📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: SEO Manager
🔹 Company: Cengage Group
🔹 Location: Virtual US MI
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: June 17, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Virtual US MI)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing comprehensive SEO strategies to improve organic search rankings and drive traffic for Cengage Marketing websites
- Collaborating with go-to-market partners and internal teams to align SEO strategies with business goals
- Resolving technical SEO issues and optimizing website performance
- Training content teams on targeted keyword strategies and creating keyword playbooks
- Monitoring SEO metrics and providing actionable recommendations to stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of expertise in SEO and the ability to work effectively with various teams across the organization.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Create and implement comprehensive SEO plans to improve organic search rankings and drive traffic for Cengage Marketing websites
✅ Work closely with go-to-market partners to align SEO strategies with business goals and objectives
✅ Act as the main liaison with SEO consultants/services to review and enhance SEO plans
✅ Develop an overarching go-to-market SEO strategy plan for Cengage Group Marketing
✅ Work with social and paid media teams to ensure cohesive marketing efforts
✅ Work with web production owners to implement technical and content SEO strategies
✅ Guide content teams with targeted keyword strategies and train teams on implementation
✅ Identify and work with internal teams to resolve technical SEO issues
✅ Track SEO metrics and adjust strategies accordingly
✅ Regularly meet and provide actionable recommendations and clear, concise reports to stakeholders
✅ Keep abreast of SEO trends and algorithm updates
✅ Be responsible for the work of the SEO Specialist
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of data analysis and reporting, as well as strong communication skills to explain complex SEO concepts to clients and internal teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, Decision Science, Information Technology or related field.
Experience: 5+ years of experience as an SEO lead in a fast-paced environment
Required Skills:
- In-depth knowledge and demonstrated proficiency with standard SEO tools (e.g., BrightEdge, Moz, Google Search Console, GA4)
- Proficiency with Excel
- Understanding of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Demonstrated ability to analyze large sets of data and use it to guide SEO strategy and decision-making
- Strong proficiency in data interpretation, reporting, and deriving actionable insights from analytics tools
- Ability to present data in a clear, actionable way and make recommendations that align with stakeholder objectives
- Knowledgeable with paid and social media marketing and its impact on SEO
- Experience collaborating with external experts and vendors
- Experience working with cross-functional teams and stakeholders across a large organization
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to explain complex SEO concepts to clients and internal teams
Preferred Skills:
- Relevant SEO certifications (such from Google, BrightEdge, etc.)
- Knowledge of Google Ads
- Agency experience
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in SEO, data analysis, and stakeholder management will be most successful in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $67,000.00 - $84,000.00 USD (Based on experience and qualifications)
Benefits:
- Comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support and empower employees
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Employee assistance program
- Tuition reimbursement
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for an SEO Manager role with 5-10 years of experience. Actual compensation may vary based on work schedule, qualifications, experience, internal equity, and geographic location.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Cengage Group is a global education technology company serving millions of learners. They provide affordable, quality digital products and services that equip students with the skills and competencies needed to be job ready.
Company Size: Cengage Group has 5,001-10,000 employees worldwide, providing a large and diverse work environment.
Founded: Cengage Group was founded in 2007 and has since grown to serve learners in over 125 countries.
Company Description:
- Cengage Group enables the power and joy of learning with trusted, engaging content and integrated digital platforms
- They serve the higher education, workforce skills, secondary education, English language teaching, and research markets worldwide
- Cengage Group is committed to providing a comprehensive and rewarding Total Rewards package designed to support and empower employees
Company Specialties:
- Higher education learning solutions
- Higher Education
- edtech
- Online skills
- Reskilling
- Workforce skills
- Research
- Digital learning
- Secondary education
- English language teaching
- Hybrid learning
- And education technology
Company Website: https://www.cengagegroup.com/
ASSUMPTION: Cengage Group's focus on education technology and serving learners worldwide provides unique opportunities for growth and impact in this role.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, requiring a significant amount of experience and expertise in SEO.
