Lead Web & Organic Growth Strategist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Lead Web & Organic Growth Strategist

🔹 Company: Upstart

🔹 Location: United States (Remote)

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Marketing & Growth

🔹 Date Posted: May 29, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 8+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote (US)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing Upstart’s web content strategy focused on SEO and user engagement
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize content for discoverability and conversion
• Analyzing data and user behavior insights to inform strategy and drive growth
• Staying ahead of AI-driven changes in organic search and advising Upstart on new content opportunities
• Identifying and proposing new ways to drive growth across channels

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of data-driven and creative thinking, with a strong focus on SEO and content strategy. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in driving organic growth for high-performing brand websites.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Own and execute Upstart’s web content strategy, focusing on SEO and user engagement

✅ Collaborate with the Lead Web Designer to ensure SEO-informed page architecture, content structure, and conversion-driven optimizations

✅ Lead blog and editorial strategy, working with freelance writers and internal stakeholders to create high-impact, educational, and mid-funnel content

✅ Analyze and improve organic performance using SEO tools, user behavior insights, and A/B testing

✅ Stay ahead of AI-driven changes in organic search and consider alternative search ecosystems and channels

✅ Identify growth opportunities and propose new ways to drive growth across channels

✅ Collaborate and advocate cross-functionally to ensure content aligns with broader company goals and roadmaps are right-sized to capacities

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication and collaboration skills, as well as the ability to work autonomously and proactively identify opportunities.

🎯 Required Qualifications

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

Experience: 8+ years of experience in SEO, content strategy, web growth, and/or content-driven growth

Required Skills:

• Proven experience owning and executing SEO and content strategies for a high-performing brand website
• Experience optimizing blog ecosystems, educational content, and conversion-oriented pages
• Ability to analyze data and user behavior insights to inform strategy
• Proficiency in SEO tools (Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, etc.)
• Comfortable working in a fast-moving, ambiguous environment, proactively identifying opportunities and solutions

Preferred Skills:

• Strong grasp of AI-driven changes in search, including LLMs, AI-generated content indexing, and alternative discovery methods
• Background in A/B testing, content optimization, and user journey mapping
• Experience with YouTube, TikTok, and other organic content discovery channels
• Familiarity with headless CMS platforms, Webflow, and technical SEO best practices
• Passion for building and scaling organic growth strategies in innovative ways

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, it's assumed that the candidate should have a strong understanding of the financial services industry and a passion for Upstart's mission.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,800 - $181,100 USD (anticipated base salary range for remote employees)

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k plan
• Target bonuses and equity compensation

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's location and relevant education or training.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Upstart operates in the financial services industry, specifically in AI-driven lending and credit products. The company partners with banks and credit unions to expand access to affordable credit, using AI models and cloud applications to deliver superior credit products.

Company Size: Upstart has 1,001-5,000 employees, making it a mid-sized company with a significant presence in the market.

Founded: Upstart was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in San Mateo, California, with additional offices in Columbus, Ohio, and Austin, Texas.

Company Description:

• Upstart is a leading AI lending marketplace, connecting millions of consumers to over 100 banks and credit unions
• The company uses AI models and cloud applications to deliver superior credit products, with a focus on expanding access to affordable credit
• Upstart is committed to embracing diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices and ensuring that underrepresented classes receive better access to affordable credit

Company Specialties:

• Personal Loans
• FinTech
• Marketplace Lending
• Finance
• Tech
• SaaS
• Data Science
• Consumer Credit
• Auto Lending
• Lending
• Consumer Lending
• Credit
• Machine Learning
• Auto
• Auto Software
• Artificial Intelligence

Company Website: https://www.upstart.com/

ASSUMPTION: Upstart's mission and values are closely tied to its commitment to using AI to expand access to affordable credit and improve the lending experience for consumers.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring a high degree of expertise and experience in SEO and content strategy.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Web & Organic Growth Strategist will report directly to the Head of Brand & Creative and work closely with the Lead Web Designer and other cross-functional teams.

Work Arrangement: This role is remote-friendly, with regular on-site collaboration sessions. Upstart will cover all travel-related expenses for these sessions.

Growth Opportunities:

• As Upstart continues to grow and expand its offerings, there may be opportunities for the Lead Web & Organic Growth Strategist to take on additional responsibilities or move into a management role
• The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to shape Upstart's web content strategy and make a significant impact on the company's growth and success

ASSUMPTION: Upstart's fast-paced and innovative environment offers ample opportunities for professional growth and development.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Upstart has offices in San Mateo, California; Columbus, Ohio; and Austin, Texas, but this role is available remotely.

