Generative Search Strategist

VERB Interactive•Toronto, ON

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The GEO Search Strategist will support VERB’s organic search offering, transitioning from traditional SEO to AI-first Generative Engine Optimization. This role acts as a primary change agent, partnering with the SEO team to align agency capabilities with the rise of Large Language Models (LLMs). They will help influence and support high-impact decisions regarding the GEO technology stack and as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) will, assist the team as they adapt to new search paradigms.

Requirements

5+ years of SEO/Digital experience with experience and knowledge in generative search, and AI optimization.
Proven ability to drive project outcomes in ambiguous environments, specifically relating to emerging technologies (AI, LLMs, or complex data structures).
Strong technical command of the modern web stack (Headless CMS, JSON-LD, Vector Search concepts) required to guide a technical team.
Experience managing vendors and software budgets (e.g., negotiating with enterprise analytics platforms like Scrunch or Perplexity).
Excellent communication skills, capable of translating high-impact technical decisions into clear business logic for the team, leadership, C-Suite and clients.

Responsibilities

Supports VERB's GEO/AIO offering, acting as the SME to help shape processes and deliverables to align with overall organizational strategy and future-proof client success.
Nurtures client relationships and partnerships by providing strong insights and strategies across accounts and demonstrating strong communication skills.
Partners with Paid, Content, Marketing Technology, Client Service, and other departments to integrate GEO methodologies (e.g., Topic/Content Pillars, Entity Schema, llms.txt protocols) into cross-channel workflows.
Develops and refines GEO frameworks and playbooks, translating experimental AI search tactics into actionable, high-value client solutions.
Diagnoses and resolves complex technical issues, specializing in Knowledge Graph entity resolution and AI-generated citation visibility.
Monitors and analyzes industry shifts in Generative Search (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity) to craft proactive, forward-thinking strategy pivots for clients.
Evaluates and leverages GEO-specific vendors and MarTech tools (e.g., Scrunch, Brand Radar) to elevate reporting and insight extraction.
Executes high-stake GEO strategies, ensuring all client deliverables maintain the highest standards of technical accuracy and strategic depth.
Troubleshoots complex technical roadblocks, particularly surrounding CMS architecture and complex technical search environments.
Maintains deep subject matter expertise in LLM ranking factors, Query Fan-out, RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation), and semantic search to guide strategic direction.
Partners with Accounts team to scope accurate, competitive, and achievable GEO strategies sales and partner retention.
Facilitates internal training sessions (e.g., "Lunch and Learns") to share industry knowledge and upskill agency teams on the evolving impact of AI on search.

Benefits

Vacation time available on day one
Extra bonus week during the holidays
Annual travel credit (for non-work related travel)
Free office snacks and drinks
Premium co-share option for Group Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision)
$1000 annual allowance to use towards a Health Spending OR Wellness Spending Account
Company matching RRSP program
Top up for Parental/Pregnancy leave
Professional and Personal Development opportunities
Internal recognition programs
Recreational sports teams and social event
Transit and fitness discounts