SEM & Programmatic Vendor Intern

*Open to local candidates who will work out of our West Des Moines, IA office, as well as remote candidates*

About SA - Our People

Think of the world's most talented creative thinkers. Problem-solvers. Strategists. At Strategic America, we don't bring on anything less. The way we see it, if you're going to make the best work of your life, you may as well do it with people you like.

At SA, we've always been passionate about our employees. Since 2021, we're also employee owned with participation in an Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP). Employee ownership ensures SA remains independent and allows our talented team members to share in the company's success. With each year of employment, SAers build equity in the company, becoming fully vested after six years.

Our employee-led, leadership-supported ERGs celebrate the diversity of our team, foster inclusivity and belonging, and create a space to connect to each other. Through connections and understanding, we build a stronger and more dynamic team and help every person reach their personal peak.

About SA - The Company

When you join SA, you join a strategic team (yes, it's in our name!) who is also wired for action. Authenticity is our focus, and every day we help our clients propel their potential. If you're ready for a fast-paced environment that challenges you, supports you, and rewards you, then look no further. Our clients rely on us and we rely on each other to go the extra mile, to hold ourselves accountable because we're better together and we know we can always find the better way.

We strive to create meaning in work and provide more than just a job; a place to belong and grow. As we leap toward our goals that will shape our future, our employee experience is unique. Flexibility, connection, inclusiveness, and collaboration support our well-being and help us be our best. Because when you feel like you belong, work is no longer work - it's personal. We believe better employees lead to better results.

Join us as we transform your career!

Strategic America recognized as Best-in-Class Employer by Gallagher

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented and analytical SEM & Programmatic Vendor Intern to support our Paid Media team in executing and optimizing digital advertising campaigns across search and programmatic platforms.

This role is ideal for someone interested in performance marketing, data analysis, and emerging ad technologies (AI, automation, audience targeting). You'll gain hands-on experience working with enterprise-level campaigns and industry tools while learning how paid media drives measurable business outcomes.

As an SEM & Programmatic Vendor Intern, you will be a part of...

Campaign Support

Assist in building and QA'ing campaigns across:

Google Ads (Search, Performance Max, YouTube)

Programmatic platforms (DSPs such as Viant or similar)

Support keyword research, audience targeting, and campaign structuring

Help implement tracking (UTMs, conversions, pixels)Data & Reporting

Pull and organize performance data from platforms like:

Google Ads

GA4

Programmatic DSP dashboards

Assist in weekly and monthly reporting

Identify trends in:

Cost-per-lead (CPL)

Click-through rate (CTR)

Conversion rate (CVR)Optimization & Insights

Support optimizations such as:

Bid adjustments

Budget reallocations

Creative and audience testing

Assist in analyzing cross-channel performance (Search + Programmatic + Paid Social)Vendor & Platform Coordination

Work with internal teams and external vendors to:

Gather campaign assets

Ensure tracking accuracy

Monitor pacing and delivery

Learn how agencies collaborate with media vendors and technology partnersEmerging Tech & AI Exposure

Assist in testing AI-driven features:

Broad match + automation strategies

Performance Max insights

Audience expansion tools

Support internal initiatives around automation and platform integrations

What You'll Learn...

How full-funnel media works (Awareness Consideration Conversion)

Real-world campaign pacing and budget management

How SEM and Programmatic work together to drive leads

Exposure to tools like:

Fluency (campaign management)

CallRail (call tracking)

GA4 / GTM (analytics + tracking)

Minimum Qualifications

Currently pursuing a degree in Marketing, Advertising, Business, Analytics, or related field

Strong interest in digital marketing and data analysis

Comfortable working in Excel / Google Sheets (basic formulas preferred)

Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills

Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environmentNice to Have (Not Required)

Familiarity with Google Ads

Basic understanding of:

PPC (pay-per-click)

Programmatic advertising

Experience with data visualization or reporting tools

A Successful Candidate is...

Curious and proactive learner

Analytical mindset (loves digging into "why")

Comfortable with both data and creative thinking

Strong communicator and team collaborator

This Role is Valuable Because...

Hands-on experience with real client budgets and campaigns

Exposure to enterprise-level marketing strategy

Opportunity to learn cutting-edge AI + automation in media

Direct mentorship from experienced strategists

We realize applying for jobs can feel daunting at times. Even if you don't check all the boxes in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.

Our Commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity

We are proud to be one of only 25 agencies nationwide, and the first in the Midwest, to earn the 4A's Workplace Enlightenment Certification®, and we couldn't have done it without our associates, who participated in digital learning sessions on race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, age, disabilities, and faith. At SA, we are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment where people of every background can thrive and feel welcome.

Don't meet every single requirement for this role? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Because we are fully committed to our culture of diversity and inclusion, one that reflects the clients we serve and communities we work in, if you're excited about this role but your qualifications don't align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

The internship is paid at a rate of $17/hour and will run through summer 2026.