Senior Director, Content & Search

CompanyCox Automotive - USAJob Family GroupMarketingJob ProfileSr Director, Search Engine OptimizationManagement LevelSr DirectorFlexible Work Option Hybrid - Ability to work remotely part of the weekTravel %Yes, 25% of the timeWork ShiftDayCompensationCompensation includes a base salary in the range of $163,400.00 - $272,300.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.Job DescriptionPosition OverviewCox Automotive is seeking a Senior Director, Content & SEO to lead content strategy, content operations, and organic search performance across Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, two of the most trusted consumer brands in the automotive industry.This senior leadership role offers significant executive visibility and influence. The Senior Director will regularly partner with VP-level leaders across Sales, Business Operations, Advertising, Marketing, Product, and Engineering to ensure content investments drive measurable business outcomes.Reporting directly to the AVP, Product & Engineering, this leader will oversee an organization of approximately 50 professionals spanning:Content StrategySEOEditorial ProductionCreative ProductionContent OperationsSocial MediaThis role requires a strategic, autonomous leader who can drive organizational transformation, content innovation, audience growth, and business performance during a period of rapid change in digital publishing and AI-driven search.How We WorkEditor-First AIAI supports, but never replaces, human creativity, expertise, and editorial judgment.Smart BrevityWe create content that is clear, useful, engaging, and easy to consume.Extreme OwnershipEveryone leads. Everyone grows. Everyone drives results.Multimedia-FirstEvery story is visual, interactive, dynamic, and audience-centric.Key ResponsibilitiesExecutive Leadership & Industry RepresentationServe as the senior content and SEO leader for KBB and Autotrader.Represent content strategy in executive forums across Sales, Advertising, Marketing, and Business Operations.Translate content strategy into commercial value and support client-facing sales narratives.Serve as an external thought leader through industry conferences, publications, and speaking engagements.Manage OEM relationships, press access, embargo protocols, and industry partnerships.Lead media and public relations efforts in partnership with Corporate Communications.Build trusted relationships with executive stakeholders and influence across a highly matrixed organization.Change Leadership & Organizational TransformationLead organizational change across a 50-person content organization.Develop and execute change management plans related to:AI-enabled workflowsTool migrationsWorkflow redesignOrganizational restructuringBrand strategy shiftsPartner with HR and executive leadership on workforce planning and team evolution.Coach directors and senior managers to lead change effectively.Maintain operational continuity while navigating transformation initiatives.Content Strategy: Two Brands, One VisionDevelop and evolve content strategies for both Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader.Define publishing priorities, content tiers, and coverage strategies.Leverage audience insights, search demand, and AI search trends to inform content investments.Create content strategies that perform across:Owned platformsSearch enginesAI-powered discovery experiencesSocial channelsThird-party distribution platformsEstablish and maintain brand voice, editorial standards, and content quality frameworks.Align content strategy with advertising, marketing, acquisition, and retention goals.Creative Strategy & Multimedia ProductionLead creative strategy across:Editorial contentPhotographyVideoYouTubeSocial mediaEstablish production standards, creative excellence, and audience engagement goals.Drive video and YouTube growth strategies.Oversee platform-specific social content strategies.Champion new formats, emerging platforms, and content innovation opportunities.Build scalable multimedia production workflows while maintaining quality standards.Content Operations & TechnologyOversee a content ecosystem producing more than 2,000 assets annually.Own end-to-end content operations, including:Editorial calendarsProduction workflowsQuality assurance processesResource planningLead content technology strategy across:CMS platformsSEO toolsAI platformsAnalytics systemsWorkflow management toolsEvaluate, select, implement, and optimize content tools and vendors.Establish operational performance metrics and reporting.Build scalable processes that support AI-assisted production while maintaining editorial integrity.Vendor & Platform ManagementManage enterprise relationships across tools such as:BynderMonday.comAdobeWordPress VIPZapierLead contract negotiations, renewals, SLA management, and cost optimization initiatives.Identify opportunities to consolidate and improve the overall technology portfolio.SEO & Generative Search Optimization (GEO)Lead a team of SEO Product Managers supporting both brands.Own enterprise SEO strategy, including:Technical SEOKeyword strategyContent optimizationInternal linkingAuthority