OuterBox is hiring: SEO Associate in Houston

OuterBox is one of the country's leading digital marketing agencies, and we're looking for the next class of SEO associates to join our award-winning team.
This isn't an internship. It's a full-time, salaried career launch — built for people who are curious about how search works, hungry to learn, and ready to do meaningful work from day one.
You'll start with 12 weeks of structured, hands-on training inside our Search Marketing Grad Program — learning directly from experienced SEO teammates, working with real tools on real client accounts, and building the foundation of a long-term career in digital marketing. After training, you'll transition to a Specialist role and begin building your own client portfolio.
This is a hybrid work opportunity that will require you to work in-person at our Houston, TX office twice a week or as needed for in-person trainings.
The Program

Weeks 1–12: Training as an SEO Associate
You'll train alongside a select cohort of new grads in a structured, full-time program. You'll be in live sessions, practicing on real accounts, shadowing client meetings, and getting feedback from people who do this work every day.
You'll learn:
How search engines work and how businesses compete for visibility
SEO strategy frameworks we use with every client — including keyword research, content strategy, and technical analysis
How to read data, identify opportunities, and communicate what it means to a client
The tools of the trade: Ahrefs, Google Search Console, AccuRanker, Screaming Frog, and more
How SEO and paid media work together to drive results — because no channel works in isolation
How AI impacts the digital marketing landscape and how to leverage AI meaningfully in your role
After Training: SEO Specialist

Once you complete training and demonstrate readiness, you'll transition to a full SEO Specialist role on a client-facing team. You'll own a portfolio of accounts, execute SEO deliverables, and develop the strategic skills that set you up for a Strategist role — typically within 12 months.
What You'll Do as a Specialist

Execute on-page SEO: meta tags, headings, internal linking, and page optimizations
Perform keyword research and build keyword maps aligned to buyer intent
Conduct SEO audits and deliver prioritized recommendations
Support content strategy through content gap analysis and AI-assisted content workflows
Perform technical SEO reviews: site speed, schema, crawlability, indexation, and redirects
Monitor organic performance using Google Search Console and AccuRanker
Analyze lead quality and organic trends to inform strategy
Contribute to client reporting and communication
Manage a growing portfolio of client accounts, building toward full ownership and a Strategist role
Requirements

Who You Are

You don't need to have worked in SEO before — but you should be someone who:
Is genuinely curious about how search engines and digital marketing work
Learns fast and applies feedback without being asked twice
Communicates clearly — in writing, in conversation, and eventually with clients
Pays attention to detail and takes quality seriously
Wants a real career, not just a job — and is ready to put in the work to build it
Is based in Houston or the surrounding area — this role requires in-office days and relocation is not supported
Nice to have:

Coursework, personal projects, certifications (Google, HubSpot, etc.), or internship experience in marketing, communications, or a related field. No prior SEO experience required — we'll teach you.
Qualifications

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Marketing, Business, Communications, or a related field
Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with spreadsheet tools (Google Sheets or Excel) for data analysis
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a structured environment
U.S. work authorization required; we are unable to sponsor employment visas
Why You’ll Love Working at OuterBox:

High-character, fun, and cohesive work culture
PTO that is genuinely encouraged
Affordable, low-deductible health insurance plans
Supplemental benefits, including employer-paid life insurance, short & long term disability insurance
401k with company match
Remote work flexibility
Supportive, transparent, and accessible leadership that welcomes ideas, insights & feedback
If you’re ready to join a cohesive team that will support and encourage you to take your career to the next level, we encourage you to apply!
Cohesive Culture + Good Humor + Combined Skills = Awesome Results
At OuterBox, what we won’t stop doing is winning as a team for our clients, while at the same time winning for each other as both professionals and individuals. We know our wins start with our incredible people, which is why for over 20 years we’ve created — and continuously refined — a team-centric work culture rooted in trust, respect, accountability, appreciation, fun, and collaboration. The Plain Dealer & Cleveland.com demonstrate this by having awarded OuterBox as a Top Workplace for three years running in 2022–2024!
At OuterBox, we’re here to thrive together — not simply survive. So if you’ve been searching for an agency that energizes, inspires, and directly helps you achieve the best for you, the person, and you, the professional, maybe it’s time to think outside the traditional agency box?
Physical Demands

Primarily involves sitting at a desk and using a computer for extended periods of time.
Light physical activity is also required, such as carrying equipment or setting up for presentations.
Requires a high level of mental focus and the ability to work under pressure.
Good manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to use a computer for extended periods are required.
Work Authorization/Requirements

Must be located in the USA.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Our company is an equal-opportunity employer committed to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status.

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