Director, SEO

DEPT®

Full-time

On-site

Los Angeles, California, United States

🔍 SEO & Content Marketing

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director, SEO

🔹 Company: DEPT®

🔹 Location: Los Angeles, California, United States or San Diego, California, United States

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (Remote within 50 miles of San Diego or Los Angeles)

🔹 Category: Marketing & Advertising

🔹 Date Posted: July 9, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote (within 50 miles of San Diego or Los Angeles)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

Strategic leadership of SEO for an enterprise-level client portfolio
Collaboration with cross-functional teams to elevate organic performance
Technical SEO oversight, including site performance, crawl management, and indexation strategies
Content and editorial strategy development
Innovation and thought leadership in emerging SEO realms
Team management and development

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, technical expertise, and strong leadership skills to drive SEO performance for a large, complex client portfolio.

📋 Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

Define and own the multi-brand SEO vision and roadmap in alignment with overarching business objectives
Work with the team to handle SEO planning and resource allocation for weekly sprints and quick turnaround requests
Collaborate with the client to understand their tracking methodology and develop internal KPIs, dashboards, and executive reports to measure organic performance and ROI

Technical SEO Oversight:

Audit, prioritize, and optimize large-scale site architectures, crawl budgets, and indexation strategies
Collaborate with engineering teams to implement site-wide enhancements (e.g., Core Web Vitals, structured data, hreflang, pagination)
Troubleshoot complex technical issues—JavaScript rendering, canonicalization conflicts, site migrations, CMS integrations

Content & Editorial Strategy:

Develop scalable content programs that support brand positioning, product launches, and seasonal campaigns
Partner with editorial and UX to refine content briefs, topic clustering, and information architecture
Leverage data-driven insights (keyword gaps, voice queries, search intent) to inform creative and distribution strategies

Innovation & Thought Leadership:

Champion adoption of emerging SEO and AI-driven search tools (AI-augmented writing, Google AI Mode, automated A/B testing)
Pilot new technology integrations (LLMs, chatbot content, automated schema generators) and shape best practices
Represent the agency and client at industry events; author whitepapers, speak on panels, and contribute to thought-leadership channels

Team Development & Collaboration:

Manage and mentor a high-performing team of SEO managers, analysts, and specialists
Foster a culture of continuous learning, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary knowledge-sharing
Collaborate with agency leadership to grow service offerings, pitch new business, and upskill internal teams

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and technical expertise to manage a high-performing team and drive SEO performance for a large, complex client portfolio.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 7+ years of hands-on SEO experience at a leading digital agency, with a track record of success at the enterprise level

Required Skills:

Proven leadership of complex, multi-brand SEO engagements, including full-funnel strategy and execution
Deep expertise in technical SEO (site performance, crawl/index management, CMS/architecture)
Proven mastery of content SEO (keyword research, topical authority, content governance, editorial workflows)
Thought leadership in emerging SEO realms: AI tools, AI-augmented search, Google AI Mode, conversational interfaces, etc.
Exceptional analytical skills: proficiency with GA4, Search Console, BigQuery, Data Studio/Tableau (or equivalent BI tools)
Strong communication and stakeholder management—ability to present strategic insights to C-suite and client teams

Preferred Skills:

Fluency in multiple languages (spoken and written)
Experience with enterprise-level SEO tools (e.g., BrightEdge, SEMrush, Ahrefs)
Knowledge of JavaScript, Python, or other programming languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in SEO, with a focus on strategic leadership, technical expertise, and content strategy. Experience in managing high-performing teams and driving SEO performance for large, complex client portfolios is essential.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $104,900 - $150,000 USD (based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling)

Benefits:

Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage
401k plan, plus matching
PTO
Paid Company Holidays
Parental Leave

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling. The benefits package is competitive and designed to support the well-being and work-life balance of employees.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Advertising Services

Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees

Founded: 2006

Company Description:

DEPT® is a pioneering technology and marketing services company that creates end-to-end digital experiences for brands such as Google, KFC, Philips, Audi, Twitch, Patagonia, eBay and more
Their team of 4,000+ digital specialists across 30+ locations on 5 continents delivers pioneering work on a global scale with a boutique culture
DEPT® is committed to making a positive impact on the planet and since 2021 has been Climate Neutral and B Corporation certified

Company Specialties:

Digital Craftmanship
Campaigns
Social
Data Driven Marketing
B2B Marketing
Digital Marketing
Creativity
Technology
Strategy
Digital
Brand
Advertising
Design
Data
Intelligence
Organisation
UX
Agency
Content
Digital Products
and AI

Company Website: www.deptagency.com

ASSUMPTION: DEPT® is a well-established, global agency with a strong focus on innovation, technology, and data-driven marketing. Their commitment to sustainability and positive impact sets them apart in the industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Executive

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the agency leadership and collaborates with cross-functional teams and clients

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Remote within 50 miles of San Diego or Los Angeles)

Growth Opportunities:

Potential to grow into a leadership role within the agency or take on additional client portfolios
Opportunities to expand expertise in emerging SEO technologies and AI-driven search
Chance to develop and mentor team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand their leadership, technical, and strategic skills.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (Remote within 50 miles of San Diego or Los Angeles)

