VP, Performance Content (SEO)

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic vision and development of the Performance Content practice across Starcom clients.
• Maintain deep expertise in the evolving organic search and AI-powered answer engine landscape to guide innovation.
• Own and evolve frameworks, methodologies, and tools that support SEO, conversion optimization, and AI/Generative Engine Optimization (GEO).
• Serve as a senior subject matter expert supporting new business.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with SEO and AI search technology platforms.
• Identify new products and offerings that drive value and growth.
• Support internal education, enablement, and advocacy to drive understanding and adoption of modern search strategies.
• Oversee development and transition plans from legacy content platforms or models.
• Partner with senior agency and client leaders to deliver scalable, high-impact SEO and AI search solutions.
• Ensure the quality and performance of strategic deliverables, content optimization plans, and reporting frameworks.
• Guide agencies through SEO transformation efforts, including integration with AI search and emerging platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, etc.).
• Present performance content vision to C-level stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of performance content strategists and SEO specialists.
• Provide strategic coaching to elevate team capabilities in technical SEO, content optimization, AI Search, and analytics.
• Support hiring, career path planning, and ongoing performance management of team members.
• Encourage a collaborative, cross-functional culture across agencies for shared learning and knowledge transfer.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, communications, or related field.
• 10+ years in digital marketing with deep experience in SEO, AI search, and/or content-driven performance.
• At least 6+ years of executive or senior leadership experience, ideally within an agency or multi-brand environment.
• Demonstrated success leading large, cross-functional teams and developing enterprise-level performance content strategies.
• Proven track record of presenting to and influencing C-suite executives.
• Experience developing search solutions that integrate content, user experience, and technology.
• Strong command of tools like SEMrush, Screaming Frog, Google Search Console, Looker Studio, and enterprise analytics platforms.
• Familiarity with AI and Generative Search platforms, and a demonstrated passion for emerging search trends.
• Experience managing large scale content libraries is a strong plus.

Nice to Have

• Strategic thinker with the ability to connect search behavior to business outcomes.
• Excellent communicator with strong presentation and storytelling skills.
• Hands-on knowledge of technical SEO, content architecture, and AI search impact on site performance.
• Enthusiastic mentor and team builder, comfortable managing talent at all levels.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, communications, or related field.
• 10+ years in digital marketing with deep experience in SEO, AI search, and/or content-driven performance.
• At least 6+ years of executive or senior leadership experience, ideally within an agency or multi-brand environment.

Benefits & Perks

• Medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401K, and paid time off.
• Parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement.
• Flexible time off.