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People Architects is excited to recruit an SEO Director (Agency Leadership & AI Search Strategy) for an on-site role in Cleveland, Ohio for one of our high-growth agency clients.

Summary:

This is a strategic leadership opportunity for an experienced SEO professional who excels at the intersection of client strategy, team leadership, and the evolving future of AI search. We are looking for an SEO Director who can translate complex SEO performance and data into clear, compelling business insights for executive-level clients and stakeholders.

In this role, you'll lead high level SEO initiatives, mentor a performance focused team, and drive accountability across client accounts and internal processes. The ideal candidate is a forward thinking leader who understands where search is heading, thrives in a fast-paced agency environment, and can turn complex SEO strategy into measurable business impact

Responsibilities:

• Drive the agency's SEO framework and accountability standards, ensuring teams meet deliverables and KPIs through consistent process execution.
• Act as the primary SEO strategist for high-value client accounts, translating complex SEO and performance data into clear, narrative-driven business insights for executive stakeholders.
• Lead the development of high-level SEO and organic search strategies aligned with broader client business goals.
• Coach and mentor SEO team members in a fast-paced agency environment, providing strategic guidance and troubleshooting support for underperforming accounts.
• Drive innovative SEO initiatives, including optimization strategies for AI-driven search experiences and evolving search behaviors.
• Collaborate closely with global leadership teams to maintain team alignment, communication, and operational efficiency.
• Review all team deliverables to ensure agency standards for quality, accuracy, and strategic impact are consistently met.
• Support new business development efforts by crafting compelling SEO strategies, contributing to pitches, and participating in client presentations.
• Lead thought leadership initiatives through the development of case studies, strategic insights, and industry-forward perspectives on search marketing trends.

Qualifications (Required and Preferred):

• 8+ years of SEO experience, with a demonstrated track record leading successful organic search initiatives.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to clearly explain the "why" behind SEO performance and strategy to executive-level stakeholders.
• A visionary, forward-thinking mindset with the ability to anticipate industry shifts and adapt agency strategies to the evolving search landscape.
• Prior experience managing and mentoring SEO teams within a fast-paced agency environment.
• Experience leveraging AI tools and technologies to enhance SEO strategy, workflows, and search performance.
• High proficiency with industry platforms including Google Search Console, SEMrush, Moz, and Screaming Frog.
• Strong analytical capabilities with hands-on experience using Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager.
• Highly accountable, proactive, and solutions-oriented leadership mindset.
• Deep understanding of modern SEO strategy, technical SEO concepts, and evolving search engine behavior.
• Opportunity to shape the future direction of SEO and AI-search strategy within a growing agency environment.
• Executive-level visibility and direct influence on strategic decision-making.
• Leadership role focused on strategy, mentorship, innovation, and client impact.
• Collaborative, fast-moving environment that values initiative, accountability, and forward-thinking ideas.

We recognize that exceptional candidates may not meet every listed qualification. If your experience strongly aligns with strategic SEO leadership, client communication, and team development, we encourage you to apply.

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. People Architect and our clients are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. Applicants for employment with any of People Architect's clients will ever be asked to provide money (even if reimbursable) as part of the job application or hiring process.

*no external agencies/3rd parties.