OPT Paid Media Manager Jobs
Paid Media Manager roles are actively sponsored by employers across adtech, e-commerce, and digital agencies. F-1 OPT students with hands-on experience in paid search, social advertising, or programmatic campaigns are competitive candidates. Your OPT period gives you up to 12 months of work authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension available if your degree qualifies.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Paid Media Manager owns the paid acquisition funnel for enrollment from first ad impression through started application. This is a hands-on execution and optimization role: the manager plans, launches, and continuously optimizes paid media campaigns with the explicit goal of lowering cost per lead, cost per started and completed application, not just driving traffic or clicks.
Beyond paid media, the role extends into the conversion funnel itself improving landing pages and provides the analytics backbone that keeps enrollment marketing decisions grounded in data.
The Paid Media Manager works closely with the Director of Marketing and the Director of Admissions, executing within approved strategy, messaging, and budget parameters, and ensuring reporting aligns with the Strategic Enrollment Implementation Plan and HLC goals.
Key Responsibilities
Paid Acquisition & Media (60–70%)
- Own strategy, execution, and ongoing optimization of paid campaigns (paid search, paid social, display/retargeting, and video) within established budget parameters
- Build and maintain privacy-compliant, full-funnel conversion tracking — GA4, tag management, consent mode, and click-ID–based conversion imports from the CRM/enrollment system where permitted by institutional privacy policy so campaigns can be optimized to started and completed applications rather than clicks or form fills
- Structure campaigns, audiences, and bidding strategies around down-funnel conversion events using privacy-safe targeting (search intent, geographic/demographic, contextual, and first-party retargeting rather than lookalike audiences); manage budget pacing and reallocation across channels based on cost per started and completed application
- Run a continuous testing program across ad creative, audiences and landing pages
- Attribute enrollments to specific channels and campaigns; integrate and reconcile data from ad platforms, external agencies, and affiliate/partner channels
- Maintain the paid media performance dashboard (e.g., Looker Studio or Power BI) and deliver a monthly campaign performance report with insights and recommendations to the Director of Marketing
Funnel & Lifecycle Optimization (20–25%)
- Analyze and improve conversion rates on campaign landing pages
- Own re-engagement of started-but-incomplete applicants through paid retargeting, in coordination with the Director of Admissions
- Evaluate email campaign and webinar/event performance as lead sources, and feed findings back into paid audience and creative strategy
Marketing Analytics & Campaign Coordination (10–15%)
- Maintain the enrollment marketing dashboard as the team’s source of truth; interpret results and provide insight to support Director-level decision-making and cross-functional alignment
- Contribute enrollment marketing performance data to accreditation (HLC), board reporting, and institutional planning aligned to the Strategic Plan
- Monitor organic search (SEO/AEO) performance as part of overall channel reporting
QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of hands-on paid media experience with direct ownership of campaign strategy, execution, and budget, not analysis or coordination alone
- Demonstrated experience optimizing campaigns to down-funnel or offline conversion events (e.g., applications, enrollments, qualified leads), including setting up the tracking to make that possible
- Significant experience with GA4 and tag management, including conversion configuration, dashboard maintenance, and analysis
- Experience with data visualization and reporting tools such as Looker Studio or Power BI
- Working knowledge of conversion rate optimization: landing page testing, funnel analysis, and drop-off diagnosis
- Experience evaluating email nurture/retargeting sequences tied to conversion outcomes
- Strong written, and verbal communication skills; collaborative and comfortable working cross-functionally
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Data Analytics, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated experience
- Experience working with CRM and enrollment systems such as Slate, Salesforce, or CORE Campus (or ability to learn quickly); higher education or enrollment marketing experience is a plus
Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.
About Erikson Institute
We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.
Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.
Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).
INTRODUCTION
The Paid Media Manager owns the paid acquisition funnel for enrollment from first ad impression through started application. This is a hands-on execution and optimization role: the manager plans, launches, and continuously optimizes paid media campaigns with the explicit goal of lowering cost per lead, cost per started and completed application, not just driving traffic or clicks.
Beyond paid media, the role extends into the conversion funnel itself improving landing pages and provides the analytics backbone that keeps enrollment marketing decisions grounded in data.
The Paid Media Manager works closely with the Director of Marketing and the Director of Admissions, executing within approved strategy, messaging, and budget parameters, and ensuring reporting aligns with the Strategic Enrollment Implementation Plan and HLC goals.
