Associate Director, Search Engine Optimization

Publicis Group; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 97,375 - 139,965; Full time

Job summary

Publicis Groupe in Chicago is seeking an Associate Director of SEO to lead analytics-driven search campaigns, guide a team of SEO specialists, and shape client strategies across industries.

You will present SEO capabilities to clients, develop proposals, and collaborate with delivery and staffing to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables. The role demands a four-year degree, 7+ years in SEO or related fields, strong leadership, and willingness to travel.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in marketing, computer science or related field.
• 7+ years of combined experience in search engine optimization, project management, or account management.
• Proven leadership experience and prior team management.
• Experience scoping projects, forecasting, and driving process improvement.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with smart, fast decisions.
• Knowledge of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Willingness to travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Clearly and convincingly present SEO capabilities to clients and internal teams.
• Develop and present proposals and tactics to clients; collaborate with managers to present deliverables.
• Lead process improvement efforts.
• Develop or approve scopes of work including SEO.
• Ensure excellence and accuracy in client deliverables.
• Collaborate with Delivery Managers on timelines and with Staffing on needs.
• Develop and maintain high-quality talent.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Project management

Detail-oriented

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in marketing, computer science or related field

Tools

HTML

JavaScript

CSS

Job description

Company description

Present in over 100 countries and employing nearly 80,000 professionals, Publicis Groupe is the third largest communications group in the world. Publicis Groupe is listed on the Euronext Paris [FR0000130577] and is part of the CAC 40 index. Active across the entire value chain, Publicis Groupe offers its major clients a transversal, unified and fluid model allowing them access to all the Groupe’s tools and expertise around the world through the mantra "The Power of One."

Overview

As Associate Director of Search Engine Optimization, you’ll analyze search data to provide tremendous insights into the motivations of consumers, leading a team that’s on the cutting edge of search technology and search engine marketing strategies.

Responsibilities

• Clearly and convincingly presenting search engine optimization capabilities to clients and best practices to internal teams
• Developing and presenting proposals and recommended tactics to clients and working with Managers and Supervisors to present all client deliverables
• Leading process improvement efforts
• Developing or approving all scopes of work that include search engine optimization
• Ensuring excellence and accuracy in all client deliverables
• Collaborating with Delivery Managers on project timelines and with Staffing on resource needs
• Developing and maintaining high-quality talent

Qualifications

• A four-year degree in marketing, computer science or a related field
• 7+ years of combined experience in search engine optimization, project management or account management
• Proven leadership skills and prior experience managing a team
• Experience scoping projects, providing forecasts and driving ongoing process improvement
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills – and a knack for details
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects simultaneously and make smart, fast decisions
• Knowledge of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS
• Outstanding leadership and people management skills
• Stellar communication and presentation skills – you’re poised, articulate and convincing
• Willingness to travel as needed – you’re open to new places, new faces and new ideas
• Mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mandatory mand

Additional information

Our Publicis Groupe motto “Viva La Différence” means we’re better together, and we believe that our differences make us stronger. It means we honor and celebrate all identities, across all facets of intersectionality, and it underpins all that we do as an organization. We are focused on fostering belonging and creating equitable & inclusive experiences for all talent.

Publicis Groupe provides robust and inclusive benefit programs and policies to support the evolving and diverse needs of our talent and enable every person to grow and thrive. Our benefits package includes medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401K, as well as parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement, and flexible time off.

If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact [e-mail].

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation Range: USD $97,375.00 - USD $139,965.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third‑party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 9/1/2027.