Senior SEO Manager
Envisionit
Full-time
On-site
Chicago, Illinois, United States
🔍 SEO & Content Marketing
📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior SEO Manager
🔹 Company: Envisionit
🔹 Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Advertising Services
🔹 Date Posted: June 20, 2025
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing comprehensive SEO strategies that drive organic growth and align with client business goals.
- Managing technical SEO initiatives, including website audits, technical site enhancements, and CMS updates.
- Optimizing content and user experience to improve search visibility and engagement.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure SEO strategies are integrated into overall marketing efforts.
- Staying current on industry trends and algorithm updates to proactively adapt SEO strategies.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of technical SEO expertise and the ability to manage multiple SEO programs simultaneously. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of driving organic growth and a deep understanding of AI-driven search changes.
📋 Key Responsibilities
🔹 SEO Strategy Development
- Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive SEO strategies that align with business goals.
- Identify opportunities for organic growth, including on-page and off-page optimization, content strategies, and technical SEO improvements.
- Stay attuned to shifts in the SEO landscape, including algorithm updates, AI-driven search changes, and evolving user behavior, proactively adapting strategies to ensure continued performance and relevance.
🔹 Technical SEO Management
- Conduct comprehensive technical audits to uncover and resolve issues related to crawling, indexing, site speed, mobile usability, and overall site health.
- Lead the implementation of technical SEO best practices directly within CMS platforms, with executional support from an SEO Coordinator.
- Collaborate with development teams when needed to address more complex technical issues, ensuring all technical SEO updates are accurately implemented and aligned with strategic goals.
🔹 Website Migrations and Redesigns
- Lead SEO efforts during website migrations, redesigns, or launches, ensuring that organic performance is maintained or improved.
- Work closely with developers and designers to ensure SEO considerations are integrated into site architecture and design.
🔹 Content Optimization
- Optimize existing content and develop strategies for new content that aligns with SEO goals and fills existing competitive and keywords gaps.
- Ensure content is keyword-targeted, user-friendly, aligned with search intent, and meets the needs of Google’s algorithm.
- Leverage AI content optimization best practices to enhance visibility in AI-generated search results and answer engines.
🔹 Data Analysis and Reporting
- Monitor, analyze, and report on SEO performance using tools like Google Analytics, Search Console, Looker Studio, and third-party platforms including Ahrefs and SEMrush.
- Track and evaluate content and brand visibility and performance within AI-driven platforms and search features, identifying opportunities to improve prominence in AI-generated results.
- Develop and present monthly performance reports to client stakeholders, highlighting key metrics, AI visibility insights, and actionable recommendations to guide strategy and demonstrate impact.
🔹 User Experience Optimization
- Analyze and improve website user experience by implementing SEO best practices that enhance site usability, navigation, and accessibility.
- Lead UX-related activities during new website builds, including sitemap development, page hierarchy planning, and user flow strategy to ensure strong SEO foundations from the start.
- Conduct ongoing UX audits using user behavior data, heatmapping, and session recording tools to identify friction points and recommend data-informed enhancements that improve engagement and conversion.
- Collaborate with design and development teams to ensure UX recommendations are strategically prioritized, implemented, and continuously refined based on performance insights.
🔹 Client and Stakeholder Communication
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients or internal stakeholders on all SEO-related matters.
- Clearly explain SEO concepts, strategies, and performance metrics, ensuring transparency and alignment with client expectations.
🔹 SEO Program Management
- Lead and execute SEO strategies across multiple client accounts, taking ownership of deliverables while overseeing the executional support provided by an SEO Coordinator.
- Ensure SEO initiatives are implemented effectively, on time, and within budget, maintaining a high standard of quality and strategic alignment.
- Manage multiple SEO programs simultaneously, balancing hands-on execution with delegation, and prioritizing tasks and resources to meet client goals and performance targets.
🔹 Industry Trends and Innovation
- Stay current on the latest SEO trends, algorithm updates, and evolving best practices, especially within the rapidly changing, AI-first search landscape.
- Proactively identify and test emerging strategies and technologies to keep clients and the agency ahead of competitors and search innovation.
- Bring forward new ideas, insights, and opportunities to improve performance and visibility across traditional and AI-powered search experiences.
- Contribute to the agency’s thought leadership through internal knowledge sharing, case studies, and blog content that showcases forward-thinking SEO strategies.
🔹 Competitive Analysis
- Conduct in-depth competitive analysis to understand market trends and identify opportunities or threats.
