Associate Director, SEO Content - Media - US Remote - Contractor

Overview

Short-term (2-3 month) contract role leading SEO and GEO content strategy, production and account performance across a portfolio of medium to large accounts, at 30 hours per week.

What you'll do

• Lead SEO and GEO content strategy across a portfolio of medium to large accounts, connecting client objectives, audience needs, competitive opportunities and performance data to clear priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Use keyword and prompt research, citation analysis, audience insights and competitive findings to strengthen brand visibility and authority across traditional and generative search.
• Develop strategies, roadmaps, briefs, outlines and recommendations, while writing, editing and optimizing content as needed.
• Guide work from ideation through final QA, maintaining high standards for accuracy, clarity, brand alignment, user experience and SEO/GEO performance.
• Apply AI tools across research, briefing, drafting, editing and quality assurance while maintaining human oversight of factual accuracy, source quality, originality, brand voice and subject-matter expertise.
• Manage and mentor Content Strategists while improving the frameworks, workflows, templates and editorial standards that support high-quality content production at scale.
• Partner with technical SEO, analytics, design, development, digital PR, paid media, project management and account teams to deliver connected strategies and address complex client needs.
• Identify opportunities to expand existing accounts and contribute to pitches, proposals, scopes, staffing plans and capabilities presentations.
• Stay current on changes in search, AI platforms, content discovery and audience behavior, translating developments into practical recommendations for clients and internal teams.

What you'll need

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in content strategy, SEO, digital content, editorial strategy or a related discipline.
• Experience leading complex content programs across multiple medium to large client accounts, preferably within an agency environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing content strategies that connect search demand, audience needs, brand positioning and business objectives.
• Strong knowledge of SEO fundamentals, including search intent, keyword research, content architecture, internal linking, on-page optimization and organic performance analysis.
• A working understanding of GEO, generative search platforms, AI citations, prompt tracking, answer visibility, and how these areas connect to broader content strategy.
• Experience managing, mentoring or developing content strategists, writers and editors.
• Strong executive communication skills, with the ability to make complex concepts clear, relevant and actionable for senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to assess account performance, identify strategic risks and opportunities, and guide teams toward the appropriate response.
• Strong editorial judgment and the ability to evaluate content for quality, usefulness, accuracy, search intent, brand alignment and strategic value.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, including SEO, analytics, account management, project management, design, development and digital PR.
• Commercial awareness and experience identifying account growth opportunities, contributing to scopes, or supporting new-business development.
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills, with the ability to oversee multiple accounts and workstreams while maintaining attention to quality.
• Comfort working through ambiguity and developing practical approaches in areas where platforms, tools and measurement standards continue to evolve.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and a desire to challenge established thinking while remaining focused on client and audience needs.

Details

• Contract engagement of 2-3 months, 30 hours per week.
• Remote, US-based (locations listed: NY, CA and IL, US).
• Hourly rate of $65-$85 USD, based on a 40-hour workweek and leveling.
• DEPT® participates in E-Verify; work authorization in the U.S. is required.