buildingDevelop and execute Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) initiatives.Optimize content visibility across AI-powered search experiences, including:Google AI OverviewsChatGPTPerplexityEmerging AI search platformsMonitor search ecosystem changes and proactively adapt strategies.Integrate SEO best practices throughout the content lifecycle.Cross-Functional LeadershipPartner with Sales to support dealer and OEM business objectives.Collaborate with Advertising Product on sponsored content and monetization strategies.Work alongside Marketing and Audience Experience teams on audience growth initiatives.Partner with Product and Engineering on platform capabilities and AI-driven solutions.Establish scalable decision-making and engagement frameworks across teams.Business Performance & Financial ManagementOwn key performance indicators across both brands, including:Organic trafficAudience growthEngagementVideo performanceConversion metricsRevenue contributionDeliver executive-level reporting and performance insights.Identify audience monetization and revenue-growth opportunities.Manage budgets, staffing plans, and resource allocation decisions.QualificationsRequiredBachelor's degree and 12+ years of experience in digital publishing, content strategy, or content leadershipMaster's degree with 10+ years consideredPhD with 7+ years consideredEquivalent combination of education and experience acceptedMinimum 6 years leading large, multi-layered teamsExperience leading content strategy across multiple brands or digital propertiesExpertise in:SEOTechnical SEOContent optimizationAI-driven search trendsGEO (Generative Engine Optimization)Deep understanding of consumer digital behavior and changing search patternsProven success influencing VP-level and executive stakeholdersExperience leading organizations of 40+ employees across multiple functionsDemonstrated ability to operate independently and lead through ambiguityExperience managing large-scale content operations producing 1,000+ assets annuallyExperience managing content technology ecosystems and enterprise platformsExperience negotiating and managing enterprise vendor relationshipsExperience leading written, visual, video, and social content teamsStrong analytical and business-performance orientationExperience in highly matrixed organizationsExcellent communication and executive influence skillsDemonstrated success leading organizational transformation and change management initiativesPractical experience applying AI tools within content production workflowsExperience in automotive, consumer finance, media, or another high-consideration purchase categoryPreferredHands-on GEO experience and content optimization for AI-generated search resultsBackground that includes both content leadership and SEO product managementExperience supporting sponsored content, native advertising, or content monetization programsProven track record building or transforming content organizations and operationsEstablished industry presence, including:Conference speaking engagementsPublished thought leadershipRecognized expertise within automotive or digital media sectorsLeadership ProfileThe ideal candidate is a strategic, highly autonomous leader who can:Think like a publisher and a business executiveLead large organizations through uncertainty and changeDrive measurable audience and revenue outcomesInfluence executive stakeholders across multiple disciplinesBuild high-performing teams and scalable operationsDefine the future of content, SEO, and AI-powered discovery for two industry-leading consumer brandsThis role is best suited for a leader who brings recommendations, not questions; solutions, not status updates; and who thrives in an environment of ownership, accountability, and innovation.Drug TestingTo be employed in this role, you’ll need to clear a pre-employment drug test. Cox Automotive does not currently administer a pre-employment drug test for marijuana for this position. However, we are a drug-free workplace, so the possession, use or being under the influence of drugs illegal under federal or state law during work hours, on company property and/or in company vehicles is prohibited.BenefitsThe Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company’s needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.About UsThrough groundbreaking technology and a commitment to stellar experiences for drivers and dealers alike, Cox Automotive employees are transforming the way the world buys, owns, sells – or simply uses – cars. Cox Automotive employees get to work on iconic consumer brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book and industry-leading dealer-facing companies like vAuto and Manheim, all while enjoying the people-centered atmosphere that is central to our life at Cox. Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page. Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer – All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship.EOE, including disability/vetsApplicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future.Application Deadline: 09/06/2026SummaryLocation: Atlanta GA; REMOTE - USAType: Full time