Senior Search Engine Marketing Consultant (SEM)

Onward Search is a specialized staffing and talent solutions company that helps professionals find top jobs with the nation’s leading brands.

Our client a financial services client is looking for a Senior Search Engine Marketing (SEM).

This is a up to 12-month freelance opportunity with potential to convert, based in New York City (onsite 4 days a week and 1 day remote).

Scope:

The paid media team operates as an internal media agency, partnering with business units across the organization to deliver a unified, customer-focused marketing experience. The team provides strategic guidance, internal consulting, and hands-on media buying and execution across multiple platforms and campaigns.

In this role, equivalent to a supervisor-level position in agencies, the Senior SEM Consultant will manage enterprise-scale search campaigns across Google and Microsoft Ads, driving acquisition and brand performance. The ideal candidate is confident presenting to stakeholders, skilled in performance reporting, and proactive in driving optimization strategies.

Responsibilities:

• Manage all aspects of search marketing campaigns from strategy and setup through optimization and reporting.
• Develop keyword strategies, audience targeting frameworks, and landing page alignment plans.
• Execute and oversee hands-on implementation across Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Search Ads 360.
• Interpret performance data, deliver actionable insights, and present findings to business stakeholders.
• Accurately manage financials including forecasting, pacing, and budget reconciliation.
• Identify campaign challenges and lead the development of strategic solutions.
• Foster collaboration across business lines and internal teams to encourage knowledge sharing and consistent execution.
• Ensure adherence to firmwide protocols and best practices for paid media.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience managing large-scale, acquisition-focused search marketing programs (agency experience preferred).
• Proven success executing high-quality campaigns for well-known brands; experience in regulated industries (e.g. financial services or pharma) is a plus.
• Proficiency with Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Search Ads 360.
• Familiarity with third-party tools such as Adobe, Marin, or other search management platforms.
• Google Ads certification.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into strategic insights.
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills; working knowledge of MS Office Suite.
• Excellent communication, time management, and multitasking abilities.
• Self-starter with strong critical thinking skills and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to collaborate across departments and engage confidently with stakeholders at all levels.

Perks & Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401k Program
• Commuter Benefit
• eLearning
• Education Reimbursement
• Ongoing Training & Development
• *To qualify for our benefits package, you must work over 30 hours per week and the length of assignment must be a minimum of 10 weeks.