Director, SEO

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of cutting-edge organic search strategies across traditional SEO, generative AI search, and social platforms (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit, etc.).
• Serve as a trusted client advisor and primary contact, delivering strategic counsel and performance-driving insights.
• Stay ahead of evolving search trends—particularly within generative AI and conversational search interfaces (e.g., Google SGE, ChatGPT Browsing).
• Leverage social search intent and trends to develop strategies that drive brand relevance across non-traditional platforms.
• Use tools such as GA4, Adobe Analytics, SEMrush, Ahrefs, and social analytics platforms to derive insights, optimize performance, and demonstrate ROI.
• Translate complex data into compelling narratives for executive-level reporting.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire cross-functional teams; foster a culture of experimentation, collaboration, and search excellence.
• Build team capabilities through training, coaching, and scalable processes.
• Represent Ketchum in client presentations, industry events, and thought leadership content.
• Champion SEO innovation within the agency and externally.
• Oversee keyword research, competitive analysis, and on-page/off-page SEO, as well as social search optimization, to drive discoverability and engagement.
• Conduct in-depth search landscape analyses to identify opportunities, benchmark against competitors, and inform strategic direction across organic, generative, and social search platforms.
• Support integrated search strategies by understanding SEM best practices and paid/organic synergies.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in SEO, organic and/or generative search, with proven results in optimizing across multiple search environments—including social platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic planning, diagnose performance gaps, and translate client goals into integrated search programs.
• Strong familiarity with SEM and understanding of paid/organic synergy.
• Expertise in analytics and SEO tools, including GA4, Adobe Analytics, SEMrush (or similar), and strong skills in Excel and PowerPoint.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and presenting to senior executives and clients.
• Outstanding communication skills and ability to inspire trust.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize, and deliver results in a dynamic agency environment.
• BS/BA degree preferred.

Nice to Have

• Experience with social search optimization and emerging search trends such as generative AI and conversational interfaces.
• Experience in a consulting or agency environment.

Qualifications

• BS/BA degree (preferred).

Benefits & Perks

• Hybrid workplace with three days a week in the office.
• Robust benefits program, effective within 30 days of hire.
• Paid maternity/paternity leave.
• Family forming benefits.
• Employee recognition program.
• Generous paid time off including vacation, wellness, and extended holiday schedule.
• Various development opportunities to enhance personal and professional life.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Monthly cell phone & Wi-Fi reimbursement.