SEO Specialist

We strongly encourage people of color, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and non-binary people, veterans, parents, and individuals with disabilities to apply. As an equal opportunity employer Walker Sands is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes everyone to our team.

In your application, please feel free to note which pronouns you use (For example – she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs, etc).

If you need reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know.

Walker Sands is seeking a results-driven Senior Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist to support our clients’ SEO and content marketing programs. The Senior Specialist is working towards a mastery of SEO concepts and the client program objectives they work on. As a valued member of our SEO and account teams, you will set up SEO tactics, provide input on overarching SEO keyword strategies, complete reports, understand the workings of our clients’ content management systems and assist in the routine maintenance & optimization of accounts that they do not lead. 

Digital marketing is a fast-moving and dynamic space to build your career in. Optimization strategies for Search Engines and Generative AI platforms are increasingly converging. This role requires you to be passionate about learning how we use these channels to drive meaningful outcomes for our clients. As a Sr. SEO Specialist you will be required to obtain certifications and attend training related to the work you perform

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of SEO-related tasks while proactively assisting the team with the workload. Common tasks include: 
• Assisting in the development of SEO keyword research and Generative AI queries, with review and input from Managers and Directors
• Developing new content outlines optimized for users, search engines and generative AI engines
• Identify on-page optimization opportunities for existing and new content
• Identifying internal linking and outbound linking opportunities from website content to increase the value and relevance of content to users and systems 
• Assist Managers and Directors in developing editorial calendars and aligning keyword and query research
• Conducting SERP analysis, with review and input from Managers and Directors
• Analyzing the performance of Generative AI and Organic Search channels
• Pulling and compiling data from analytics platforms for reporting 
• Share industry knowledge and learnings with the internal team to improve processes and better serve clients
• Earn certifications related to SEO and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) 
• Attend or participate in department training sessions related to digital marketing
• Participate and contribute to discussions such as internal calls, client meetings, and brainstorms
• Seek answers to SEO questions and craft email responses for internal review
• Know the uses and functionality of the platforms used by clients and the basics of their business and audience
• Participate in monthly planning with the team and/or client
• Understand the relevant HTML elements of web pages and how to optimize the signals they give to influence how search and AI systems analyze and identify the focus of content
• Understand how website information architecture benefits SEO and apply it to optimization recommendations
• Develop an understanding and knowledge of SEO/GEO and other relevant digital marketing metrics. 
• Develop strong skills in spreadsheet formulas and analysis
• Act as peer-to-peer support for fellow Specialists and interns
• Meet all deadlines or request deadline adjustments as needed with oversight from the account lead/coach
• Communicate the status of work both proactively and with prompting from the account lead/coach
• Demonstrate a willingness to participate or support company-wide initiatives

Qualifications

• Relevant internship or 1 year of digital marketing experience preferred 
• Google Analytics Certification preferred 
• Familiarity or experience with spreadsheets and spreadsheet formulas
• Demonstrate knowledge of the various Walker Sands SEO and GEO offerings 
• Ability to complete the following with few mistakes:
• Data pulls from popular SEO measurement tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEMrush 
• Write and optimize SEO page content such as page tagging and website copy 
• Keyword and prompt research
• Understanding of basic SEO best practices and digital marketing strategy
• Basic knowledge and understanding of SEO and marketing-specific metrics
• Ability to articulate metrics and explain the meaning and importance at a basic level
• Ability to articulate a general, high-level SEO strategy internally
• Ability to work on a team and familiarity with collaboration tools such as Slack, Trello, Zoom, Google Meet or Gmail
• Strong communication skills and the ability to constructively collaborate with peers in person or virtually

Compensation & Benefits:

• We strive for salary range transparency in our hiring process. This is a major step towards not only complying with regulations where required, but also to make sure pay equity and DEI are top of mind during the hiring process. Base salary is only a part of the total rewards package - this role will also be eligible for a bonus based on company performance, as well as benefits. Below is the starting salary for this role:
• Starting Salary: $52,800 - $56,430 a year
  • Placement on the salary scale will be determined by various factors, such as, but not limited to, relevant qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, education, business or organizational requirements and internal equity.
  • Starting salaries are not inclusive of a full range of compensation for this role and are instead meant to reflect the expected beginning salary for a new hire. Merit-based increases can be earned after time in role.
• Total Rewards Package:
  • 🩺 Health Coverage: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, plus mental health resources, pet insurance, fertility benefits, and more.
  • 💰 Retirement Savings: Employer-matched 401(k) and access to financial planning services.
  • 🌴 Flexible PTO: Take time as needed for vacations, mental health, or personal days. Includes 8 paid holidays, half-day summer Fridays, and a week off between Christmas and New Year.
  • 🏡 Hybrid Work: Mix of in-office and remote work, with tools to stay connected across teams.
  • 🎉 Milestone Sabbatical: Celebrate five years with a two-week sabbatical and a $2,000 gift.
  • 👶 Family Support: Generous paid leave for new parents and caregivers, plus policies for pregnancy loss, adoption challenges, and more.
  • 📚 Growth Opportunities: Clear career paths, mentorship programs, and learning events to help you grow professionally.
  • 🌟 Culture: Our agency values our supportive, collaborative culture where we work hard to achieve the best outcomes for clients. Read more on our website here!

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