SEO Specialist Job at Hawke Media in Santa Monica

About Hawke Media

Hawke was founded on the idea that every modern business needs a CMO-level expert to lead digital marketing efforts. We customize data-driven, performance-focused solutions to help launch, scale, and invigorate businesses of all sizes, industries, and revenue models. We’re shifting the agency paradigm by putting client success ahead of our own. We’ve been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur, INC, Business Insider, and CNN, and we serve clients such as Red Bull, Verizon, and Evite. We work hard and collaborate to create our dynamic culture.

Job Summary

Hawke's SEO/GEO team is one of the company's fastest-growing departments, thanks to our leadership in pioneering GEO best practices. In this role, you will sharpen your core SEO skills while expanding into Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and AI-powered search. You will help improve organic performance, implement on‑page optimizations, conduct technical audits, and track both traditional and AI visibility metrics.

Qualifications

• Develop comprehensive SEO strategies to achieve client goals and maximize visibility in traditional search results, with opportunities to expand into GEO.
• Identify targeted keywords and conversational queries that drive valuable traffic from search engines.
• Implement on-page optimizations that align with SEO best practices and keyword strategies.
• Conduct technical SEO audits and develop strategies for improvement.
• Monitor client performance across traditional search engines, tracking rankings, crawl statistics, and errors.
• Learn and implement GEO strategies to optimize content for AI platforms (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, etc.) and track AI visibility metrics.
• Stay updated on white‑hat SEO/GEO strategies and stay within search engine guidelines.
• Work on special SEO/GEO projects as assigned.
• Maintain responsive communication with clients and teammates via email, video chat, and other channels.

Required Technical Skills

• 2‑3 years of experience in SEO.
• Strong foundation in SEO and how it fits within the overall marketing framework.
• Previous experience in content marketing, technical SEO, and local SEO.
• Knowledge of analytical and SEO tools (Google Analytics, Google Search Console, Ahrefs, etc.).
• Experience with WordPress, Shopify, other CMS platforms, and basic HTML.
• Working knowledge of best practices for search engine optimization.
• Strong interest in AI search technologies and eagerness to learn about Generative Engine Optimization.

Required Soft Skills

• Ability to manage multiple client relationships simultaneously, present SEO recommendations clearly, and translate technical concepts into client‑friendly language.
• Proven track record of successful project management and multitasking.
• Creative, strategic thinker who identifies and resolves problems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work within a team as well as independently.
• Strong organizational, time‑management, and analytical skills.
• Eagerness to learn new skills and adapt to the evolving search landscape.
• Comfortable experimenting with emerging technologies and tactics.

First Quarter Goals

30 Days

• Familiarize yourself with initial client accounts, including industries, goals, current SEO strategies, and performance baselines.
• Complete your first SEO audits and keyword research assignments with guidance from your manager.

60 Days

• Independently manage 5‑7 client accounts, handling day‑to‑day SEO tasks and client communication.
• Begin conducting GEO audits and make initial recommendations for AI visibility improvements.

90 Days

• Fully manage 10‑12 client accounts independently with minimal oversight.
• Develop and present comprehensive SEO/GEO strategies that align with client business objectives.

What We Offer

• Benefits: Health, dental, vision, and 401(k) with company match.
• Culture: Entrepreneurial, results‑driven environment with direct visibility to executive leadership.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Marketing and Sales

Industries

Advertising Services