Senior Specialist, SEO/AEO (Contract)

We are seeking a Senior SEO & AEO to lead holistic search strategy across our client portfolio. This individual will drive performance across traditional SEO, AEO, and AI-powered search experiences. The ideal candidate understands how search has evolved beyond rankings- into entities, AI Overviews, generative search, and full-SERPownership, and can translate that evolution into business growth.

This contractor will work cross-functionally with internal teams and client stakeholders to develop and execute advanced search strategies that drive visibility, authority, and measurable ROI.

Information Security Responsibilities

• Promote and enforce awareness of key information security practices, including acceptable use of information assets, malware protection, and password security protocols
• Identify, assess, and report security risks, focusing on how these risks impact the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets
• Understand and evaluate how data is stored, processed, or transmitted, ensuring compliance with data privacy and protection standards (GDPR, CCPA, etc.)
• Ensure data protection measures are integrated throughout the information lifecycle to safeguard sensitive information

Roles & Responsibilities

As the Senior SEO & AEO Specialist, you will lead strategic search initiatives across enterprise client accounts, driving business growth and client success as a key member of our search practice.

You will own strategy development, execution oversight, and performance measurement across traditional SEO and AI-driven search ecosystems.

Key Responsibilities

Search & AEO Strategy Leadership

• Lead holistic search strategy development including traditional SEO, AEO, and AI search optimization to drive full-funnel growth.
• Develop strategies to capture and optimize for AI Overviews, Featured Snippets, People Also Ask, zero-click search experiences, and conversational queries.
• Drive entity-based optimization strategies to strengthen brand authority and knowledge graph presence.
• Partner with content and digital teams to align SEO strategy with E-E-A-T best practices.

AI & Emerging Search Optimization

• Optimize content and technical implementations for AI-driven search environments including generative search engines and large language model (LLM) discovery platforms.
• Develop structured data and schema strategies to enhance visibility in rich results, AI summaries, and enhanced SERP features.
• Monitor evolving search engine algorithms and AI search trends, proactively adjusting strategy to maintain competitive advantage.
• Establish processes for measuring AI search visibility and zero-click performance impact.

Technical & Content SEO Execution

• Perform and present comprehensive technical, content, competitive, local, and app SEO audits.
• Develop SEO functional specifications for technical enhancements, partnering with developers to implement, QA, and UAT updates.
• Conduct advanced keyword, topic cluster, and entity research to inform scalable content strategies.
• Identify opportunities for content optimization, consolidation, pruning, and authority building.

Cross-Functional & Client Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with paid search, analytics, UX, product, and development teams to drive integrated search performance.
• Present insights and recommendations to internal and client stakeholders, translating complex SEO and AI-search concepts into business-focused outcomes.
• Align search strategies with broader omnichannel marketing and digital transformation initiatives.

Data, Measurement & Automation

• Take a data-driven approach to measuring SEO and AEO ROI across core business KPIs.
• Develop reporting frameworks that account for traditional traffic, zero-click engagement, SERP feature ownership, and AI search visibility.
• Leverage automation tools, APIs, AI workflows, and advanced Excel or scripting capabilities to improve efficiency and scalability.
• Use reporting and visualization platforms to communicate performance insights and strategic opportunities.

Project Management & Delivery

• Manage project timelines and deliverables within project management systems (e.g., JIRA), ensuring deadlines and quality standards are met.
• Operate effectively in a contractor capacity, managing priorities across multiple accounts while maintaining strategic clarity and execution rigor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Advertising, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.

• 3+ years of experience driving SEO performance for enterprise or large-scale brands; agency experience preferred.

• Demonstrated success leading both traditional SEO and AEOinitiatives in AI-driven search environments.

• Deep understanding of:

  • AI Overviews and generative search experiences

  • Structured data and schema implementation

  • Entity-based optimization and knowledge graph strategy

  • E-E-A-T frameworks and authority-building strategies

  • Experience with leading SEO platforms such as SEMrush, Ahrefs, Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, Lumar (DeepCrawl), Yext, Lighthouse, and Google Business Profile.

  • Familiarity with AI-powered workflows, automation tools, APIs, and advanced data analysis techniques.

  • Experience collaborating across internal teams and external stakeholders to deliver measurable results within defined timelines and budgets.

  • Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and business recommendations.

  • Excellent communication skills with experience presenting to senior stakeholders and client leadership teams.