Office Location(s): San Diego, California, United States or Los Angeles, California, United States

Geographic Context:

Los Angeles and San Diego are major metropolitan areas in California, offering a mix of urban and suburban living
The cost of living in both areas is relatively high compared to other regions in the United States
The climate in both cities is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers

Work Schedule: Flexible, with a focus on results and productivity

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility and a balance between remote work and on-site collaboration. The location in Los Angeles or San Diego offers access to a diverse range of cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

Online application and resume screening
Phone or video screen with the HR team
In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and cross-functional team members
Final interviews with agency leadership
Background check and offer

Key Assessment Areas:

SEO expertise and strategic thinking
Leadership and team management skills
Communication and stakeholder management
Problem-solving and analytical skills
Cultural fit and alignment with DEPT® values

Application Tips:

Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your SEO experience, leadership skills, and cultural fit
Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your SEO strategies, team management, and problem-solving skills
Research DEPT®'s clients, industry, and company culture to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role
Be ready to discuss your approach to emerging SEO technologies and AI-driven search

ATS Keywords: SEO Strategy, Technical SEO, Content Strategy, Data Analysis, Team Management, Stakeholder Management, AI Tools, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Performance Measurement, Site Optimization, Crawl Management, Content Governance, Emerging Technologies, Thought Leadership, Client Engagement, Innovation

ASSUMPTION: The interview process at DEPT® is comprehensive and designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their SEO strategies, leadership skills, and problem-solving abilities in detail.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

SEO tools: BrightEdge, SEMrush, Ahrefs, Google Search Console, GA4, BigQuery, Data Studio/Tableau
Content creation and management tools: WordPress, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Microsoft Office Suite
Project management tools: Asana, Jira, Trello
Communication and collaboration tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace
Emerging SEO technologies: AI-augmented writing, Google AI Mode, automated A/B testing, LLMs, chatbot content, automated schema generators

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be proficient in industry-standard SEO tools and have a willingness to learn and adapt to emerging technologies in the field.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

Pioneering: Always leaning forward, thinking of what can be created tomorrow that does not exist today
Collaborative: An open-door, best-idea-wins environment that fosters personal and company growth
Inclusive: Committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive
Purpose-driven: Focused on making a positive impact on the planet and society

Work Style:

Results-driven: Focused on delivering results and achieving objectives
Flexible: Adaptable to changing priorities and work arrangements
Innovative: Open to new ideas, tools, and approaches
Data-driven: Committed to using data to inform decision-making and strategy

Self-Assessment Questions:

How do you align with DEPT®'s value of being pioneering, and how have you demonstrated this in your previous roles?
How do you ensure that your work style is flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and work arrangements?
Can you provide an example of a time when you used data to inform a strategic decision or SEO strategy?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong alignment with DEPT®'s values and work style, with a focus on pioneering spirit, flexibility, and data-driven decision-making.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

Managing a large, complex client portfolio with multiple brands and stakeholders
Keeping up with emerging SEO technologies and AI-driven search trends
Balancing remote work and on-site collaboration in a hybrid work arrangement
Navigating a fast-paced, dynamic work environment with changing priorities and deadlines

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to face these challenges and have strategies in place to overcome them, with a focus on strong leadership, adaptability, and strategic thinking.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

This role differs from other SEO leadership positions in its focus on enterprise-level client portfolios and emerging SEO technologies
Compared to other agencies, DEPT® offers a unique blend of innovation, technology, and data-driven marketing, with a strong commitment to sustainability and positive impact
Career progression in this role may involve growing into a leadership role within the agency or taking on additional client portfolios, rather than moving into a more specialized or technical role

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should understand the unique aspects of this role and how it differs from other SEO leadership positions in the industry.

📝 Sample Projects

Developing and implementing a comprehensive SEO roadmap for a multi-brand enterprise-level client portfolio
Conducting a technical SEO audit and prioritizing site-wide enhancements for improved performance and indexation
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create and execute a content strategy that supports brand positioning, product launches, and seasonal campaigns
Piloting new technology integrations (e.g., LLMs, chatbot content, automated schema generators) and shaping best practices for emerging SEO tools

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to provide specific examples of their experience with these types of projects and their approach to driving SEO performance for large, complex client portfolios.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

Can you describe the SEO strategy for one of DEPT®'s enterprise-level clients, and how you would approach optimizing their performance?
How do you manage and mentor a high-performing team of SEO managers, analysts, and specialists, and foster a culture of continuous learning and growth?
Can you provide an example of a time when you had to balance the needs of multiple stakeholders, and how you ensured that the SEO strategy aligned with overall business objectives?
How do you stay up-to-date with emerging SEO technologies and AI-driven search trends, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your strategies?
Can you discuss your approach to working remotely and collaborating with on-site team members in a hybrid work arrangement?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to ask thoughtful questions that demonstrate their understanding of the role, the agency, and the industry, with a focus on SEO strategy, team management, and emerging technologies.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

Submit your application through the following link: https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/dept/jobs/7054744
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your SEO experience, leadership skills, and cultural fit
Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your SEO strategies, team management, and problem-solving skills
Research DEPT®'s clients, industry, and company culture to demonstrate your understanding and enthusiasm for the role
Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application, if you have not heard back

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.

Apply now

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