Job description
WHY DEPT®?
We are pioneers at heart. What this means, is that we are always leaning forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency, with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. That’s why we hire curious, self-driven, talented people who never stop innovating.
Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care. Meaning, that with people across 20+ countries, we’re big enough to provide you with the best tools, global opportunities, and benefits that help you thrive. While acting small by investing in you, your growth, your team, and giving you the autonomy to solve our clients’ problems, no matter where you are in the world.
Candidates must be located in Los Angeles, San Diego or San Francisco for this position but are able to work remotely.
About You
As our new Director of SEO, you will own and drive end-to-end SEO strategy for an enterprise-level client portfolio spanning multiple brands. You’ll partner closely with cross-functional teams (PPC, content, UX, analytics, development, and executive leadership) to elevate organic performance, shape SEO roadmaps, and pioneer innovative approaches—especially in emerging AI-powered search and discovery environments.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership
Define and own the multi-brand SEO vision and roadmap in alignment with overarching business objectives
Work with the team to handle SEO planning and resource allocation for weekly sprints and quick turnaround requests
Collaborate with the client to understand their tracking methodology and develop internal KPIs, dashboards, and executive reports to measure organic performance and ROI.
Technical SEO Oversight
Audit, prioritize, and optimize large-scale site architectures, crawl budgets, and indexation strategies
Collaborate with engineering teams to implement site-wide enhancements (e.g., Core Web Vitals, structured data, hreflang, pagination)
Troubleshoot complex technical issues—JavaScript rendering, canonicalization conflicts, site migrations, CMS integrations
Content & Editorial Strategy
Develop scalable content programs that support brand positioning, product launches, and seasonal campaigns
Partner with editorial and UX to refine content briefs, topic clustering, and information architecture
Leverage data-driven insights (keyword gaps, voice queries, search intent) to inform creative and distribution strategies
Innovation & Thought Leadership
Champion adoption of emerging SEO and AI-driven search tools (AI-augmented writing, Google AI Mode, automated A/B testing)
Pilot new technology integrations (LLMs, chatbot content, automated schema generators) and shape best practices
Represent the agency and client at industry events; author whitepapers, speak on panels, and contribute to thought-leadership channels
Team Development & Collaboration
Manage and mentor a high-performing team of SEO managers, analysts, and specialists
Foster a culture of continuous learning, experimentation, and cross-disciplinary knowledge-sharing
Collaborate with agency leadership to grow service offerings, pitch new business, and upskill internal teams
QUALIFICATIONS
7+ years of hands-on SEO experience at a leading digital agency, with a track record of success at the enterprise level
Demonstrated leadership of complex, multi-brand SEO engagements, including full-funnel strategy and execution
Deep expertise in technical SEO (site performance, crawl/index management, CMS/architecture)
Proven mastery of content SEO (keyword research, topical authority, content governance, editorial workflows)
Thought leadership in emerging SEO realms: AI tools, AI-augmented search, Google AI Mode, conversational interfaces, etc.
Exceptional analytical skills: proficiency with GA4, Search Console, BigQuery, Data Studio/Tableau (or equivalent BI tools)
Strong communication and stakeholder management—ability to present strategic insights to C-suite and client teams
WHAT DO WE OFFER?
We are a collaborative, open-door, best-idea-wins environment that fosters personal and company growth and has fun doing it. Here is a snapshot of our benefits package:
- Healthcare, Dental, and Vision coverage
- 401k plan, plus matching
- PTO
- Paid Company Holidays
- Parental Leave
The anticipated salary ranges for this position and subsequent locations are listed below. Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, expertise, physical location, and organizational impact. This is based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling. Keep in mind, we’re flexible.
WE SUPPORT YOU BEING YOU:
DEPT® is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We believe our work is its best when our people feel safe and free to be themselves. We’re committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment and selection process and workplace, regardless of anyone’s lived experience, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. So tell us about any accommodations you need. It’s totally confidential and only used to make sure you feel fully supported at every step.
DEPT® participates in E-Verify, meaning your Form I-9 information will be sent to the federal government to confirm you are authorized to work in the U.S.
We are a B Corp-certified company passionate about purpose-driven work. Our hope is that you can feel good about the contributions DEPT® is making to the world and we always have an open door for your ideas in making the world a better place.
DEPT® is a pioneering technology and marketing services company that creates integrated end-to-end digital experiences for brands such as Google, KFC, Philips, Audi, Twitch, Patagonia, eBay and more. Its team of 2,500+ digital specialists across 30+ locations on 5 continents delivers pioneering work on a global scale with a boutique culture.
Learn more about DEPT®
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, & INCLUSION
At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.
Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine.
We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.
Want to know more about our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion? Check out our efforts here.
#LI-Hybrid #LI-Remote
This is remote role, however you must be located within 50 miles of San Diego, CA or Los Angeles, CA to be considered.
San Diego, CA Salary Range
$104,900—$150,000 USD
This is remote role, however you must be located within 50 miles of San Diego, CA or Los Angeles, CA to be considered.
Los Angeles, CA Salary Range
$104,900—$150,000 USD
