaigns.
• Proven track record of driving strong results through paid search.
• Proficiency with paid search technology tools.
• Previous experience in managing direct reports – especially in a hybrid environment.
• College degree.
• Relevant industry certifications.

More About The Star TribuneAt 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.