Key Responsibilities
Paid Acquisition & Media (60–70%)
- Own strategy, execution, and ongoing optimization of paid campaigns (paid search, paid social, display/retargeting, and video) within established budget parameters
- Build and maintain privacy-compliant, full-funnel conversion tracking — GA4, tag management, consent mode, and click-ID–based conversion imports from the CRM/enrollment system where permitted by institutional privacy policy so campaigns can be optimized to started and completed applications rather than clicks or form fills
- Structure campaigns, audiences, and bidding strategies around down-funnel conversion events using privacy-safe targeting (search intent, geographic/demographic, contextual, and first-party retargeting rather than lookalike audiences); manage budget pacing and reallocation across channels based on cost per started and completed application
- Run a continuous testing program across ad creative, audiences and landing pages
- Attribute enrollments to specific channels and campaigns; integrate and reconcile data from ad platforms, external agencies, and affiliate/partner channels
- Maintain the paid media performance dashboard (e.g., Looker Studio or Power BI) and deliver a monthly campaign performance report with insights and recommendations to the Director of Marketing
Funnel & Lifecycle Optimization (20–25%)
- Analyze and improve conversion rates on campaign landing pages
- Own re-engagement of started-but-incomplete applicants through paid retargeting, in coordination with the Director of Admissions
- Evaluate email campaign and webinar/event performance as lead sources, and feed findings back into paid audience and creative strategy
Marketing Analytics & Campaign Coordination (10–15%)
- Maintain the enrollment marketing dashboard as the team’s source of truth; interpret results and provide insight to support Director-level decision-making and cross-functional alignment
- Contribute enrollment marketing performance data to accreditation (HLC), board reporting, and institutional planning aligned to the Strategic Plan
- Monitor organic search (SEO/AEO) performance as part of overall channel reporting
QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years of hands-on paid media experience with direct ownership of campaign strategy, execution, and budget, not analysis or coordination alone
- Demonstrated experience optimizing campaigns to down-funnel or offline conversion events (e.g., applications, enrollments, qualified leads), including setting up the tracking to make that possible
- Significant experience with GA4 and tag management, including conversion configuration, dashboard maintenance, and analysis
- Experience with data visualization and reporting tools such as Looker Studio or Power BI
- Working knowledge of conversion rate optimization: landing page testing, funnel analysis, and drop-off diagnosis
- Experience evaluating email nurture/retargeting sequences tied to conversion outcomes
- Strong written, and verbal communication skills; collaborative and comfortable working cross-functionally
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Data Analytics, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated experience
- Experience working with CRM and enrollment systems such as Slate, Salesforce, or CORE Campus (or ability to learn quickly); higher education or enrollment marketing experience is a plus
Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.
About Erikson Institute
We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.
Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.
Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Paid Media Manager
Lead with platform certifications
Google Ads and Meta Blueprint certifications signal hands-on competency before an employer reviews your visa status. Hiring managers in paid media prioritize demonstrated platform skills, and certifications reduce perceived risk when evaluating OPT candidates.
Target employers with established OPT pipelines
Large digital agencies and e-commerce brands with in-house media teams have sponsored OPT students before. Search OFLC disclosure data to verify which employers have filed LCAs for marketing roles before investing time in any application.
Quantify campaign results in your resume
Paid media hiring decisions hinge on measurable outcomes. Include specific ROAS improvements, CPL reductions, or revenue figures from campaigns you managed. Numbers make your impact concrete and shift the conversation away from your visa timeline.
Disclose OPT early but frame it correctly
Bring up your work authorization in the first recruiter call rather than waiting. Clarify that OPT requires no employer petition or lottery, which removes the H-1B visa misconception that causes most early-stage rejections for international candidates.
Emphasize STEM extension eligibility if applicable
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as information systems, marketing analytics, or computer science, make that clear. A potential 36 months of total work authorization meaningfully extends your value to employers considering OPT sponsorship.
Apply to roles that require analytical depth
Paid media roles blending data analysis, attribution modeling, or performance forecasting are harder to fill. These positions attract employers willing to work through visa logistics because the technical skill set narrows the qualified candidate pool significantly.
Paid Media Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Paid Media Manager employers typically sponsor OPT students?
Yes, particularly at digital agencies, e-commerce companies, and adtech firms where paid media is a core function. These employers hire OPT students regularly because the talent pool is competitive and the role does not require an employer petition or H-1B lottery participation. You can browse OPT-friendly Paid Media Manager openings on Migrate Mate.
Is a Paid Media Manager role eligible for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you hold a STEM-designated degree such as information systems, marketing analytics, applied mathematics, or computer science, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM extension beyond your initial 12 months. Your university's DSO must authorize the extension, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify.
What does OPT work authorization actually require from a Paid Media Manager employer?
During your initial OPT period, the employer does not file any petition with USCIS or pay government fees. You work on your existing F-1 student visa status. For the STEM extension, the employer must be E-Verify enrolled and sign a training plan on Form I-983. Most large employers already meet this requirement without additional steps.
How should I handle the OPT expiration timeline when interviewing for Paid Media Manager roles?
Be transparent about your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility from the first recruiter conversation. If you have 12 months or more remaining, most employers are comfortable proceeding. If your timeline is shorter, lead with STEM extension eligibility and confirm the employer is E-Verify enrolled before advancing in the process.
What qualifications make OPT students competitive for Paid Media Manager roles?
Platform certifications in Google Ads, Meta, and programmatic tools carry significant weight. Employers also look for demonstrated experience managing budgets, running A/B tests, and reporting on performance metrics like ROAS and CPL. A degree in marketing, analytics, or a related field strengthens your application and may support STEM OPT extension eligibility.