Manager, Digital Marketing Strategist

Company Overview

Capture Higher Ed is an innovative leader in the higher education sector, leveraging data and technology to attract and engage mission-fit students. With a proven track record of delivering exceptional results, we are committed to fostering professional growth in a dynamic and enjoyable work environment.

We’re looking for a strategic, data-driven Senior Digital Advertising Strategist to join our client strategy team. In this role, you’ll lead the planning and optimization of multi-channel digital advertising campaigns designed to generate inquiries, drive applications, and increase enrollments for a diverse portfolio of institutions.

You’ll manage campaigns across Google Ads, Meta, YouTube, LinkedIn, and other programmatic platforms, translating performance data into actionable strategy. We’re seeking a self-driven innovator — someone who stays ahead of digital advertising trends, proactively explores new tactics and technologies, and is motivated to push results in an increasingly competitive landscape.

The ideal candidate will bring strong cross-functional collaboration skills, a deep understanding of the student enrollment journey, and a passion for using insights to drive smarter, more innovative, and results-focused advertising performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of paid media strategies to support undergraduate, graduate, online, and continuing education enrollment goals in conjunction with a lead account strategist.
• Manage and optimize multi-channel campaigns across Google Ads, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), YouTube, LinkedIn, and programmatic platforms.
• Collaborate with enrollment advisors, the creative design team, and clients to align messaging and ensure a seamless, strategic user experience from ad click to application.
• Conduct ongoing performance analysis and campaign optimization, including A/B testing, audience refinement, and creative iteration.
• Develop and monitor KPIs related to inquiry generation, cost per lead, application rates, and enrollment conversion, ensuring alignment with partner goals.
• Partner with product and data services teams to ensure proper tracking, attribution, and lead flow into systems like Slate or Salesforce.
• Develop best practices and processes for leveraging Google Analytics to inform advertising, content, and conversion strategies.
• Research and implement new advertising tactics, technologies, and platforms relevant to reaching Gen Z and adult learners.
• Prepare and present campaign performance reports and actionable insights to enrollment leadership and campus stakeholders.
• Stay current on trends in digital media, higher education marketing, and prospective student behavior to inform advertising strategies.
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams to set ad spend allocations by partner, monitor budget pacing, and manage adjustments to align with budget and spend targets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Digital Media, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• 5–7+ years of experience in digital advertising, with a strong preference for experience in higher education or student recruitment.
• Proven success managing and optimizing paid media campaigns across major platforms, especially Google Ads and Meta.
• Demonstrated ability to proactively identify emerging trends, tools, platforms, and strategies in digital advertising.
• Strong budget management and budget allocation skills.
• Deep understanding of the student journey and enrollment funnel from awareness through yield.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience using Google Analytics 4, Looker Studio, or similar reporting platforms.
• Ability to translate digital advertising data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations, with a focus on improving conversion performance.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Slate, Salesforce) and marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Pardot).
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and present data-driven recommendations.
• Self-starter with strong project management skills and a passion for driving measurable results.
• Possesses a high level of attention to detail and excels at identifying and addressing small but critical elements.
• Ability to travel to company headquarters in Louisville, KY for team meetings approximately 3-4 times per year.
• Occasional travel to partner campuses may be required, typically fewer than 4-5 trips annually.

Preferred Skills

• Experience marketing to diverse student populations, including international, adult, online, and graduate students.
• Experience working within a multi-client organization with varying service models.
• Strong curiosity and initiative to explore new advertising platforms, technologies, and strategies, identifying opportunities for innovation and growth.
• Google Ads and Meta Blueprint certifications.
• Experience with OTT (over-the-top) advertising platforms, strategies, and measurement, with the ability to integrate OTT into broader media plans
• Familiarity with accessibility standards and inclusive advertising practices.
• Understanding of higher education compliance standards (e.g., FERPA, NACAC best practices).

If you're ready to make an impact in the world of higher education marketing, we invite you to apply today and join our dynamic team at Capture Higher Ed!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Remote

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will bring strong cross-functional collaboration skills, a deep understanding of the student enrollment journey, and a passion for using insights to drive smarter, more innovative, and results-focused advertising performance
• 5–7+ years of experience in digital advertising, with a strong preference for experience in higher education or student recruitment
• Proven success managing and optimizing paid media campaigns across major platforms, especially Google Ads and Meta
• Demonstrated ability to proactively identify emerging trends, tools, platforms, and strategies in digital advertising
• Strong budget management and budget allocation skills
• Deep understanding of the student journey and enrollment funnel from awareness through yield
• Strong analytical skills, with experience using Google Analytics 4, Looker Studio, or similar reporting platforms
• Ability to translate digital advertising data into actionable insights and strategic recommendations, with a focus on improving conversion performance
• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Slate, Salesforce) and marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Pardot)
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across departments and present data-driven recommendations
• Self-starter with strong project management skills and a passion for driving measurable results
• Possesses a high level of attention to detail and excels at identifying and addressing small but critical elements
• Ability to travel to company headquarters in Louisville, KY for team meetings approximately 3-4 times per year
• Occasional travel to partner campuses may be required, typically fewer than 4-5 trips annually

Benefits

• Pay: $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance
• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Responsibilities

• In this role, you’ll lead the planning and optimization of multi-channel digital advertising campaigns designed to generate inquiries, drive applications, and increase enrollments for a diverse portfolio of institutions
• You’ll manage campaigns across Google Ads, Meta, YouTube, LinkedIn, and other programmatic platforms, translating performance data into actionable strategy
• Lead the development and execution of paid media strategies to support undergraduate, graduate, online, and continuing education enrollment goals in conjunction with a lead account strategist
• Manage and optimize multi-channel campaigns across Google Ads, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), YouTube, LinkedIn, and programmatic platforms
• Collaborate with enrollment advisors, the creative design team, and clients to align messaging and ensure a seamless, strategic user experience from ad click to application
• Conduct ongoing performance analysis and campaign optimization, including A/B testing, audience refinement, and creative iteration
• Develop and monitor KPIs related to inquiry generation, cost per lead, application rates, and enrollment conversion, ensuring alignment with partner goals
• Partner with product and data services teams to ensure proper tracking, attribution, and lead flow into systems like Slate or Salesforce
• Develop best practices and processes for leveraging Google Analytics to inform advertising, content, and conversion strategies
• Research and implement new advertising tactics, technologies, and platforms relevant to reaching Gen Z and adult learners
• Prepare and present campaign performance reports and actionable insights to enrollment leadership and campus stakeholders
• Stay current on trends in digital media, higher education marketing, and prospective student behavior to inform advertising strategies
• Work cross-functionally with internal teams to set ad spend allocations by partner, monitor budget pacing, and manage adjustments to align with budget and spend targets