📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director, Technical SEO
🔹 Company: GoFundMe
🔹 Location: San Francisco, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid (3 days on-site)
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: April 17, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (3 days per week)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading global organic search strategy with a focus on technical SEO
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to embed SEO into the platform's architecture and roadmap
- Mentoring and guiding teams on SEO best practices
- Driving SEO growth in a fast-moving, high-volume, user-generated content (UGC) environment
- Staying ahead of algorithm changes and emerging trends in search engines
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of technical expertise and experience in SEO to drive growth and maintain a strong online presence for GoFundMe.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Own and scale GoFundMe’s global SEO strategy with a focus on technical SEO across mobile and desktop experiences
✅ Collaborate closely with product, engineering, and data science teams to ensure SEO is embedded into the platform’s architecture, roadmap, and testing framework
✅ Lead technical audits, identify opportunities, and champion fixes across crawling, indexing, rendering, site speed, internal linking, structured data, and more
✅ Define SEO KPIs and measurement frameworks, working with the analytics team to report on performance and inform roadmap decisions
✅ Stay ahead of algorithm changes and emerging trends, and ensure we remain competitive across a dynamic search landscape
✅ Support new product and feature launches from an SEO lens - including internationalization, UGC surfacing, and landing page optimization
✅ Mentor and guide cross-functional teams on SEO best practices, fostering a strong SEO culture across the company
✅ Experience with emerging search engines: LLMs, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and other video platforms
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a deep understanding of search engine behavior, ranking factors, site architecture, and schema/structured data to effectively lead SEO strategies and drive growth.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
Experience: 10+ years of SEO experience, with a strong emphasis on technical SEO at scale. Proven track record driving SEO growth in fast-moving, high-volume, UGC-heavy environments (marketplaces, content platforms, or similar). Experience with both B2C and B2B SaaS is an advantage.
Required Skills:
- Expertise in technical SEO, including crawling, indexing, rendering, site speed, internal linking, and structured data
- Strong understanding of analytics platforms (Google Analytics, GSC, Looker, Amplitude)
- Proficiency in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as they relate to SEO
- Strong understanding and experience with AI search, also known as AEO
- Strong experience working on international SEO/localization/hreflang
- Data-driven mindset - knows how to use data to tell stories, make decisions, and measure impact
- Excellent communication skills, able to influence across departments and leadership levels
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with large scale taxonomy based directories, e-commerce/merchandising, and ASO
- Familiarity with emerging search engines and platforms
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a proven track record in driving SEO growth and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to succeed in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $188,500 - $282,000 per year (based on role, level, and possible location across the US)
Benefits:
- Competitive pay
- Comprehensive healthcare benefits
- Financial assistance for hybrid work, family planning, and more
- Generous parental leave and flexible time-off policies
- Mental health and wellness resources
- Learning and development programs
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion training
- Volunteering and Gives Back programs
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days on-site in the San Francisco Bay Area)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the role, experience level, and location. Actual salary may vary based on individual factors and the specific location of the candidate.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: GoFundMe operates in the fundraising industry, with a focus on online and social fundraising. The company has raised over $15 billion for various causes since its inception in 2010.
Company Size: GoFundMe has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment where applicants can make a significant impact.
Founded: GoFundMe was founded in 2010 and has since grown to become a leading platform for online fundraising.
Company Description:
- GoFundMe is a social fundraising platform that enables individuals, groups, and organizations to raise money for various causes
- The company aims to make it easy for users to capture and share their stories to inspire the world and turn compassion into action
- GoFundMe has raised over $15 billion for causes important to its users and has a community of more than 200 million donors
Company Specialties:
- Crowdfunding
- Fundraising
- Online fundraising
- Charity
- Social fundraising
Company Website: GoFundMe
ASSUMPTION: GoFundMe's mission and values focus on helping people help each other, making it an attractive place for candidates who want to make a positive impact.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring a high level of expertise and experience in SEO.
Reporting Structure: The Director, Technical SEO will report directly to the VP of Marketing and work closely with cross-functional teams, including product, engineering, and data science.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, requiring candidates to be on-site in the San Francisco Bay Area for 3 days per week.
Growth Opportunities:
- As a senior-level role, there may be opportunities for career progression within the marketing department or the company as a whole
- GoFundMe's rapid growth and expansion present numerous opportunities for professional development and growth
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to take on a high level of responsibility and demonstrate strong leadership skills to succeed in this role and capitalize on growth opportunities.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: GoFundMe's headquarters are located in Redwood City, California, with additional offices in San Diego and Los Angeles. This role requires candidates to be on-site in the San Francisco Bay Area for 3 days per week.
