Paid Search Specialist Jobs for OPT Students
Paid Search Specialist roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in marketing, advertising, or business analytics. Most positions require hands-on platform experience and data fluency rather than advanced degrees, making them accessible during the standard 12-month OPT window or 24-month STEM extension.
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Get Access To All JobsWHO WE ARE
Zeta Global (NYSE: ZETA) is the AI-Powered Marketing Cloud that leverages advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and trillions of consumer signals to make it easier for marketers to acquire, grow, and retain customers more efficiently. Through the Zeta Marketing Platform (ZMP), our vision is to make sophisticated marketing simple by unifying identity, intelligence, and omnichannel activation into a single platform – powered by one of the industry’s largest proprietary databases and AI. Our enterprise customers across multiple verticals are empowered to personalize experiences with consumers at an individual level across every channel, delivering better results for marketing programs. Zeta was founded in 2007 by David A. Steinberg and John Sculley and is headquartered in New York City with offices around the world.
THE ROLE
We are seeking a Paid Search Specialist who can confidently roll up their sleeves to execute campaign development, performance optimizations, and client reporting. You will be responsible for contributing to client strategy, overseeing performance, collaborating with teammates, and ensuring flawless execution of paid search campaigns from end to end.
The role requires a combination of hands-on ad management as well as client communication. You will be entrusted with a significant level of autonomy to make informed operational decisions based on your knowledge of the Google Ads ecosystem. You will leverage your experience to position campaigns for success and find creative solutions to problems. The ideal candidate thrives in platform, can distill data into actionable performance insights and recommendations, and knows how to turn strategy into measurable results. Depending on your location, this role could be hybrid (NYC, Nashville, LA, San Francisco, Miami) or remote.
Responsibilities
Client Strategy
- Partner with Search team members on paid search strategy and performance discussions.
- Proactively identify areas for optimization and innovation across accounts.
Campaign Management & Execution
- Oversee end-to-end execution of paid search campaigns, including account setup, budget pacing, optimization, and reporting.
- Actively manage campaigns using Google Ads, Google Ads Editor, Microsoft Ads, and SA360.
- Monitor performance across search platforms and provide proactive optimizations and recommendations to ensure KPIs are met.
- Translate insights into actionable next steps that drive measurable client impact.
Team Collaboration
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure campaign execution aligns with client objectives.
- Manage day to day tasks and responsibilities utilizing the team’s project management platform.
Analysis & Reporting
- Deliver clear, data-driven performance reports and insights to clients.
- Recommend testing strategies, budget allocation shifts, and bid strategy adjustments based on performance trends.
- Ensure accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of reporting.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of relevant paid search experience
- Hands-on experience in managing monthly campaign budgets of $100k+
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Experience with Google Ads and Google Ads Editor
Preferred but not required:
- Experience with Google Shopping, Demand Gen, and Performance Max
- Experience with Microsoft Ads, SA360, and Google Analytics
BENEFITS & PERKS
- Unlimited PTO
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Employee Equity
- Employee Discounts, Virtual Wellness Classes, Pet Insurance, and more!!
SALARY RANGE
The salary range for this role is $60,000 - $80,000, depending on location and experience.
PEOPLE & CULTURE AT ZETA
Zeta considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Zeta discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
We’re committed to building a workplace culture of trust and belonging, so everyone feels invited to bring their whole selves to work. We provide a forum for employees to celebrate, support and advocate for one another. Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion here: https://zetaglobal.com/blog/a-look-into-zetas-ergs/
ZETA IN THE NEWS!
https://zetaglobal.com/press/?cat=press-releases
LI-MR1
LI-Remote
WHO WE ARE
Zeta Global (NYSE: ZETA) is the AI-Powered Marketing Cloud that leverages advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and trillions of consumer signals to make it easier for marketers to acquire, grow, and retain customers more efficiently. Through the Zeta Marketing Platform (ZMP), our vision is to make sophisticated marketing simple by unifying identity, intelligence, and omnichannel activation into a single platform – powered by one of the industry’s largest proprietary databases and AI. Our enterprise customers across multiple verticals are empowered to personalize experiences with consumers at an individual level across every channel, delivering better results for marketing programs. Zeta was founded in 2007 by David A. Steinberg and John Sculley and is headquartered in New York City with offices around the world.
THE ROLE
We are seeking a Paid Search Specialist who can confidently roll up their sleeves to execute campaign development, performance optimizations, and client reporting. You will be responsible for contributing to client strategy, overseeing performance, collaborating with teammates, and ensuring flawless execution of paid search campaigns from end to end.
The role requires a combination of hands-on ad management as well as client communication. You will be entrusted with a significant level of autonomy to make informed operational decisions based on your knowledge of the Google Ads ecosystem. You will leverage your experience to position campaigns for success and find creative solutions to problems. The ideal candidate thrives in platform, can distill data into actionable performance insights and recommendations, and knows how to turn strategy into measurable results. Depending on your location, this role could be hybrid (NYC, Nashville, LA, San Francisco, Miami) or remote.
Responsibilities
Client Strategy
- Partner with Search team members on paid search strategy and performance discussions.