Reporting Structure: The SEO Manager will report directly to the Director of Web Services and will be responsible for the work of the SEO Specialist.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position based in Virtual US MI, with the possibility of remote work for the right candidate.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a leadership role within the Web Services team or the broader Marketing organization
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and drive organic growth for Cengage Group's Marketing websites
- Chance to develop and mentor the SEO Specialist, contributing to their professional growth
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and impact within a large, global organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Virtual (Remote work may be considered for the right candidate)
Office Location(s): Virtual US MI
Geographic Context:
- The Virtual US MI location allows for flexibility and the opportunity to work remotely
- Cengage Group has a strong global presence, with offices in multiple countries
- The company culture values inclusion, engagement, and discovery, fostering a positive work environment
Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with the possibility of flexible hours for the right candidate
ASSUMPTION: The virtual work environment provides flexibility and the opportunity to work remotely, while still being part of a large, global organization.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the Hiring Manager
- In-depth interview with the Director of Web Services and other team members
- Final interview with the Senior Director of Marketing
Key Assessment Areas:
- SEO expertise and strategic thinking
- Data analysis and reporting skills
- Communication and presentation skills
- Collaboration and stakeholder management
- Cultural fit and alignment with Cengage Group's values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant SEO experience and achievements in your resume
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on SEO strategies, data analysis, and stakeholder management
- Research Cengage Group's mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and your fit within the team
ATS Keywords: SEO, SEO Strategy, SEO Manager, SEO Tools, Data Analysis, Technical SEO, Keyword Research, Communication Skills, Collaboration, Reporting, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, SEO Specialist, Marketing Websites, Organic Growth, Stakeholder Management
ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's SEO expertise, data analysis skills, and cultural fit within the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- BrightEdge
- Moz
- Google Search Console
- GA4
- Excel
- HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
- Other SEO tools and platforms as needed
ASSUMPTION: The SEO Manager will be expected to be proficient in standard SEO tools and platforms, as well as have a working knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Inclusion: Cengage Group values diversity and fosters an inclusive work environment
- Engagement: The company encourages employee engagement and active participation in decision-making processes
- Discovery: Cengage Group promotes continuous learning and innovation
Work Style:
- Collaborative: The SEO Manager will work closely with various teams across the organization, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills
- Data-driven: This role requires a strong ability to analyze data and use it to guide SEO strategy and decision-making
- Adaptable: The SEO Manager must be able to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do I have a strong background in SEO and data analysis, with the ability to explain complex concepts to clients and internal teams?
- Am I comfortable working collaboratively with various teams and stakeholders across a large organization?
- Do I have the ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced environment?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Cengage Group's values and work style will be most successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working with a large, global organization may present unique challenges in terms of communication and collaboration
- Keeping up with the latest SEO trends and algorithm updates requires continuous learning and adaptation
- Resolving technical SEO issues may require working with external vendors and consultants
- Managing the work of the SEO Specialist may present unique challenges in terms of delegation and mentorship
ASSUMPTION: The SEO Manager will need to be proactive, adaptable, and effective in communicating and collaborating with various teams and stakeholders to overcome these challenges.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from other SEO Manager positions in its focus on driving organic growth for Cengage Group's Marketing websites and working closely with go-to-market partners and internal teams
- Cengage Group's global presence and commitment to serving learners worldwide provide unique opportunities for growth and impact
- Career path comparison: This role offers opportunities for growth into leadership positions within the Web Services team or the broader Marketing organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities for growth and impact within a large, global organization focused on education technology.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive SEO strategy for Cengage Group's Marketing websites, driving organic growth and improving search engine rankings
- Working with content teams to create targeted keyword playbooks and train them on implementation
- Resolving technical SEO issues and optimizing website performance through collaboration with web production owners
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the key responsibilities and required skills for this role, focusing on SEO strategy, data analysis, and stakeholder management.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the SEO strategy for Cengage Group's Marketing websites and how this role fits into that plan?
- How does the Web Services team collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to drive organic growth?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the SEO team currently, and how can this role help address them?
- What opportunities are there for growth and development within the Web Services team or the broader Marketing organization?
- How does Cengage Group support work-life balance and employee well-being?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions will help the candidate better understand the role, the team, and the organization, and demonstrate their interest and fit within the position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Highlight relevant SEO experience and achievements in your resume, using the ATS keywords provided
- Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions focused on SEO strategies, data analysis, and stakeholder management
- Research Cengage Group's mission, values, and recent projects to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and your fit within the team
- Follow up with the Hiring Manager after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
