Group Director, SEM
New York · United States · USD 155,000-210,000 · 5+ years experience · Hybrid · Posted Oct 6, 2026
At a glance
- Experience
- 5+ years experience
- Workplace
- Hybrid
- Location
- New York · United States
- Salary
- USD 155,000-210,000
About Monks
- Monks is the global, digital-first, data-driven, unitary operating brand of S4Capital plc, where our culture centers on how we show up for the work and for one another. That begins with the commitment to strive for mastery—taking deep pride in our craft and creating work that sets the bar. In everyday execution, we drive momentum by choosing bold action rather than waiting for certainty. Above all, our teams are stronger together, bringing diverse perspectives into a unified team that communicates with clarity, trust, and mutual respect.
- This commitment to craft and innovation translates directly into widespread industry acclaim: Monks was named a Contender in The Forrester Wave™: Global Marketing Services and a leader in the 2026 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Global Digital Marketing Agencies. It ranks among Cannes Lions' Top 10 Creative Companies (2022-25) and remains the only partner featured in AdExchanger’s Programmatic Power Players list every year (2020-24). Named Adweek’s first AI Agency of the Year (2023) and The One Show’s inaugural AI Pioneer Organization (2025), Monks was also awarded Business Intelligence Group’s 2026 Excellence in Artificial Intelligence Award in the Human-Machine Interaction Team category. Additionally, Monks.Flow earned AI-based Marketing Solution of the Year at the 2026 AI Breakthrough Awards and a 2026 Global Generative AI Award in the Agentic Marketing Innovation category. Finally, Monks achieved a record-breaking number of FWAs and continues to hold the most of any partner.
- We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a respectful and empowering work environment for all people to freely express themselves amongst colleagues who embrace diversity in all respects. Including fresh voices and unique points of view in all aspects of our business not only creates an environment where we can all grow and thrive but also increases our potential to produce work that better represents—and resonates with—the world around us.
About the role
- Monks is looking for a strong, passionate, and energetic Search leader to drive growth and strategic oversight across the paid search department.
- The role focuses on working on the company's largest accounts and serving as a subject matter expert across paid search and YouTube.
- This is a people-focused leadership position for someone who enjoys hands-on, cross-functional collaboration within a fast-growing digital agency.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a people leader for SEM channel specialists (Paid Search, YouTube, Demand Gen, PMax, Shopping, and App) and Account Leads managing direct client partnerships, contract negotiations/renewals, and client onboarding.
- Act as a Search thought leader prepared to respond to the changing landscape in paid search.
- Drive revenue from new business, client relationships, and client growth.
- Present Paid Search performance and tactical priorities to clients and internal stakeholders.
- Partner with cross-channel leads on creating media plans, including forecasting, testing, tactical plans, and reporting.
- Drive Search strategy, innovation, and testing on an assigned book of business while improving performance and developing quarterly or annual roadmaps.
- Manage team members ranging from Account Managers to Directors.
- Contribute to team morale and culture through engagement, team building, and mentorship.
- Contribute to overall department training, POVs, award submissions, and case studies.
- Work closely with Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and other vendor partners on alpha and beta opportunities, expansion opportunities, client strategy, and best practices.
Requirements
- 12+ years Paid Search experience
- Worked across multiple clients overseeing a minimum of $20MM in annual ad spend
- Experience communicating with senior clients' points of contact from VPs to C-Suite
- Experience handling direct management of Paid Search budgets of at least $1MM+ in monthly ad spend
- Advanced slide presentation making and Excel / Google sheet skills
- Experience presenting paid search strategy to marketing executives, large teams, and senior audiences
- Have 5+ years of management experience with at least 3 direct reports at Associate Director level and above
Preferred qualifications
- Experience directing strategy in D2C or Retail, B2B, and B2C digital advertising efforts across different verticals
- Experience in YouTube, Performance Max, Demand Gen, and Value-Based Bidding, understanding of Offline Conversion Data, and CRM integrations with Google Ads
- Experience with a bid management platform, such as SA360, Skai, Marin, etc.
Benefits
- Excellent, full coverage medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous PTO and 15 company-wide holidays
- 401k with company contribution
- Paid parental leave
- Work-life balance with an emphasis on personal well-being
- A globally diverse & inclusive culture with employee resource groups
- Authentic commitment to DEI efforts and sustainable growth
Workplace
- Subject to a Return to Office (RTO) policy requiring work from the office a set number of days per week if residing within a commutable distance of an office location.
Skills
- Paid Search
- YouTube
- Demand Gen
- PMax
- Shopping
- App
- Excel
- SA360
- Skai
- Marin