- Proactively identify areas for optimization and innovation across accounts.
Campaign Management & Execution
- Oversee end-to-end execution of paid search campaigns, including account setup, budget pacing, optimization, and reporting.
- Actively manage campaigns using Google Ads, Google Ads Editor, Microsoft Ads, and SA360.
- Monitor performance across search platforms and provide proactive optimizations and recommendations to ensure KPIs are met.
- Translate insights into actionable next steps that drive measurable client impact.
Team Collaboration
- Collaborate with internal teams to ensure campaign execution aligns with client objectives.
- Manage day to day tasks and responsibilities utilizing the team’s project management platform.
Analysis & Reporting
- Deliver clear, data-driven performance reports and insights to clients.
- Recommend testing strategies, budget allocation shifts, and bid strategy adjustments based on performance trends.
- Ensure accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of reporting.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of relevant paid search experience
- Hands-on experience in managing monthly campaign budgets of $100k+
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Experience with Google Ads and Google Ads Editor
Preferred but not required:
- Experience with Google Shopping, Demand Gen, and Performance Max
- Experience with Microsoft Ads, SA360, and Google Analytics
BENEFITS & PERKS
- Unlimited PTO
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Employee Equity
- Employee Discounts, Virtual Wellness Classes, Pet Insurance, and more!!
SALARY RANGE
The salary range for this role is $60,000 - $80,000, depending on location and experience.
PEOPLE & CULTURE AT ZETA
Zeta considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Zeta discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
We’re committed to building a workplace culture of trust and belonging, so everyone feels invited to bring their whole selves to work. We provide a forum for employees to celebrate, support and advocate for one another. Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion here: https://zetaglobal.com/blog/a-look-into-zetas-ergs/
ZETA IN THE NEWS!
https://zetaglobal.com/press/?cat=press-releases
LI-MR1
LI-Remote
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Paid Search Specialist
Target employers with existing H-1B sponsorship history
Companies that have sponsored H-1B visas before are far more likely to sponsor again. Search OFLC disclosure data to identify ad agencies, e-commerce companies, and tech firms with a track record of sponsoring marketing roles before applying.
Qualify for the STEM OPT extension if your degree supports it
Paid Search roles under job titles like Marketing Analyst or Digital Analytics Specialist may qualify for the 24-month STEM extension if your degree is in a STEM-designated field like statistics, information systems, or computer science. Confirm with your DSO early.
Demonstrate platform certifications upfront
Google Ads and Microsoft Advertising certifications signal job-readiness to hiring managers and reduce perceived risk around sponsoring an OPT candidate. List them prominently on your resume, above the skills section where possible.
Frame your OPT timeline as an asset in interviews
Employers unfamiliar with OPT often assume it is complicated. Clarify that you are authorized to work immediately, no employer filing is required for standard OPT, and STEM extension gives the company additional runway before any H-1B decision is needed.
Prioritize agencies over small businesses for sponsorship odds
Mid-size to large digital marketing agencies and in-house teams at enterprise companies have HR infrastructure to handle sponsorship. Startups and small businesses rarely have immigration counsel on retainer, making sponsorship commitments unlikely regardless of how strong your candidacy is.
Lead with performance metrics, not job duties, on your resume
Paid search hiring managers respond to results. Quantify ROAS improvements, cost-per-click reductions, or conversion rate lifts from campaigns you managed. Concrete numbers make your application stand out and reduce the perceived risk of hiring an OPT candidate.
Paid Search Specialist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Paid Search Specialist roles typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Sponsorship varies significantly by employer size and type. Large tech companies, e-commerce brands, and enterprise agencies are the most consistent sponsors for paid search roles. Smaller agencies and startups rarely sponsor. Browsing Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for employers who sponsor F-1 OPT candidates, saving you from applying to roles where sponsorship is off the table.
Can a Paid Search Specialist role qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
It depends on how the employer classifies the role and whether your degree is STEM-designated. If the position is titled Marketing Analyst, Digital Analyst, or similar and involves quantitative work, and your degree is in a STEM field, your DSO may approve the extension. The job must appear on the official STEM OPT employer list and the employer must complete a formal training plan.
What degree backgrounds do employers accept for Paid Search Specialist roles?
Most employers accept degrees in marketing, advertising, business administration, communications, statistics, or information systems. Some prefer quantitative backgrounds for roles with heavy bidding strategy and analytics responsibilities. Practical platform experience and certifications often carry as much weight as degree field, particularly at performance-focused agencies.
How early should I start applying for Paid Search Specialist jobs as an OPT student?
Apply at least 90 days before your graduation or program end date. USCIS recommends applying for OPT authorization up to 90 days before your program ends, and processing takes up to 90 days. Starting your job search before authorization arrives gives you time to interview, negotiate, and align your start date with your work authorization window.
What makes a Paid Search Specialist role harder or easier to get sponsored on OPT?
Roles harder to sponsor tend to be at small agencies without immigration infrastructure or in saturated markets where employers can easily hire candidates who already have permanent work authorization. Roles easier to sponsor are at companies with existing H-1B histories, clear sponsorship policies, and specialized skill needs around platforms like Google Ads or programmatic buying that you can directly demonstrate.
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