Director Search Engine Optimization

Stella Rising is the leading marketing and media agency for spirited, high-growth consumer brands and service companies. We combine deep category expertise with a data-driven approach and a passion for elevating the brands people love most. As we continue to grow, we’re expanding our world-class team — and we’re looking for an experienced, strategic, and inspiring Director of SEO to join us.

As Director of SEO, you will be responsible for client retention, team leadership, and driving growth across a modern, evolving search landscape. You will lead a high-performing team of 15–20 SEO professionals, including 3–5 Associate Directors, Managers, and individual contributors, and guide strategic execution across traditional SEO, AI-driven search, and social search discoverability for some of the world’s top brands.

You will oversee client strategy, organic growth, team development, resource allocation, and operational execution—while supporting new business development in partnership with the SVP of Search & Innovation. You’ll be hands-on in client communication, SEO strategy, tool management, performance analysis, and process improvement. You’ll also serve as a thought leader, helping position the agency at the forefront of AI, search, and content innovation.

Core Responsibilities:Client Strategy & Leadership

• Own SEO strategy and communication for enterprise clients, ensuring satisfaction, retention, and measurable impact.
• Translate business goals into integrated search roadmaps across traditional SEO, AI-driven search (e.g., AI Overviews, LLMs), and social platforms (e.g., TikTok, Reddit, YouTube).
• Present and defend SEO value to senior stakeholders and align strategy with broader paid, content, and influencer programs.

AI & Social Search Integration

• Develop and implement Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) strategies for platforms like Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.
• Build scalable frameworks for improving discoverability on social platforms (TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Reddit).
• Track and report on AI citations, brand visibility, and social rankings through unified cross-channel metrics.

People & Resource Management

• Manage 3–5 Associate Directors and a total team of 15–20, with full responsibility for mentorship, performance, and career development.
• Design and lead learning and development programs to elevate team capabilities in modern SEO.
• Oversee tool budgets, evaluate emerging platforms, and ensure efficient resource allocation and delivery profitability.

Execution & Innovation

• Lead execution across all SEO pillars: technical, on-page, off-page, and expanding deliverables into AI and social search spaces.
• Oversee complex initiatives such as site migrations, redesigns, and cross-functional tech collaborations.
• Analyze and report SEO performance using tools like GA4, GSC, Looker Studio, TokTrak, and LLM tracking platforms.
• Develop new deliverables, SOPs, and case studies to drive innovation and showcase modern search impact.
• Contribute to agency thought leadership through blogs, webinars, whitepapers, and active industry engagement.

Growth & Retention

• Lead renewal conversations, QBRs, and year-end recaps using performance insights and growth strategies.
• Identify and secure organic growth opportunities through integrated search and content initiatives.
• Maintain 90%+ client retention and grow account value through strong results and strategic leadership.

Process & Standards

• Ensure consistent delivery across all teams by enforcing SOPs and process standards.
• Partner with Associate Directors to identify execution gaps and escalate issues proactively.

Client Retention & Renewal Mechanics

• Manage renewal workflows, including SOW confirmations, end-of-year deliverables, and pulse checks.
• Support presentations and QBRs by ensuring high-quality, timely, and compelling deliverables.

Financial Accountability (with SVP Support)

• Monitor scope, profitability, and team resourcing to support margin goals.
• Track and forecast hours and pipeline documentation to inform planning and financial decisions.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Mastery of traditional SEO (technical, on-page, off-page), including E-E-A-T, JavaScript SEO, and international SEO.
• Deep expertise in AI search optimization, including generative visibility and citation tracking.
• Strong knowledge of social search discoverability across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Reddit.
• Proficiency with tools including Screaming Frog, GA4, GSC, Looker Studio, SEMrush, Ahrefs, and modern AI/social tracking platforms.
• Proven project management skills for large-scale, enterprise SEO programs and migrations.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, especially with non-SEO or executive audiences.
• Experience leading, mentoring, and retaining high-performing SEO teams.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate through deliverables, SOPs, and case studies that elevate the agency offering.

Stella Rising is a women-led company that prizes diversity, creativity, hard work and intelligence, while keeping warmth, balance and human understanding at the core of our values. Named Ad Age Best Workplace and Inc Best Workplace for multiple years running, the company fosters an energetic and collaborative work environment where employees come first. In addition to surprising and delighting our team, we offer an environment where employee learning and recognition is prioritized. We take care of our team through a highly competitive benefits package that includes health, vision, dental, life insurance, a 401k with company match, wellness and technology reimbursements, home office setup support, over 7 weeks of PTO, and Summer Fridays. If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, we would love to hear from you. Please send a resume and any work samples you are most proud of to kdillon@stellarising.com or fill out the form on this page.

Due the volume of candidates, we will only contact qualified candidates. EOE