Paid Media Director

The marketing department at Spark Networks is a dynamic, data-driven team responsible for driving customer acquisition, engagement, and retention across our portfolio of online dating brands. Our team works across performance marketing, CRM, brand development, and content, utilizing a wide range of channels including paid search, social, affiliate, and email marketing. We collaborate closely with product, engineering, and data teams to optimize campaigns and deliver innovative strategies that support the company's growth and long-term success. At Spark, we are passionate about creating meaningful connections for our users while pushing the boundaries of digital marketing through creative storytelling and advanced analytics.

This role is a full-time remote position that must be located in the United States (preferably EST).

Why this role is critical to our success

The Paid Media Director is a critical leadership role responsible for driving customer acquisition and revenue growth through performance marketing channels. This role will oversee paid search, paid social, programmatic display, and affiliate programs, ensuring efficient budget allocation, optimization, and alignment with the overall marketing strategy. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to campaign management, leveraging data to inform decisions and maximize ROI.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive paid media strategy to drive user acquisition and revenue growth.
Oversee and manage campaigns across paid search, paid social, programmatic, and other digital channels, ensuring alignment with company goals.
Lead budget planning and allocation, optimizing spend to maximize ROI while maintaining efficiency metrics such as CAC.
Collaborate with creative and content teams to develop high-performing ad creatives that resonate with target audiences.
Partner with analytics teams to establish and track KPIs, create dashboards, and report on campaign performance.
Identify new opportunities for growth, including emerging channels and innovative ad formats, to diversify acquisition efforts.
Work closely with the CRM and lifecycle marketing teams to align paid efforts with retention strategies, driving customer lifetime value.
Manage relationships with external partners, agencies, and vendors, ensuring best-in-class execution and support.
Stay current with industry trends, tools, and best practices to continuously improve paid media strategies.
Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications

8+ years of experience in digital marketing with a focus on paid media, including 3+ years in a leadership role.
Proven track record of managing large-scale budgets and delivering measurable results across multiple channels.
Deep expertise in paid search (e.g., Google Ads), paid social (e.g., Meta, TikTok), and programmatic platforms (e.g., Adtheorent, TradeDesk).
Strong analytical skills with experience in tools like Google Analytics, Sigma, or Looker.
Knowledge of attribution modeling, customer journey mapping, and advanced audience targeting strategies.
Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.
Experience working in fast-paced, high-growth environments, ideally in subscription-based or e-commerce businesses.
Experience managing agencies and vendors, ensuring accountability and top-tier performance.
Experience with A/B testing tools and techniques to optimize campaign performance.
Strong understanding of customer acquisition cost (CAC), lifetime value (LTV), and other key marketing metrics.
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field; MBA preferred.

About Spark Networks, Inc

Spark Networks is a leading global dating company with a widening portfolio of premium & freemium apps, including Zoosk, JDate, Christian Mingle, Silver Singles, and Elite Singles. Formed in 2017 through the merger of Affinitas GmbH and Spark Networks, Inc., the company operates in 29 countries worldwide.

Our current benefits offerings include:

Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
Employer Paid Basic Life Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan & Company Match
FSA, DCA, and Commuter Benefit Plans
Company Paid Holidays
Flexible Time off

Spark Networks is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our employees. Any hiring decision is based on qualifications, skills, abilities, and the specific needs of Spark Networks with regard to a given position.