Strategist, SEO & AI Discovery

Plante Moran; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Plante Moran is seeking a Search Optimization Strategist to drive the firm's SEO, AEO, and GEO initiatives. You will lead cross‑functional efforts with content and web teams to boost organic visibility and authority.

You will conduct keyword research, optimize on‑page content, and guide authority signals across featured snippets, voice search, and AI responses. Strong communication with executives is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, or related field; or equivalent education, training, or experience.
• 3–5 years of experience in SEO, content strategy, digital marketing, or search-focused roles (B2B experience preferred).
• Hands‑on experience with enterprise SEO tools (e.g., Conductor, SEMrush, Moz, or similar).
• Strong understanding of modern SEO fundamentals, including technical SEO, on‑page optimization, and authority signals.
• Working knowledge of AEO concepts (featured snippets, voice search, question-based optimization) and GEO concepts (AI‑generated answers, citations, entity authority).
• Ability to translate search data and insights into clear, actionable recommendations for both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong critical thinking and attention to detail.
• Strong presentation skills and comfort communicating with senior and cross‑functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and implement firm-wide search optimization strategy across SEO, AEO, and GEO to increase organic visibility, authority, and share of voice
• Partner with content, digital marketing, and subject matter experts to shape search-first content strategies aligned to business goals and audience intent
• Conduct keyword, query, and topic research to inform traditional search optimization as well as AI- and answer-based discovery
• Optimize web and digital content for on-page SEO (titles, metadata, structure, schema); provide guidance for off-page optimization including backlinks, PR alignment, and authority signals
• Ensure content is structured and written to perform well in featured snippets, voice search, and AI-generated answers (e.g., clear answers, structured formats, citation-ready content)
• Monitor and analyze performance across rankings, visibility, featured results, and AI citations; socialize insights and opportunities with marketing stakeholders
• Use and help evolve search tooling and measurement approaches (e.g., enterprise SEO platforms, analytics, emerging AI visibility tools)
• Establish and reinforce search optimization best practices across teams through documentation, collaboration, and education
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and content team to guide development of staff‑authored content, including interview‑led content and thought leadership
• Make recommendations for improving site structure, content governance, and SEO fundamentals in partnership with web and UX teams
• Contribute to and advance content governance standards, workflows, and optimization processes
• Support integrated marketing campaigns by ensuring search optimization is embedded from planning through execution

Skills

SEO

AEO

GEO

Keyword research

Content strategy

Translation into actionable insights

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, or related field

Tools

Conductor

SEMrush

Moz

Job description

Plante Moran is seeking a Search Optimization Strategist to drive the firm's SEO, AEO, and GEO initiatives. You will lead cross‑functional efforts with content and web teams to boost organic visibility and authority.

You will conduct keyword research, optimize on‑page content, and guide authority signals across featured snippets, voice search, and AI responses. Strong communication with executives is essential.