Onward Search is a specialized staffing and talent solutions company that helps professionals find top jobs with the nation’s leading brands. We’re partnering with a financial services client to find a Senior Search Engine Marketing Consultant for an onsite freelance opportunity in New York, New York. This role is up to 12 months with potential to convert to full-time.

As part of the paid media team—an internal agency that partners with business units across the organization—you will help deliver a unified, customer-focused marketing experience. The team provides strategic guidance, internal consulting, and hands-on media buying across a variety of platforms and campaigns. In this supervisor-level role, the Senior SEM Consultant will oversee enterprise-scale search campaigns on Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, driving acquisition and brand performance. The ideal candidate will be comfortable presenting to stakeholders, experienced in performance reporting, and proactive in implementing optimization strategies.

Senior Search Engine Marketing Consultant Responsibilities:

• Lead end-to-end management of SEM campaigns, including strategy, setup, optimization, and reporting.

• Develop keyword strategies, targeting frameworks, and landing page alignment plans.

• Execute and manage campaigns across Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Search Ads 360.

• Analyze performance data, generate actionable insights, and present findings to stakeholders.

• Manage financials, including forecasting, pacing, and budget reconciliation.

• Proactively identify challenges and design strategic solutions.

• Collaborate across teams and business lines to ensure consistent execution and knowledge sharing.

• Uphold firmwide standards and best practices for paid media.

Senior Search Engine Marketing Consultant Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience managing large-scale, acquisition-focused SEM programs (agency experience preferred).

• Proven success executing campaigns for high-profile brands; regulated industry experience (financial services, pharma) is a plus.

• Expertise with Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and Search Ads 360.

• Familiarity with tools such as Adobe, Marin, or other SEM management platforms.

• Google Ads certification required.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into strategy.

• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Office Suite.

• Excellent communication, time management, and multitasking skills.

• Self-starter with critical thinking, problem-solving, and proactive decision-making abilities.

• Confidence in presenting to and collaborating with stakeholders at all levels.

Perks & Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Life Insurance.

• 401(k) Program.

• Commuter Benefit.

• eLearning & Ongoing Training.

• Education Reimbursement.

*Eligibility requires working over 30 hours per week on an assignment lasting at least 10 weeks.

If you meet the qualifications and are excited about this opportunity, apply today! Our team will connect with you to discuss next steps, support you through the interview process, and advocate for your success.

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.

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.

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.