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—$196,313 USD