Sr. SEO Manager

iCrossing; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

iCrossing in Chicago seeks a Sr. Manager, SEO to lead advanced SEO engagements for enterprise clients. You will shape strategies, oversee discovery, and drive organic growth while coordinating cross‑functional teams.

The role requires 6+ years of SEO experience, a strong analytics mindset, and the ability to mentor others. This is a full‑time position with a mix of office days in Chicago and collaboration with the broader Hearst network.

Qualifications

• 6+ years’ SEO experience in agencies or large brands.
• Bachelor’s degree in business/marketing or related field.
• Strong understanding of SEO principles and trends.
• Experience applying GEO tactics for KPI growth.
• Analytical mindset with data-driven decision making.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive SEO‑focused strategies aligned with client goals.
• Lead day-to-day client engagements and present strategies and results clearly.
• Oversee technical SEO, content optimization, and analytics reporting.
• Mentor junior SEO professionals and collaborate with cross‑functional teams.

Skills

SEO strategy

GEO tactics

Web analytics

Leadership

Cross-functional

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Google Analytics

Adobe Analytics

Excel

Job description

About Us

iCrossing is a Hearst-backed marketing and technology partner built for how brands grow today. As outcomes architects, we bring together strategy, media, experience, engineering, data, and AI to build connected digital systems that improve performance, strengthen customer experiences, and support measurable business growth.

Our work is grounded in data‑backed strategy, modern digital visibility, and connected execution. We help brands perform now while transforming for what’s next, designing the platforms, content, media, and operating models that help them move faster, learn smarter, and scale what works.

At iCrossing, you’ll work with teams across marketing, technology, and experience to solve complex client challenges with strategic breadth and executional depth. As part of Hearst, we combine agency agility with access to powerful data, insights, audiences, content, and technology capabilities.

Your Impact

As a Sr. Manager, SEO, you will provide day‑to‑day SEO & GEO leadership for advanced/large clients to drive organic growth and ensure the success of our clients’ digital marketing campaigns. You will broaden overall engagements with your cross‑channel knowledge, and you can lead more junior SEO personnel on enterprise‑level clients. This role requires an advanced understanding of SEO best practices, analytics, and emerging search paradigms such as generative AI, zero‑click search, and multi‑modal discovery. The Sr. Manager participates in new business pitches and helps shape the company’s SEO & GEO product offering. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successful SEO engagements, demonstrated leadership skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams to realize outcomes for clients. This is a full‑time role and requires two days per week in the office.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Planning and Client Management

• Develop and implement comprehensive SEO‑focused strategies that align with clients’ business goals.
• Conduct in‑depth findability research, competitive analysis, and market trends to inform strategy.
• Serve as a primary day‑to‑day point of contact for key client accounts, ensuring satisfaction and success with engagements focused on SEO.
• Present SEO strategies, reports, and results that connect with broader business objectives in a clear and compelling manner.

Execution, Optimization, Reporting and Analysis

• Oversee the execution of comprehensive SEO & GEO programs, including technical SEO, content optimization, proof and entity strategy, and adjacent services (i.e., Content Creation, CMS enhancements, landing pages, and digital analytics).
• Utilize advanced SEO tools and analytics platforms, including the iCrossing proprietary toolset, to monitor, analyze, and report on campaign performance.
• Identify opportunities for optimization and growth and implement changes to improve and expand SEO‑focused engagements.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive SEO, AI, and Discoverability reports, including performance metrics, insights, and actionable recommendations.
• Use data‑driven analysis to measure the success of SEO focused initiatives and inform future strategies.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Mentor and guide more junior SEO professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
• Identify needs and help develop training materials for enhanced and expanded ways of working for SEO focused client engagements.
• Work with cross‑functional teams with resources from Business Solutions and Transformation Strategy, Experience Design & Content Solutions, Media, and Digital Solutions, to deliver cohesive and effective digital marketing strategies.
• Stay up to date with the latest related market trends including but not limited to search engine algorithm updates, the impacts of new technology, and industry best practices.
• Create demand for iCrossing services through developing industry POVs and thought leadership papers.
• Craft compelling client case studies to support marketing‑influenced leads.

Who You Are

• 6+ years’ experience working in SEO for agencies or large brands.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, computer science, information technology, or related field strongly preferred.
• Extensive understanding of SEO principles, best practices, and industry trends.
• Experience designing and applying GEO tactics to realize KPI growth for enterprise‑level brands.
• Strong analytical skills: ability to draw conclusions from data and take action accordingly.
• Results‑driven with strong business acumen.
• Strong Web analytics experience across key platforms like Google Analytics & Adobe Analytics.
• Fundamental understanding of technical SEO; experience with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and web design technologies.
• Possess strong storytelling and presentation capabilities.
• Ability to pivot quickly and work in a rapidly changing environment and adapt, as necessary.
• Highly organized with excellent analytical, time management, problem‑solving, and project management abilities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and clients simultaneously.
• Highly proficient with Microsoft Office; advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong mathematical and writing skills.
• Able to work well in a team environment and have a positive attitude.

Compensation

The estimated salary range for this position in Chicago is between $90,000 and $108,000. For New York City, the estimated salary range is between $100,000 and $120,000. The range for this position in other geographies may vary based on market differences. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending & Health Savings Account
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time
• Parental Leave
• Employee assistance program and other company benefits.