Paid Media Specialist

Alliant International University is a professional practice University committed to excellence in four areas: Education for Professional Practice, Scholarship, Multicultural and International Competence and Community Engagement. The University provides students with the highest quality of education through excellence and innovation in academic scholarship, applied training and research, and community service, particularly to underserved populations. Through its Mission, the University's goal is to equip students with the competencies they need to provide public benefit and make an impact in their communities by addressing major contemporary social issues. Core competencies of the University's training programs include cultural diversity, which is infused in courses and field placements and is manifest in the diversity of its students, faculty.

Our Mission:
Alliant International University prepares students for professional careers of service and leadership, and promotes the discovery and application of knowledge to improve the lives of people in diverse cultures and communities around the world.

Our Vision:
An inclusive world empowered by Alliant alumni.

Our IMPACT Values :

• Inclusion: We value and engage the rich diversity of the Alliant community.
• Mentoring: We provide guidance and create enabling environments for success.
• Passion: We bring enthusiasm, creativity, and authenticity to our work.
• Accountability: We act with integrity and responsibility in all we do.
• Communication: We are responsive, transparent, and respectful in our interactions.
• Teamwork: We collaborate to develop innovative solutions for our community.
  

Position Summary:

The Paid Media Specialist reports to the Manager of Growth & Performance and will be responsible for campaign strategy, execution, and optimization across Google Ads, and other varying paid media channels while working closely with enrollment and creative teams to ensure campaigns align with program goals and university brand standards.

In this role, the Paid Media Specialist will manage performance marketing campaigns that connect prospective students with our programs by working to optimize every stage of the marketing funnel from search intent to lead conversion.

Starting Salary: $68,000 annualized, Full-Time, Exempt.

Benefits Plans Include: Medical/Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Voluntary Benefit Plans: Accident, Critical Illness, or Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Plan, Transportation Spending Account, Employee Tuition Waiver.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in marketing is required.

Experience: Two - Four (2 - 4) years of experience in marketing, preferably in higher education, with hands-on experience managing Google Ads campaigns, including Search, and Performance Max, with a proven track record of driving measurable lead generation and enrollment results. They should demonstrate success in optimizing campaigns to meet key performance goals such as Cost Per Lead, Cost Per Application, and Return on Ad Spend. A strong ability to analyze data, extract insights, and translate findings into actionable marketing strategies. Experience working collaboratively across creative, web, and enrollment teams to ensure paid media efforts align with broader institutional marketing objectives.

Certifications, Licenses, etc.: None.

Skills:

• Proficient computer skills with Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel and PowerPoint

• Google Ads (Search, Performance Max)

• Google Ads Editor and Keyword Planner

• Bid strategy optimization and budget pacing

• A/B testing and landing-page experimentation

• Conversion tracking and attribution modeling

• Data visualization tools (Tableau)

• Excel/Google Sheets (pivot tables, formulas, reporting automation)

• Audience research and intent-based segmentation

• Copywriting for lead generation and conversion optimization

• Understanding of student enrollment funnels from inquiry to application to enrollment

• Campaign forecasting, pacing, and budget allocation

• Collaboration with creative and enrollment marketing teams

• Competitor and keyword landscape analysis

• Strong grasp of CPL, CPA, and ROAS optimization
  

Duties & Responsibilities:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Develop, execute, and optimize Google Ads campaigns (Search & Performance Max) to drive inquiries and student leads

• Conduct in-depth keyword research and audience segmentation focused on degree programs and learner intent

• Write and test ad copy that speaks to student motivations, differentiators, and outcomes

• Manage budgets, pacing, and bidding strategies to meet Cost Per Lead, Cost Per Application and Cost Per Start goals

• Assist with set up and maintenance of accurate conversion tracking

• Partner with creative teams to test new ad variations, video assets, and landing pages

• Analyze performance data, report insights, and recommend actionable optimizations to improve lead quality and conversion rates

• Collaborate with enrollment and web teams to ensure a seamless lead-to-enrollment process
  

Supervisory Responsibility:

Direct Reports: None.

Indirect Reports: None.

Contact Responsibility:

Internal: Interacts with supervisor to receive direction and instructions and/or review of work results.

External: Interacts with advertising agencies, and vendors to develop and maintain strategic, long-term partnerships.

Primary Work Location, Hours & Travel Requirements:

Office Location: Remote.

Work Hours: Standard office hours, with occasional need to work evenings/weekends.

Travel: None.

Background Check Requirements:
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check (including criminal, prior employment and education verification). Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current University employees who apply for the position.

Additional Information:
Anti-Discrimination Policy: Alliant International University prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment or retaliation in its educational programs, services and activities, and in employment practices, including but not limited to internal promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, terminations, relationships with outside vendors, use of contractors and consultants, and in its admission or access thereto, on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin or descent, color, creed, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability (including physical, disease, psychiatric or psychological disability), medical condition, pregnancy, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identification or expression, hair style or texture associated with race, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.

Alliant International University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to ensuring a high quality of education through the diversity of the University community and the curriculum. Women, people of color, people with disabilities and people from other underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply, as we actively seek to increase diversity at all levels. The University will conduct its programs, services and activities consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and orders.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act.

Applicants with disabilities and applicants who require assistance completing an application may contact Human Resources at humanresources@alliant.edu or 858-635-4509.

The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) requires that we provide you with this Notice at Collection for California Employees and Applicants . This notice is about the collection and use of your personal information. We encourage you to read this notice carefully.

Governing legislation: Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the regulations implementing these statutes, and applicable federal and California law.

Alliant International University is a smoke and tobacco free environment.

Company: Alliant International University, Inc. | Job ID: 284547