The Minnesota Star Tribune is an innovative modern media organization building on an extraordinary 158-year legacy. With seven Pulitzer Prizes and numerous other accolades, we stand as a beacon of journalistic excellence in Minnesota. We are the heart and voice of the North. Our mission is to build a better Minnesota by connecting us with the people, ideas, and stories that strengthen our communities. We're seeking dynamic leaders who are passionate about journalism and democracy to help shape this future. If you are excited about reinventing one of our state's most trusted institutions and leading us into a new era of growth and excellence, we want to hear from you. The Google Ads Specialist in Minneapolis MN leads the strategy, execution, and optimization of paid digital advertising campaigns across Google Search (SEM), Google Display Network (GDN), YouTube, and select paid social platforms including Meta, LinkedIn, and TikTok. This role is responsible for managing campaign budgets, analyzing performance data, and optimizing initiatives to achieve defined KPIs and business objectives. The ideal candidate combines strong performance marketing expertise with hands-on digital media buying experience and a deep understanding of cross-platform attribution, audience targeting, and conversion optimization. Working closely with internal teams, the Paid Media Specialist provides actionable insights and strategic recommendations to drive measurable growth and maximize return on ad spend. Responsibilities Build, launch, manage, and optimize paid media campaigns across Google Search, Display, remarketing, and select Paid Social platforms. Serve as the subject matter expert for Google Ads strategy, execution, and performance optimization. Conduct keyword research, audience segmentation, and targeting optimization to improve campaign effectiveness and ROI. Develop and test ad copy, creative assets, extensions, placements, and bidding strategies aligned to campaign objectives. Monitor and optimize campaign performance metrics including CPC, CTR, CVR, CPA, Quality Score, pacing, and budget allocation. Oversee display, retargeting, and programmatic campaign delivery, trafficking, and tracking within Google platforms and DSP environments. Ensure accurate tracking, tagging, attribution, and reporting implementation using tools such as Google Tag Manager, Google Campaign Manager, and Google Ad Manager. Analyze and synthesize cross-channel performance data to deliver actionable insights, forecasts, campaign recaps, and strategic recommendations. Collaborate with account, creative, strategy, and sales teams to align campaigns, messaging, and performance goals with client objectives. Research industry trends and best practices while contributing to process improvements, workflow documentation, and ongoing digital optimization initiatives. Qualifications Minimum of 2 years of experience managing Google Ads (Search & Display). Experience managing paid social campaigns. Strong understanding of performance marketing and customer acquisition. Experience with DSPs, RTB platforms, or display buying environments. Familiarity with Google Campaign Manager, Google Ad Manager, and tracking platforms. Experience with tag management systems (GTM preferred). Strong analytical skills and comfort working with large datasets. Experience with A/ B and multivariate testing. Excellent communication and collaboration skills. Google Ads Certification preferred. Google Analytics Certification preferred. Must be currently legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H 1 B status, 0-1, TM, CPT, OPT, etc.). We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. Compensation Range: The compensation range for this position is $31.25-$33.65/hour. Compensation for the role will depend on several factors, including a candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies and experience and may fall outside of the range shown. The Minnesota Star Tribune offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401(K) match, healthcare coverage - medical, dental, and vision, life, disability, paid time off, and a broad range of other benefits. Learn more at benefits.startribunecompany.com. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that are required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to remain in a stationary position (i.e. standing, sitting, or both) approximately 90%; move short distances approximately 5%; position self to pick up objects (i.e., bending, twisting, stooping) weighing up to 5 lbs. around the officing and moving (i.e. lift, carry, push, pull) items weighing up to 5 lbs. approximately 5%. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in a typical office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, keyboards, mouse, photocopiers, and filing cabinets. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The office environment will have normal lighting and climate control tolerances. Work from home office environment may differ from the physical offices in Minneapolis, MN. Disclaimer The duties and responsibilities of this position and this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice based on business needs. More about The Minnesota Star Tribune At The Minnesota Star Tribune, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to their happiness, growth, and well-being. Here's a snapshot of the exceptional benefits we offer: Modern Downtown Office: Enjoy a state-of-the-art workspace with a free fitness center, collaborative center, golf simulator, and a rooftop patio. Comprehensive Benefits: Includes commuting subsidy, medical, dental, and vision insurance. Wellness & Work-Life Balance: Participate in our wellness program with financial incentives, generous paid time off, flexible holidays, one volunteer day, and two wellness days. Financial & Family Support: Benefit from a 401(k) with company match, paid parental and caregiving leave, hybrid work arrangements, and tuition reimbursement. Additional Perks: Access to an employee assistance program, pet insurance, flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts. 2025 award winner of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in Media and News and proud recipient of Newsweek's Greatest Midsize Workplaces 2025 recognition.