Paid Media Strategist

Title: Paid Media Strategist
Location: Pittsburgh United States

Job Description:

Pitt EDGE, the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Excellence in Digital Education, is dedicated to advancing the University’s strategic vision for online, hybrid, and continuing education. Established within the Office of the Provost, Pitt EDGE supports the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of digital learning programs across Pitt’s 16 schools, providing centralized services such as market analysis, academic planning, recruitment, instructional design, technology integration, and quality assurance. The center collaborates closely with academic units to expand access to high-quality education for diverse learner populations and to ensure cohesive, effective online and hybrid learning experiences.  The EDGE Enrollment Management team is a dynamic, data-driven unit dedicated to growing Pitt's portfolio of workforce-aligned online, master's and professional programs. We integrate creative storytelling, digital strategy and enrollment best practices to connect prospective students with transformative educational opportunities that advance their careers. 

Drives the University brand through digital and marketing channels, communication tools, and integrated marketing campaigns. Grows University brand reputation through innovative solutions. Works with licensing to enforce brand guidelines and with vendors to ensure adherence.

Essential Functions 

The Paid Media Strategist will drive Pitt EDGE's enrollment pipeline through strategic campaign planning, optimization, and budget management across digital advertising platforms. This role is essential for maximizing reach and return on ad spend to generate qualified leads and support the sustainable growth of our workforce-aligned online and graduate programs. 

50% consulting/strategy: 

• Develop paid media strategies across Google Ads, Meta, LinkedIn, programmatic display 

50% execution: 

• Place media buys, manage campaigns, and conduct ongoing optimizations. 
• Monitor campaign performance and adjust bids, targeting, and creative. 
• Manage paid media budget allocation across channels. Conduct A/B testing on ad creative and landing pages 
• Report on ROAS (Return on Ad Spend) and cost per acquisition 
• Stay current on platform updates and advertising best practices 
• Collaborate with creative team on ad development

Physical Effort 

Position is sedentary: must be able to sit or stand for prolonged periods of tim

The University of Pittsburgh is an equal opportunity employer / disability / veteran.

Assignment Category Full-time regular

Job Classification Staff.Brand Manager

Job Family Communications & Marketing

Job Sub-Family Public Relations

Campus Pittsburgh

Minimum Education Level Required Bachelor's Degree

Minimum Years of Experience Required 5

Will this position accept substitution in lieu of education or experience? Combination of education and relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and/ or experience requirement.

Work Schedule Monday- Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Work Arrangement Remote: Teams working from different locations (off-campus).

Hiring Range TBD Based Upon Qualifications

Relocation Offered No