- Use insights from competitive assessments to refine and enhance SEO strategies.
🔹 Team Leadership and Collaboration
- Provide guidance, feedback, and support to the SEO coordinator.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including content, design, development, and paid media, to align SEO strategies with overall marketing goals.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership and communication skills to effectively manage SEO programs, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and communicate complex SEO concepts to clients and stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
🔹 Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
🔹 Experience:
- 5+ years of hands-on SEO experience with a history of driving significant organic growth and ROI
- Strong SEO executional abilities with a meticulous attention to detail
- Advanced technical SEO skills, with proficiency in website audits, uncovering errors, prioritizing technical site enhancements based on impact, and executing CMS updates
- Expertise in developing and executing comprehensive SEO strategies that align with business goals
- Committed to upholding a high standard of quality and precision in every aspect of work
- Skilled at explaining complex SEO concepts in a clear, client-friendly manner
- Data-Driven, able to use data, analytics, competitive assessments, and SEO performance audits to inform strategic SEO roadmaps, site optimizations, and decision-making
- Capable of providing leadership and support to more junior team members while facilitating collaboration across departments
- Focused on achieving measurable outcomes and driving continuous improvements to SEO growth metrics over time
- Knowledgeable about the intersection of SEO with PPC, content marketing, and UX
- Proficient in using key technical SEO tools such as Sitebulb, Screaming Frog, Ahrefs, SEMrush, and Google Search Console
💰 Compensation & Benefits
🔹 Salary Range: $90,000 - $95,000 USD per year
🔹 Benefits:
- Hybrid office model, with the option to WFH 2+ days/week
- Minimum of 20 days off yearly, plus 12 company holidays and summer hours
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability Insurance
- Employer-matched 401k
- Transit benefits, corporate discount programs, and free fitness center membership
- Career pathing and dedicated budget towards opportunities for professional growth
- Collaborative culture with regular events, volunteerism, and an employee-led recognition program
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
🔹 Industry: Advertising Services
🔹 Company Size: 51-200 employees
🔹 Founded: 2002
🔹 Company Description: Envisionit is an award-winning, full-service digital marketing agency headquartered in Chicago with in-house Media, Creative, Tech, Strategy, and Analytics teams. They focus on technology, CPG, and destination marketing, with a mission to know clients and their markets better than anyone else to help them achieve goals faster and without friction.
🔹 Company Specialties: marketing, advertising, branding, website design, social media, content marketing, creative, email marketing, marketing automation, demand generation, lead generation, lead nurturing, digital marketing, digital media, video production, paid search, organic content, b2b marketing, fintech marketing, account-based marketing, destination marketing, and CPG marketing
📊 Role Analysis
🔹 Career Level: Senior-level role with significant responsibility and leadership requirements
🔹 Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Director of SEO and works closely with the SEO coordinator, cross-functional teams, and clients.
🔹 Work Arrangement: Hybrid work arrangement with 2-3 days in the office per week, allowing for a balance between collaboration and remote work.
🔹 Growth Opportunities: This role offers opportunities to lead SEO strategies for multiple client accounts, manage SEO programs, and contribute to the agency’s thought leadership. There is potential for career growth within the agency, as well as opportunities to learn from and collaborate with a talented team.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
🔹 Office Type: Hybrid office model with a beautiful office overlooking Millennium Park and Lake Michigan in Chicago
🔹 Office Location(s): 130 E Randolph St., Tower 1, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60601, US
🔹 Geographic Context: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- The office is located in the heart of downtown Chicago, offering easy access to public transportation, shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
- Chicago is known for its vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and rich history, providing ample opportunities for exploration and entertainment outside of work hours.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
🔹 Typical Process:
1. Online application submission through the provided link
2. Phone or video screen with the HR Manager, Ali Aguilar
3. In-person or virtual interview with the Director of SEO and other team members
4. Final interview with the CEO or other executive team members
🔹 Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical SEO skills and experience
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Leadership and team management capabilities
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Envisionit's values
🔹 Application Tips:
1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant SEO experience, skills, and achievements.
