SEO Manager (HR Title: SEO Strategist III)

DescriptionSalary Range: Salary commensurate with experience and qualificationsAbout SMUSMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.About the Department:As SMU continues its academic ascent, Marketing and Communications plays a central role in elevating the University’s profile and advancing its institutional priorities. Working collaboratively across campus, the team leads communications, marketing, media relations, digital and reputation-building efforts that showcase academic excellence, research, the student experience and SMU’s impact.Through integrated planning, creative marketing and communications, proactive engagement and issues management, the team builds and protects SMU’s reputation and strengthens connections with audiences locally, nationally and globally.About the Position:This role is an on-campus, in-person position.The SEO Manager will lead SMU’s university-wide strategy for Search Engine Optimization (SE) 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.Working closely with University Marketing and Communications, Office of Information Technology, academic schools, and administrative stakeholders, the SEO Manager will enhance the discoverability, authority, and performance of SMU.edu through technical optimization, content strategy, competitive analysis, user behavior insights, and AI search citation initiatives. The position will lead efforts to improve search rankings, increase high-quality web traffic, strengthen topical authority, and maximize lead generation opportunities. This role will drive initiatives that will raise visibility and engagement among key audiences, including higher education leaders, top-tier prospective undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, donors, and SMU supporters and advocates. The successful candidate will serve as the University's subject matter expert on SEO and GEO best practices, partnering with content creators, social media professionals, web developers, and school leadership to optimize digital experiences and ensure SMU maintains a strong and growing presence in an evolving search landscape shaped by generative search engines.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.Under the Executive Director's general directions, the SEO Manager is responsible for SEO and GEO strategy that delivers on web traffic, search ranking, and AI search citation goals. The approaches include but are not limited to keyword research, competitive analysis, industry trend analysis, user behavior analysis, and the latest AI search trends.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. Work with third-party vendor to improve web visibility through the deployment of SMU’s next-generation Web Content Management system.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.QualificationsEducation 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. Physical and Environmental Demands:Sit for long periods of timeDeadline to Apply:Priority consideration may be granted to applications received by September 3, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.EEO StatementSMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.Benefits:SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.Job Field: Marketing and CommunicationsJob Type: StaffOrganization: Provost - OtherSchedule: Full-timeShift: Day JobJob Level: Individual ContributorTravel: NoEmployee Status: Regular