Description

Paid Search Specialist 
Location: Remote (US Based)
 
Ready to make a difference? 
Join our team as a Paid Search Specialist and play a key role in driving high-performance digital campaigns through paid search. In this critical position, you’ll work alongside our Search Subject Matter Expert to execute, optimize, and report on campaigns across Google Ads and Microsoft Ads. You’ll support digital media efforts for clients in the Energy utility and Government sectors—translating strategy into action and data into results. 
This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about paid search, thrives in a collaborative environment, and is ready to take ownership of day-to-day campaign performance. You’ll be responsible for building and managing search campaigns, testing ad copy, conducting keyword research, monitoring budgets, and implementing optimizations that drive results. You’ll also partner closely with media strategists and analytics leads to ensure campaigns align with client goals and deliver measurable impact. 
If you love diving into campaign data, continuously testing and refining tactics, and turning insights into strategic improvements, this is a great opportunity to grow your expertise in a fast-paced and supportive team environment. 

Why you will love working here: 

Quality of life: Flexible workplace arrangements, work-life balance Investment of the community: Donation matching, volunteer opportunities Investment in you: Tuition reimbursement, access to professional development resources, 401k matching, Employee Stock Purchase Plan And many, many more (Ask your recruiter for more details!) 

 
What you will be doing: 

Execute and Optimize Paid Search Campaigns: Build, manage, and continuously optimize campaigns in Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, ensuring alignment with performance benchmarks, budget pacing, and client objectives. Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Strategy & Execution: Support the Search Subject Matter Expert in developing and executing SEM strategies across accounts, with ownership of daily performance management, keyword research, ad copy testing, and bid optimization. Performance Monitoring & Analysis: Analyze paid search performance data to uncover trends, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement data-driven optimizations. Leverage tools such as Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, Google Analytics, and Looker Studio. Reporting & Insights: Create and deliver clear, actionable performance reports with strategic recommendations for ongoing improvement. Translate campaign data into client-ready insights. Collaboration with Media Strategy: Work closely with media strategists and analytics teams to inform cross-channel media plans, ensuring search campaigns are fully integrated and support broader client objectives. Innovation & Testing: Proactively test new ad formats, audience segments, and beta opportunities within paid search platforms to drive continuous improvement. Team Integration & Knowledge Sharing: Be a key contributor to a collaborative team environment, sharing insights, supporting teammates, and staying up to date on search trends, tools, and best practices to help elevate our team’s capabilities. 

 
What we need you to have (minimum qualifications):  

Bachelor's degree (or applicants can substitute one year of related experience for one year of education)2+ year of hands-on experience in Google Ads and Microsoft/Bing Ads, including keyword targeting, bidding strategies, and performance optimizations 1+ year of experience using Google Analytics (GA4) to analyze website and campaign performance, including traffic, engagement, and conversion tracking 1+ year of experience with Google Tag Manager (GTM) for implementing and managing conversion tracking, remarketing tags, and event-based triggers Google Ads Search Certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire) Must be able to pass a background check and drug screening.

What we would like you to have: 

Strong understanding of SEM performance metrics (CTR, CPC, Quality Score, Conversion Rate, etc.) and how they impact overall media effectiveness Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team and collaborate regularly with team members Strong written and verbal communication skills Analytical, data interpretation, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities Ability to troubleshoot tracking and data discrepancies across ad platforms, analytics tools, and reporting dashboards Strong attention to detail and comfort working with data, spreadsheets, and performance reporting Ability to multitask and meet deadlines under pressure Adaptable, flexible, and a team player with a passion for digital advertising Active interest in keeping up with the paid media industry and latest trends Familiarity with SEO tools like Spyfu and Optmyzr  Familiarity with paid social or programmatic tools like Meta Ads, LinkedIn Ads, The Trade Desk, or Basis DSP 

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

 

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.  

Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act. 

 

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.  

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.  

 

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:

$55,388.00 - $94,160.00

Nationwide Remote Office (US99)