Office Location(s): Redwood City, San Diego, and Los Angeles, California
Geographic Context:
- The San Francisco Bay Area is a major tech hub with a diverse and dynamic job market
- The region offers a high cost of living but also provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development
- The Bay Area is known for its vibrant culture, diverse communities, and numerous outdoor activities
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with a hybrid work arrangement (3 days on-site in the San Francisco Bay Area)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working in a hybrid environment and be willing to commute to the San Francisco Bay Area for 3 days per week.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video screening with the HR team
- Technical SEO assessment or case study
- On-site or video interview with the hiring manager and cross-functional team members
- Final interview with the VP of Marketing
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical SEO expertise and problem-solving skills
- Collaboration and communication skills
- Data-driven mindset and analytical skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with GoFundMe's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant SEO experience and skills
- Demonstrate your understanding of GoFundMe's mission and values in your application materials
- Prepare for technical SEO questions and be ready to discuss your approach to SEO strategy and implementation
- Research GoFundMe's recent projects and initiatives to show your enthusiasm for the role and the company
ATS Keywords: Technical SEO, SEO strategy, SEO implementation, SEO audits, crawling, indexing, rendering, site speed, internal linking, structured data, AI search, international SEO, hreflang, SEO KPIs, SEO measurement, SEO roadmap, SEO collaboration, SEO mentoring, SEO best practices, SEO culture
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should focus on demonstrating their technical SEO expertise and experience in their application materials and interview responses.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SEO tools: SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz, Screaming Frog, DeepCrawl, etc.
- Analytics platforms: Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Looker, Amplitude
- Programming languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
- Project management tools: Asana, JIRA, Trello, etc.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be proficient in using SEO tools, analytics platforms, and programming languages relevant to SEO to succeed in this role.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Impatient to be great: GoFundMe encourages its employees to be proactive, innovative, and always striving for excellence
- Find a way: The company values resourcefulness, creativity, and a can-do attitude in the face of challenges
- Earn trust every day: GoFundMe emphasizes integrity, transparency, and building strong, lasting relationships with its users and employees
- Fueled by purpose: The company is driven by its mission to help people help each other and make a positive impact on the world
Work Style:
- Collaborative: GoFundMe values teamwork and cross-functional collaboration to drive success
- Data-driven: The company relies on data and analytics to inform decision-making and strategy
- Fast-paced: GoFundMe operates in a dynamic and rapidly changing environment, requiring employees to be adaptable and responsive
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with GoFundMe's value of being impatient to be great, and how have you demonstrated this in your previous roles?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you had to find a way to overcome a significant challenge in a SEO project?
- How do you ensure that you earn trust every day in your professional relationships, and how have you applied this principle in your previous roles?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their alignment with GoFundMe's values and work style to ensure a strong cultural fit with the company.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role requires a high level of technical expertise and experience in SEO, which may present a steep learning curve for less experienced candidates
- GoFundMe's rapid growth and expansion may result in a fast-paced and sometimes overwhelming work environment
- The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges for candidates who prefer a fully remote or fully on-site work environment
- The high cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area may be a barrier for some candidates
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should carefully consider the potential challenges and ensure they are prepared to succeed in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on technical SEO at scale for a high-traffic, user-generated content (UGC) platform
- While there may be similar roles in other industries, such as e-commerce or content platforms, the specific challenges and opportunities presented by a fundraising platform like GoFundMe are unique
- Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in marketing leadership, SEO consulting, or other related fields
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles in the industry to better understand the unique aspects of this position and how it may differ from other SEO roles.
📝 Sample Projects
- Conducting a comprehensive technical SEO audit of GoFundMe's platform to identify and address critical issues affecting organic search performance
- Developing and implementing a strategic plan to improve site speed and mobile-friendliness, leading to increased organic traffic and user engagement
- Collaborating with the product and engineering teams to optimize the platform's architecture and roadmap for SEO, resulting in improved search visibility and rankings
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to provide specific examples of their experience and achievements in technical SEO projects to demonstrate their qualifications for this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the SEO roadmap for the next quarter, and how this role will contribute to its success?
- How does the SEO team collaborate with other departments, such as product and engineering, to ensure SEO is embedded into the platform's architecture and roadmap?
- What are the most significant SEO challenges facing GoFundMe, and how can this role help address them?
- How does GoFundMe support the professional growth and development of its SEO team members?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of the SEO strategy, and how are they tracked and reported?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should prepare thoughtful and insightful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and the company.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant SEO experience and skills, as well as your alignment with GoFundMe's mission and values
- Prepare for technical SEO questions and be ready to discuss your approach to SEO strategy and implementation
- Research GoFundMe's recent projects and initiatives to show your enthusiasm for the role and the company
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
