Paid media specialist

We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture

Ascend Learning, a leading healthcare and learning technology company, is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data-driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning. From testing to certification, Ascend Learning products are used by physicians, emergency medical professionals, nurses, allied health professionals, certified personal trainers, financial advisors, skilled trades professionals and insurance brokers.

Headquartered in Burlington, MA, with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America’s 2025 Greatest Workplaces as well as America’s Best Places to work for Mental Well-Being for 2025.

We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a Paid Media Specialist, reporting to the Sr. Manager Paid Media, you will execute and optimize digital advertising campaigns across multiple brands and channels, helping drive efficient customer acquisition and business growth. Working closely with the Paid Media Managers, you will support campaign setup, trafficking, quality assurance, budget pacing, and ongoing performance optimization across search, shopping, social, and other digital platforms. You will assist with affiliate and influencer marketing initiatives, build and manage target audiences, ensure accurate tracking and measurement, and contribute to performance reporting and analysis. By monitoring campaign results and identifying opportunities for improvement, you will help maximize key metrics such as ROAS, CPA, and conversion rates while maintaining best practices, operational excellence, and a strong focus on continuous learning and optimization.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

This position will work a hybrid schedule from our Burlington, MA or Leawood, KS office location. Remote candidates will be considered within the United States.

HOW YOU’LL SPEND YOUR TIME

• Reports to the Sr. Manager Paid Media while receiving day-to-day direction and prioritization from the Paid Media Managers
• Executes paid media campaigns across all assigned brands and channels
• Supports campaign setup, trafficking, optimization, pacing, and quality assurance
• Supports execution of affiliate and influencer programs
• Maintains paid media processes, documentation, and operational best practices
• Supports audience creation, tracking implementation, and reporting needs
• Provides flexible strategic support and recommendations as needed

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 3+ years of experience executing and optimizing paid media campaigns across search, shopping, social, and other digital channels
• Experience with campaign setup, trafficking, QA, budget pacing, and performance optimization
• Proficiency with Google Ads, Meta Ads Manager, LinkedIn Campaign Manager, and related advertising platforms
• Strong understanding of audience targeting, tracking, reporting, and performance measurement
• Ability to analyze data and make recommendations to improve ROAS, CPA, conversion rate, and overall campaign performance
• Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and driven by continuous learning and improvement

HIRING RANGE

The current full-time, annualized base pay hiring range for this role is $62,700.00-$89,650.00. In accordance with applicable state laws, we are providing the expected pay range for this position. Individual compensation will be determined by various factors, including relevant experience, qualifications, current business needs and local market factors. Most regular, full-time employees are eligible to participate in an Ascend incentive bonus or sales plan.

BENEFITS

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Company paid life Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and parental leave
• Employee assistance program
• Other wellness programs such as Headspace and Airvet
• Charitable matching program

Fostering A Sense of Belonging

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers. We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued, and be authentic. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S.-based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States, and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.