Director of Search Innovation (SEO/AEO)

Zola•New York City, NY

4d•$160,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Zola is looking for a Director of SEO/AEO to lead our organic search strategy and execution, with a strong emphasis on content. We need a creative, hands-on operator who is excited about the future of search, including the integration of AI and new technologies, and who “spikes” in content strategy. You'll be responsible for building a comprehensive strategy from the ground up, identifying high-impact opportunities, and scaling our content and product efforts to drive meaningful growth for Zola. This is NOT a cookie-cutter SEO role: thinkers who rely heavily on “SEO best practice” as an answer need not apply. We are looking for a leader who can serve at the forefront of the most quickly evolving discipline in marketing, who solves business problems through the lens of organic search. This role reports directly to the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).

Requirements

6-9 years of hands-on experience in SEO , with a proven track record of driving significant organic growth through business-led content and technical strategies.
Expert-level proficiency in platforms like Google Search Console, SEMRush, Botify, etc. as well as emerging AI search measurement and workflow platforms
A proven track record of curiosity and innovation when it comes to AI, GEO, and the evolving search landscape. This isn’t a platitude; we will ask you to give us examples of this.
A builder and operator. You're not just a strategist; you're highly operational and ready to roll up your sleeves to build new processes and workflows.
Deep expertise in content strategy. You know how to identify content gaps, model opportunity, and create engaging content that ranks. You have experience with co-occurrence acquisition and building a comprehensive content ecosystem.
A strong understanding of technical SEO and how it intersects with content.
Excitement for the future of search. You are genuinely curious about how AI, large language models, and other emerging technologies will shape the SEO landscape. You have experience working with AI tools for content or have a strong desire to dive in.
Excellent communication and analytical skills. You can translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Nimble and adaptable. You thrive in a fast-paced, startup-like environment and are comfortable navigating ambiguity.

Responsibilities

Lead the Organic Search Strategy: Develop and execute a holistic SEO/GEO strategy that aligns with Zola’s business goals, focusing on both foundational SEO and innovative, content-led growth initiatives.
Drive Content Creation: Lead the end-to-end content creation process, from identifying high-potential keywords and topics to building scalable workflows for content production. Partner with cross-functional collaborators to execute against a content roadmap.
Innovate with AI and Technology: Actively explore and implement new technologies, including AI tools, to accelerate keyword research, content generation, and co-occurrence acquisition.
Conduct In-Depth Research: Perform advanced keyword research, competitive analysis, and opportunity modeling to identify new growth areas. You'll use data to make a strong business case for your content strategies.
Manage Cross-Functional Projects: Work closely with product, engineering, and marketing teams to ensure SEO-first thinking is integrated into our product roadmap and marketing campaigns.
Report on Performance: Monitor, analyze, and report on key SEO metrics to the leadership team, clearly articulating performance, trends, and future opportunities. You will own the results.
Mentor and Grow: Stay on top of the latest search trends, algorithm updates, and industry best practices. You'll be the resident expert, educating others and championing SEO throughout the organization.

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