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

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.
To learn more about this opportunity, apply now. Our recruitment team will be in touch, guide you through the interview process, and advocate on your behalf.

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About Onward Search

Onward Search is a nationwide staffing agency and talent solutions provider specializing in creative, marketing, and technology professionals. We work with our nationwide clients to continuously pipeline and fill specialized roles. As such, not all jobs contain an application deadline.

Equal Opportunity Employment

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected category. Candidates must be at least 18 years old to be considered for employment.
EOE/M/F/D/V/SO

Inclusive Hiring Practices

We’re committed to making every part of our hiring process accessible and inclusive. If you need any accommodations or adjustments to support you during the application or interview process, please contact us at inclusivehiring@onwardsearch.com.

Employment Eligibility

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. We are unable to support 1099 / Corp-to-Corp / Independent Contractor arrangements. All freelancers will be hired as W2 employees.

Benefits

We offer medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a 401(k) retirement plan to all eligible full-time temporary employees. Onward Search is a drug-free workplace.

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Virtual Interview Process

To help streamline the hiring process and ensure a more flexible and accessible experience for all candidates, we’ve partnered with Apriora, a virtual interviewing platform. For select job openings, you may receive an invitation to interview with Alex, our virtual interviewer, via email at alex@onwardsearch.com.

Alex will guide you through a brief set of questions to help us better understand your background and interests. The virtual interview can be completed on your own time, and your responses will be reviewed by our recruiting team as part of the screening process.

To learn more about the platform, visit Apriora’s website.

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Job Seeker Scam Alert

We’ve become aware of fraudulent recruiters impersonating Onward Search representatives to collect personal or financial information from potential job seekers. Please be vigilant and always protect your information. Learn more about potential threats and how to protect yourself by visiting our job seeker scam alert page.