Search Engine Optimization Manager

*This is an in-office role in Clearwater, FLSUMMARYThe SEO Manager is responsible for driving organic growth across traditional search engines, AI-powered answer engines, YouTube, and social platforms through strategic content development and distribution. This role owns SEO and AEO strategy, content development, keyword and conversational search targeting, and organic channel performance within the company's marketing team, ensuring all content efforts contribute to inbound demand, brand authority, AI search visibility, and pipeline growth.CORE RESPONSIBILITIESAnswer Engine Optimization (AEO) & AI Search VisibilityDevelop and execute AEO strategies designed to increase brand visibility, citations, and recommendations across AI-powered search and discovery platforms, including ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Gemini, and Perplexity.Conduct research into conversational search queries, question-based keywords, and emerging AI search behaviors to identify opportunities for the brand to appear in AI-generated answers.Structure and optimize website content to improve its ability to be discovered, interpreted, retrieved, and cited by AI-powered search engines and large language models.Implement AEO content best practices, including clear question-and-answer formatting, semantic headings, concise explanations, structured data, and relevant internal linking.Collaborate with web and development teams to implement appropriate schema markup, structured data, and technical configurations that support content accessibility and machine readability.Monitor brand visibility, competitor mentions, source citations, and referral traffic from AI-powered search platforms to identify opportunities for improvement.Identify opportunities to establish the company and its leadership as authoritative sources through original research, expert commentary, industry publications, and other credible third-party references.Continuously evaluate changes in AI search behavior, platform capabilities, and emerging AEO best practices, adjusting content strategies to maintain competitive visibility.Additional Responsibilities Under SEO Strategy & ExecutionIntegrate AEO principles into traditional SEO strategies to improve discoverability across both conventional search results and AI-generated answers.Evaluate search intent beyond traditional keyword rankings, including how target audiences phrase questions and seek recommendations through conversational AI platforms.Conduct competitive visibility audits across AI-powered search platforms to identify gaps in brand representation, citations, and topical authority.QUALIFICATIONS4–6 years of experience in SEO, content marketing, or organic growth rolesDemonstrated understanding of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), and the evolving relationship between traditional SEO and AI-powered search.Experience developing or optimizing content for visibility within AI search platforms such as ChatGPT, Google AI Overviews, Gemini, and Perplexity.Knowledge of structured data, schema markup, semantic content organization, and technical SEO practices that support machine readability and AI-driven content discovery.Familiarity with AI search visibility monitoring tools and methodologies, including platforms such as Profound, Semrush AI Visibility Toolkit, Ahrefs Brand Radar, or similar solutions.Ability to evaluate conversational search behavior, brand citations, AI-generated recommendations, and emerging organic discovery trends.Understanding of entity-based SEO, topical authority, and the role of authoritative third-party sources in strengthening brand visibility across search platforms.MEASURES OF PERFORMANCEThe SEO Manager's work will also be evaluated based on the following:Measurable improvement in brand visibility and presence within AI-generated search responses across relevant industry topics and high-value conversational queries.Increased frequency of brand mentions, source citations, and inclusion in AI-generated recommendations across targeted AI search platforms.Growth in qualified website traffic and inbound lead opportunities attributable to AI-powered search and referral sources, where attribution is available.Consistent implementation of AEO best practices across new and existing website content, including structured content, schema markup, and answer-focused optimization.Improved competitive positioning across priority AI search queries, demonstrated through recurring visibility audits and comparative performance analysis.Ongoing identification and implementation of new AEO strategies as AI-powered search technologies and user behaviors evolve.