Office Location(s): San Mateo, California; Columbus, Ohio; Austin, Texas

Geographic Context:

• Upstart's headquarters in San Mateo is located in the heart of Silicon Valley, with a vibrant tech industry and a diverse population
• Columbus, Ohio, and Austin, Texas, are both growing tech hubs with a strong presence of financial services and fintech companies
• Upstart's remote-friendly policy allows employees to work from anywhere in the United States, with a focus on East/West Coast time zones

Work Schedule: This role follows a standard full-time work schedule, with regular on-site collaboration sessions as needed.

ASSUMPTION: Upstart's remote-friendly policy allows for a high degree of flexibility and work-life balance, while also fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume screening
• Phone or video call with a member of the HR team
• Technical assessment or case study
• Final round interview with the hiring manager and/or other team members

Key Assessment Areas:

• SEO and content strategy expertise
• Data analysis and problem-solving skills
• Collaboration and communication skills
• Cultural fit and alignment with Upstart's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant SEO and content strategy experience, as well as any experience working with AI-driven search changes
• Be prepared to discuss your approach to analyzing data and user behavior insights, as well as your strategies for optimizing content for discoverability and conversion
• Demonstrate your ability to work autonomously and proactively identify opportunities for growth and innovation

ATS Keywords: SEO, content strategy, organic growth, AI search, user behavior insights, A/B testing, data analysis, collaboration, cross-functional teams, Upstart

ASSUMPTION: Upstart's hiring process is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best possible match for the role and the company's mission.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• SEO tools (Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, etc.)
• Data analysis tools (Google Analytics, Excel, etc.)
• Content management systems (WordPress, Webflow, etc.)
• Project management tools (Asana, Trello, etc.)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with a wide range of SEO tools and content management systems, as well as a strong understanding of data analysis and project management principles.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation: Upstart is committed to using AI to drive innovation in the lending industry and expand access to affordable credit
• Inclusion: Upstart is dedicated to ensuring that underrepresented classes receive better access to affordable credit and fostering an inclusive work environment
• Collaboration: Upstart values collaboration and teamwork, both internally and with its partners in the lending industry

Work Style:

• Upstart's work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong focus on innovation and continuous improvement
• The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in a fast-moving, ambiguous environment and proactively identifying opportunities for growth and improvement
• Upstart's remote-friendly policy allows for a high degree of flexibility and work-life balance, while also fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you share Upstart's commitment to using AI to expand access to affordable credit and improve the lending experience for consumers?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and proactively identifying opportunities for growth and improvement?
• Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-based work environment, both in-person and remotely?

ASSUMPTION: Upstart's culture is driven by its mission to use AI to expand access to affordable credit and improve the lending experience for consumers. The ideal candidate will share this commitment and be able to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The role requires a high degree of expertise and experience in SEO and content strategy, which may limit the pool of qualified candidates
• Upstart's fast-paced and innovative environment may present challenges for candidates who prefer a more stable and predictable work environment
• The role may require occasional travel to attend on-site collaboration sessions, which may present challenges for candidates who prefer to work remotely full-time
• The role may require working with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internally and externally, which may present challenges for candidates who prefer to work independently or in a more siloed environment

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be able to thrive in Upstart's fast-paced and collaborative work environment and be comfortable working with a diverse range of stakeholders.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to similar roles in the industry, this role places a greater emphasis on AI-driven search changes and the need to stay ahead of emerging trends in organic search
• Upstart's commitment to using AI to expand access to affordable credit sets it apart from many other companies in the financial services industry
• This role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development, as well as the chance to make a significant impact on the company's success

ASSUMPTION: Upstart's unique mission and commitment to innovation make it an attractive destination for candidates seeking to make a meaningful impact in the financial services industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive SEO and content strategy for Upstart's website, focusing on improving organic discoverability, user engagement, and conversion
• Collaborating with the Lead Web Designer to optimize Upstart's website for AI-driven search changes and emerging trends in organic search
• Analyzing user behavior data to inform content roadmaps and identify opportunities for growth and improvement

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience working on similar projects and be able to demonstrate their ability to drive meaningful results in a fast-paced and collaborative work environment.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe how Upstart is staying ahead of AI-driven changes in organic search and considering alternative search ecosystems and channels?
• How does Upstart collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure content aligns with broader company goals and roadmaps are right-sized to capacities?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development in this role, and how does Upstart support its employees in achieving their career goals?
• How does Upstart foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment, both in-person and remotely?
• What are the biggest challenges facing Upstart in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be proactive in asking insightful questions and demonstrating their ability to think critically and strategically about Upstart's business and growth opportunities.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through Upstart's careers page
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant SEO and content strategy experience, as well as any experience working with AI-driven search changes
• Prepare for your interview by researching Upstart's mission, values, and commitment to using AI to expand access to affordable credit
• If you are selected for an on-site collaboration session, Upstart will cover all travel-related expenses
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the role

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