SEO Manager (HR Title: SEO Strategist III)

SEO ManagerThe SEO Manager will lead SMU's university-wide strategy for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) driving the institution's visibility across traditional search engines and emerging AI-powered search experiences. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role is responsible for developing and executing a data-driven search strategy that advances SMU's goals for student recruitment, academic reputation, alumni engagement, and philanthropic support.Essential Functions:Work closely with the web development and Office of Information Technology teams to analyze SMU.edu website performance, develop and execute a multi-year university-level SEO and GEO strategy that attains high quality web traffic and leads to growth in program enrollment, alumni engagement, and fundraising activities.Audit and optimize pages on SMU.edu to ensure web content aligns with best SEO and GEO practices.Develop and take ownership of a long-term testing and optimization road map for SMU.edu.Conduct thorough keyword research by schools, programs, functions to identify high impact growth opportunities.Analyze competitors' web strategy and search rankings to strategically position SMU's content for best traffic and lead generation outcomes.Partner with content marketing team and social media team to connect SEO and GEO strategies with content strategies.Assist the content manager in creating new content and re-purpose existing content for best SEO and GEO performance.Partner with marketing leadership in SMU's eight schools, academic affairs, and development and external affairs to provide SEO and GEO strategy support and best practice guidance to schools and departments.Develop and execute a strategic AI search citation growth strategy to consistently improve the topical authority of SMU.edu.Qualifications:Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree is required. A degree in Web Development or Computer Science is preferred. A minimum of five (5) years of experience managing/leading SEO experience for large, complex websites is required. Experience optimizing content and digital properties for AI-driven search and discovery platforms, including technologies such as Google Gemini, ChatGPT, and other generative search tools, is strongly preferred.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills. Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills. Strong project management skills and a strong focus on attention to detail are essential.Primary Location: USA-TX-Dallas