Director - SEM
The Role
The Director of SEM will own Gametime’s paid search strategy end-to-end, driving performance, efficiency, and innovation across mobile and web. You will lead a high-performing team of SEM Managers, partner closely with Data Science/Analytics, Engineering, and SEO and collaborate across the broader Growth organization to define how SEM accelerates business growth.
This is both a strategic and operational leadership role, responsible for scaling one of Gametime’s largest acquisition channels while shaping the next generation of automation, measurement, and experimentation frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
Define and Lead SEM Strategy: Own the vision, roadmap, and execution for Gametime’s global SEM program largely in Google Ads but also in Bing Search, and emerging platforms.
Performance Leadership: Deliver growth and efficiency through advanced bidding, segmentation, and automation frameworks aligned with company revenue and margin goals.
AI forward approach: strong curiosity and drive in exploring how different AI based solutions can drive improved relevancy and efficiency in paid search
Experimentation & Innovation: Oversee structured SEM experimentation, building on Gametime’s strong testing culture to validate bidding, ad copy, landing page, and audience innovations.
Scale & automation: Work with Data Science and Engineering to develop internal tools, automation pipelines, and performance dashboards that enhance decision-making.
Google Partnership: Serve as Gametime’s primary liaison with Google to access betas, co-develop testing pilots, and inform product feedback loops.
Team Development: Lead and mentor a team of SEM managers and analysts, fostering a culture of analytical rigor, curiosity, and operational excellence.
Measurement & Insights: Partner with Analytics to refine attribution models, incrementality testing, and reporting frameworks that drive transparency and strategic clarity across channels.
Collaboration Across Channels: Align SEM strategy with CRM, Paid Social, SEO, and Lifecycle teams to ensure an integrated acquisition strategy across the funnel.
Key Skills
Deep understanding of Google Ads and SEM automation, including bid strategy optimization, audience layering, and advanced account architecture.
Advanced analytical fluency, comfortable with SQL, large datasets, and advanced experimentation frameworks.
Strategic mindset with the ability to translate data and experiments into high-impact business decisions.
Proven ability to influence across marketing, analytics, product, and executive leadership. Excellent communication and leadership skills; able to motivate teams and articulate clear strategies.
Passion for live events and the power of performance marketing to connect fans to experiences.
Requirements
8+ years of experience in SEM, with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing teams and large-scale budgets.
Proven record of scaling world class SEM programs to eight-figure spend while improving efficiency and ROI.
Experience in large catalog based eCommerce businesses such as online travel, retail or live events
Experience managing experimentation and automation roadmaps in partnership with technical teams.
Background in marketplaces, ticketing, or high-velocity e-commerce environments preferred.
What We can Offer:
Flexible PTO
Competitive salary & equity package
Monthly Gametime credits for any event ($1,200/yr)
Medical, dental, & vision insurance
Life insurance and disability benefits
Diverse Family-forming benefits through Carrot Fertility
401k, HSA, pre-tax savings programs
Company off-sites and meet-ups
Wellness programs
Tenure recognition
At Gametime pay ranges are subject to change and assigned to a job based on specific market median of similar jobs according to 3rd party salary benchmark surveys. Individual pay within that range can vary for several reasons including skills/capabilities, experience, and available budget.
United States - Pay Range
$166,866—$169,313 USD
About the job
Apply for this position
Director - SEM
The Role
The Director of SEM will own Gametime’s paid search strategy end-to-end, driving performance, efficiency, and innovation across mobile and web. You will lead a high-performing team of SEM Managers, partner closely with Data Science/Analytics, Engineering, and SEO and collaborate across the broader Growth organization to define how SEM accelerates business growth.
This is both a strategic and operational leadership role, responsible for scaling one of Gametime’s largest acquisition channels while shaping the next generation of automation, measurement, and experimentation frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
Define and Lead SEM Strategy: Own the vision, roadmap, and execution for Gametime’s global SEM program largely in Google Ads but also in Bing Search, and emerging platforms.
Performance Leadership: Deliver growth and efficiency through advanced bidding, segmentation, and automation frameworks aligned with company revenue and margin goals.
AI forward approach: strong curiosity and drive in exploring how different AI based solutions can drive improved relevancy and efficiency in paid search
Experimentation & Innovation: Oversee structured SEM experimentation, building on Gametime’s strong testing culture to validate bidding, ad copy, landing page, and audience innovations.
Scale & automation: Work with Data Science and Engineering to develop internal tools, automation pipelines, and performance dashboards that enhance decision-making.
Google Partnership: Serve as Gametime’s primary liaison with Google to access betas, co-develop testing pilots, and inform product feedback loops.
Team Development: Lead and mentor a team of SEM managers and analysts, fostering a culture of analytical rigor, curiosity, and operational excellence.
Measurement & Insights: Partner with Analytics to refine attribution models, incrementality testing, and reporting frameworks that drive transparency and strategic clarity across channels.
Collaboration Across Channels: Align SEM strategy with CRM, Paid Social, SEO, and Lifecycle teams to ensure an integrated acquisition strategy across the funnel.
Key Skills
Deep understanding of Google Ads and SEM automation, including bid strategy optimization, audience layering, and advanced account architecture.
Advanced analytical fluency, comfortable with SQL, large datasets, and advanced experimentation frameworks.
Strategic mindset with the ability to translate data and experiments into high-impact business decisions.
Proven ability to influence across marketing, analytics, product, and executive leadership. Excellent communication and leadership skills; able to motivate teams and articulate clear strategies.
Passion for live events and the power of performance marketing to connect fans to experiences.
Requirements
8+ years of experience in SEM, with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing teams and large-scale budgets.
Proven record of scaling world class SEM programs to eight-figure spend while improving efficiency and ROI.
Experience in large catalog based eCommerce businesses such as online travel, retail or live events
Experience managing experimentation and automation roadmaps in partnership with technical teams.
Background in marketplaces, ticketing, or high-velocity e-commerce environments preferred.
What We can Offer:
Flexible PTO
Competitive salary & equity package
Monthly Gametime credits for any event ($1,200/yr)
Medical, dental, & vision insurance
Life insurance and disability benefits
Diverse Family-forming benefits through Carrot Fertility
401k, HSA, pre-tax savings programs
Company off-sites and meet-ups
Wellness programs
Tenure recognition
At Gametime pay ranges are subject to change and assigned to a job based on specific market median of similar jobs according to 3rd party salary benchmark surveys. Individual pay within that range can vary for several reasons including skills/capabilities, experience, and available budget.
United States - Pay Range
$166,866—$169,313 USD