OPT Paid Media Specialist Jobs
Paid Media Specialist roles sit squarely within specialty occupation territory, making them a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in marketing, advertising, or a related field. Most positions are with companies already familiar with work authorization, and STEM OPT extensions apply 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 Specialist
Lead with platform certifications
Google Ads and Meta Blueprint certifications signal job-ready skills before an interview starts. Hiring managers in paid media move fast, and credentials that prove hands-on platform experience reduce friction around your OPT status early in the process.
Target performance-focused teams
In-house growth teams and performance marketing agencies are more likely to sponsor than generalist marketing departments. They hire for measurable ROI skills, which means your technical expertise often outweighs the administrative overhead of OPT work authorization.
Show ROAS and CPA results upfront
Quantify your campaign results before the interview, not during it. Employers weighing OPT authorization costs need a clear reason to proceed. Specific return on ad spend and cost per acquisition figures from previous work or internships make that case immediately.
Apply before your OPT clock starts
Paid media hiring moves quickly, and onboarding timelines can stretch two to four weeks. Submit applications before your EAD arrives so offers can be structured around your actual start date without putting you in a gap between graduation and employment.
Check if your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Degrees in data-driven marketing, information systems, or statistics often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. That extra runway changes the sponsorship conversation significantly, as employers get more time before needing to file an H-1B visa petition.
Target mid-size companies with dedicated paid media budgets
Companies spending actively on paid search and social tend to have structured marketing teams with recurring hiring needs. They are less bureaucratic than large enterprises about OPT paperwork and more motivated than early-stage startups to hire proven paid media talent.
Paid Media Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Paid Media Specialist roles qualify as specialty occupations for OPT purposes?
Yes. Paid Media Specialist positions routinely qualify as specialty occupations because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in marketing, advertising, communications, or a directly related field. USCIS evaluates this on a case-by-case basis, but roles involving strategic ad buying, performance analysis, and campaign management across platforms like Google Ads or Meta consistently meet the standard. Your offer letter should reflect those specialized responsibilities.
Can I use my F-1 OPT EAD to work as a Paid Media Specialist without employer sponsorship?
Yes. During your OPT period, your Employment Authorization Document allows you to work for any employer in a role related to your degree without the employer needing to file a petition. The employer does not sponsor your OPT itself. Sponsorship only becomes relevant if you need an H-1B or other visa after OPT expires. That said, it is worth confirming the employer is familiar with OPT before accepting an offer.
How do I find Paid Media Specialist jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers with a history of hiring international candidates. Searching there surfaces paid media roles where OPT work authorization is already understood, which saves time compared to applying broadly and screening for sponsorship willingness manually. Filtering by role type and industry on Migrate Mate narrows results to the positions most likely to move forward with OPT candidates.
Does a STEM OPT extension apply to Paid Media Specialist roles?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you graduated with a degree in a STEM-designated field such as marketing analytics, information systems, or statistics, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension even if the role itself is in paid media. Your university's Designated School Official confirms eligibility. The extension requires your employer to be E-Verify enrolled and submit a formal training plan.
What should I do if my OPT expires before my employer files an H-1B petition?
If you applied for H-1B before your OPT expired and your case is pending, the cap-gap rule automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. If your employer missed the filing window, you would need to stop working until another status is available. Planning the H-1B timeline well in advance of your OPT end date is essential, and targeting employers who already have H-1B filing experience reduces that risk significantly.