Executive Director of SEO/AEO

TrendyMinds • Indianapolis, IN

2d • Remote

About The Position

Reporting to the Performance Marketing Lead, the Executive Director of SEO/AEO will oversee TrendyMinds' SEO/AEO service line with support from the previous director, who is transitioning to a new role within the agency. This is a leadership position for a seasoned SEO professional who is ready to take ownership of the service line and drive it forward, managing business development, service delivery, reporting, and team operations with a high degree of independence.

The search landscape is changing rapidly, and we need someone who isn't just keeping up but thinking ahead. The right candidate will bring a sophisticated understanding of how AI is reshaping search behavior and visibility, a clear perspective on strategies for influencing AI-driven discovery, and the vision to guide the team through what comes next.

Requirements

• Experience. 10+ years of professional SEO experience, ideally in an agency environment. Deep, hands-on expertise across all core SEO/AEO disciplines, including technical SEO, content strategy, off-site strategy, website migrations, auditing, reputation management, conversion rate optimization, and reporting.
• Search & AI Expertise. A sophisticated understanding of the impact AI is having on search, not just awareness, but a clear, actionable perspective on strategies for influencing AI visibility and navigating the evolving search landscape.
• Tools Proficiency. Advanced working knowledge of the following platforms and tools: Google Search Console Google Analytics Semrush Ahrefs Screaming Frog Peec AI (or a comparable AI visibility platform) Looker Studio Microsoft Clarity
• Client-Facing Skills. Excellent presentation and communication skills with a proven ability to build strong client relationships, pitch strategies persuasively, and deliver reporting that demonstrates value.
• Leadership. Experience managing and developing team members, with the ability to balance hands-on delivery with the responsibilities of growing and guiding a team.
• AI Fluency. A demonstrated comfort and capability with AI tools as part of day-to-day work, using them to improve quality, move faster, and scale output effectively.

Responsibilities

• Service Line Leadership. Own and grow TrendyMinds' SEO/AEO practice. Drive business development, shape service offerings, and ensure the team is delivering high-quality work across the full spectrum of SEO/AEO disciplines, including website migrations, site auditing and strategy development, content strategy and planning, technical SEO, off-site strategy, reputation management, conversion rate optimization, and reporting.
• Client Partnership. Serve as a trusted advisor to clients in a highly client-facing role. Present strategies with clarity and confidence, convey the business value of search performance, lead reporting conversations that build trust, and cultivate lasting, positive client relationships.
• Team Management. Manage at least one direct report, with responsibility for allocating assignments, facilitating team communications, providing training and mentorship, supporting professional development, and maintaining overall service delivery quality.
• AI-Forward Thinking. Champion the use of AI across the team's workflows to improve output quality, efficiency, and scale. Bring a forward-looking mindset to how AI tools and platforms can enhance both internal processes and client-facing strategies.

Benefits

• Fully remote: We believe the best team is one that isn’t limited by proximity to a physical location. Whether it’s the West Coast or the East Coast, we work with team members across all of the U.S. time zones.
• Collaborative team environment: Your voice is important, and we believe the best projects include contributions from everyone.
• Great benefits: 30 paid days off and 401(k) matching. What more could you ask? Oh yeah, we cover 100% of health insurance premiums for all team members and 50% for their spouses and dependents.
• Flexible schedule: Some people are early birds who love collaborating in-person at our offices. Others are night owls who enjoy working from home. We are flexible to accommodate different work styles, times, and locations- within reason and the needs of our clients - of course!
• New equipment: In order to produce incredible work, we have to have incredible equipment. Sorry if you were hoping for a 7-year-old PC. That’s just not our style.
• Philanthropy: We like to do our part to help our community. With our philanthropy committee and donation matching system, we offer you the resources you need to make a difference.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees