The Role at a Glance

We are seeking an Associate Director of SEO to bridge the gap between high-level strategy and innovative execution. In this dual-impact role, you will lead SEO strategy and implementation for a portfolio of key client accounts while serving as a subject matter expert (SME) for the future of AI search, including LLM discovery and GEO nuance.

This role will be responsible for designing and implementing SEO best practices and strategies across 2-3 client accounts and will have 2-4 direct reports.

Key Responsibilities

Client SEO Strategy & Leadership

• Strategic Oversight: Act as the organic search lead for high-value client teams, translating complex SEO data into actionable business growth.
• Full-Funnel SEO: Oversee technical audits, content strategy, and authority building, ensuring all tactics align with the client’s broader marketing ecosystem.
• Performance Storytelling: Lead client presentations, moving beyond "rankings" to communicate impact on revenue, brand share of voice, and market trends.

Thought Leadership: LLMs & GEO

• GEO Innovation: Develop and test methodologies for "Answer Engine" visibility, focusing on how brand citations and sentiment are surfaced in AI-driven results (e.g., Perplexity, SearchGPT, Gemini).
• LLM Integration: Identify opportunities to use LLMs to automate SEO workflows, from advanced intent mapping to programmatic content optimization.
• Center of Excellence (COE) Advisory: Partner directly with the AVP of Search to draft whitepapers, internal training modules, and build "future-proofing" playbooks for the agency as needed.
• Product Feedback: Influence product roadmaps for Kepler’s internal GEO tools used for LLM research and client presentations (e.g., Kip AIR).

Team & Process Management

• People management: Directly manage SEO Managers and Specialists, fostering a culture of curiosity and technical excellence.
• Cross-Channel Collaboration: Work alongside Paid Search and Content teams (both at Kepler or inter-agency) within designated client accounts to ensure a unified "Total Search" approach.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Experience: 7+ years in SEO, with a proven track record of managing enterprise-level accounts (agency experience preferred).
• Experience with local listing management or franchises/multiple location businesses a plus
• Technical Literacy: Deep understanding of crawlability, schema markup (and its role in AI training), and Core Web Vitals.
• Forward-Thinking: You are already experimenting with GEO tactics and understand the nuances of how LLMs retrieve and synthesize information.
• Analytical Rigor: Proficiency with industry standard tools plus experience using Python or SQL for data-driven SEO is a major plus.
• Communication: Ability to explain the shifts in SEO for LLMs to senior stakeholders who may not be technical.

Experience working in new business/pitch environments a plus, but not required

Why Join Us?

While many agencies are playing catch-up with AI, we are building the framework to lead it. You will have a seat at the table in defining our agency's technical roadmap while maintaining the hands-on client work that keeps your skills sharp.

Total Compensation:

• Base Salary: $117,000 - $130,000
• Target Annualized Discretionary Bonus: 5%

Benefits:

• Healthcare/Dental/Vision
• Unlimited PTO
• 401k Contributions
• $75/mo Wellness Stipend
• $100/mo Mobile Phone Stipend
• $50/mo Internet Stipend
• $500/yr Annual Learning Stipend
• $2,000/yr Annual Tuition Stipend
• One-time $200 New Hire Home Office Equipment Stipend
• Parental Leave - 16 week primary caregiver / 6 week secondary caregiver leave
• Annual Work From Anywhere 4 weeks per year
   

Kepler is a people first organization. If this role piques your interest but you may not check every box, we still encourage you to apply! Studies show that imposter syndrome can prevent women and people of color from applying unless they meet every single qualification. We welcome all who are interested to apply, you just might be a great candidate for this role or others. 

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