2. Showcase your understanding of Envisionit's mission, values, and culture in your application materials.
3. Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership experience, and ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
4. Familiarize yourself with Envisionit's clients, industry, and competitors to demonstrate your understanding of the role and the agency's goals.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
🔹 SEO Tools:
- Sitebulb
- Screaming Frog
- Ahrefs
- SEMrush
- Google Search Console
- Google Analytics
- Looker Studio
🔹 CMS Platforms:
- WordPress
- Drupal
- Shopify
- Magento
🔹 Other Relevant Tools:
- Google Analytics (GA4)
- Microsoft Clarity
- VWO
- HotJar
- Google Workspace (G Suite)
- Microsoft Office Suite
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
🔹 Company Values:
- Bold and resourceful
- Energized and curious
- Ready to solve problems and eager to apply new ideas
- Transparent, belonging, giving back, and having fun
🔹 Work Style:
- Collaborative and proactive
- Impactful and curious
- Supportive and engaged
- Focused on continuous learning and improvement
👥 Self-Assessment Questions
1. How do your personal values align with Envisionit's company values?
2. Describe a time when you had to adapt your SEO strategy due to a significant algorithm update or AI-driven change. How did you approach this challenge, and what was the outcome?
3. How do you ensure that your SEO strategies are tailored to the unique needs and goals of each client, while also considering industry trends and best practices?
4. Can you provide an example of a time when you had to manage a complex SEO project with multiple stakeholders and tight deadlines? How did you prioritize tasks and resources to ensure successful delivery?
5. How do you stay current on the latest SEO trends and algorithm updates, and how do you incorporate this knowledge into your daily work and long-term strategies?
🛑 Potential Challenges
🔹 Role-Specific Challenges:
- Managing multiple SEO programs simultaneously, balancing hands-on execution with delegation, and prioritizing tasks and resources to meet client goals and performance targets.
- Adapting SEO strategies in response to search algorithm updates and AI-driven changes, requiring a proactive and forward-thinking mindset.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align SEO strategies with overall marketing goals, ensuring effective communication and coordination across departments.
🔹 Company/Industry-Specific Challenges:
- Keeping up with the rapidly evolving, AI-first search landscape and its impact on SEO strategies and best practices.
- Balancing the need for short-term SEO growth with long-term, sustainable strategies that prioritize user experience and brand visibility.
- Managing client expectations and ensuring consistent, high-quality performance across multiple accounts with varying goals and requirements.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
🔹 Differences from Related SEO Roles:
- This role focuses on managing multiple SEO programs simultaneously, requiring strong leadership and project management skills.
- The role emphasizes collaboration with cross-functional teams, necessitating excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
- This position requires a deep understanding of AI-driven search changes and the ability to adapt SEO strategies accordingly.
🔹 Industry-Specific Context:
- The advertising services industry is dynamic and competitive, with a constant need to innovate and adapt to emerging trends and technologies.
- Envisionit's focus on technology, CPG, and destination marketing presents unique challenges and opportunities for SEO strategies and implementation.
📝 Sample Projects
🔹 Project Example 1: AI-Driven SEO Strategy
- Develop and implement an SEO strategy that leverages AI content optimization best practices to enhance visibility in AI-generated search results and answer engines.
- Collaborate with content and design teams to create AI-optimized content that aligns with search intent and meets the needs of Google’s algorithm.
- Monitor and analyze AI visibility insights to inform strategy and demonstrate impact to client stakeholders.
🔹 Project Example 2: Competitive Analysis and Strategy Refinement
- Conduct an in-depth competitive analysis to understand market trends and identify opportunities or threats in the AI-driven search landscape.
- Use insights from competitive assessments to refine and enhance SEO strategies, ensuring Envisionit's clients maintain a competitive edge in organic search performance.
🔹 Project Example 3: User Experience Optimization and AI Integration
- Analyze and improve website user experience by implementing SEO best practices that enhance site usability, navigation, and accessibility.
- Lead UX-related activities during new website builds, including sitemap development, page hierarchy planning, and user flow strategy to ensure strong SEO foundations from the start.
- Conduct ongoing UX audits using user behavior data, heatmapping, and session recording tools to identify friction points and recommend data-informed enhancements that improve engagement and conversion.
- Collaborate with design and development teams to ensure UX recommendations are strategically prioritized, implemented, and continuously refined based on performance insights, while also considering the integration of AI-driven search features.
💡 Key Questions to Ask During Interview
1. How does Envisionit support the professional development and growth of its SEO team members?
2. Can you describe a time when you had to adapt your SEO strategy due to a significant algorithm update or AI-driven change? How did the team at Envisionit respond to this challenge, and what was the outcome?
3. How does Envisionit collaborate with clients to ensure their SEO strategies align with their business goals and market trends?
4. What are the most significant challenges facing the SEO team at Envisionit, and how are they addressing them?
5. How does Envisionit foster a culture of innovation and continuous learning within the SEO team?
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
1. Submit your application through the provided link: