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Senior Manager, Search

Arlington, Virginia, United States; Atlanta, Georgia, United States; Chicago, Illinois, United States; Dallas, Texas, United States; Los Angeles, California, United States; New York, New York, United States; Raleigh, North Carolina, United States; San Francisco, California, United States

About Ketchum

As a global communications consultancy with 100 years of experience, Ketchum is a trusted partner who is equal parts creative and analytical. Ketchum is a place where all perspectives and points of view are welcome and encouraged. We are a collection of communications specialists, content creators, creatives, researchers, data analysts, media pros, digital strategists, issues and crisis counselors, and tech nerds. And we love when those worlds collide to create the very best teams and solutions for our clients. We work with the world’s leading brands, emerging start-ups, and everything in between. We are beyond proud to have created some of the most celebrated and award-winning campaigns in our industry. We’re just crazy enough to think we can impact the world – and how it responds to ideas – through communication.

We encourage our employees to be curious, brave, inspiring, and a force for good. Let’s talk. Come belong at Ketchum!

 

 

Overview: 

We’re looking for a Senior Manager, Search to join our team. The responsibilities and qualifications for this job may sound familiar, but the person we’re looking for is unique. That’s because Ketchum is different. We are intuitive, skilled practitioners – risk-takers who are unafraid to try new things and don’t believe in settling for the tried and true. If this sounds intriguing, you probably belong here with us. And in this role, you will be a critical part of taking our team to the next level.  

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Act as a strategic lead and primary client contact, building trust and proactively delivering tailored solutions across organic search strategies. 
  • Architect and execute comprehensive organic search strategies, encompassing technical SEO, content optimization, and integration of generative AI/search features to maximize brand visibility. 
  • Optimize web and digital content for both traditional and emerging search environments, including search engines, generative platforms, and social search channels (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, etc.). 
  • Oversee keyword research, competitive analysis, and on-page/off-page SEO, as well as social search optimization, to drive discoverability and engagement. 
  • Conduct in-depth search landscape analyses to identify opportunities, benchmark against competitors, and inform strategic direction across organic, generative, and social search platforms. 
  • Keep current with changes in search engine algorithms, generative AI trends, and social platform search functionalities—adapting strategies to maintain leading-edge performance. 
  • Leverage advanced analytics tools (GA4, Adobe Analytics, SEMrush or similar) to monitor search performance, derive actionable insights, and inform ongoing optimization. 
  • Partner across teams (content, PR, digital, paid media) to integrate SEO, social search, and SEM strategies into holistic marketing initiatives. 
  • Mentor and inspire junior team members, fostering a culture of learning, innovation, and search excellence. 
  • Develop and present insightful reporting on organic, generative, and social search performance, growth opportunities, and ROI to clients and senior leadership. 
  • Bring an understanding of SEM best practices and paid/organic synergies, supporting integrated search strategies as needed. 

Qualifications: 

  • 5-6 years of experience in SEO, organic and/or generative search, with proven results in optimizing across multiple search environments—including social platforms. 
  • Strategic thinker with expertise in technical SEO, content optimization, generative AI/search, and social search optimization. 
  • Demonstrated experience in conducting search landscape analyses to inform and enhance search strategy. 
  • Working knowledge of paid search (SEM) is strongly preferred; experience integrating SEM and SEO is a plus. 
  • Proficient in analytics and SEO tools, including GA4, Adobe Analytics, SEMrush (or similar), and strong skills in Excel and PowerPoint. 
  • Experienced in a client-facing, strategic leadership role with excellent relationship-building and communication skills. 
  • Highly analytical with the ability to convert data into actionable insights; detail-oriented and organized. 
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize, and deliver exceptional results in a dynamic agency environment. 
  • BS/BA degree preferred. We value diversity of thought, background, and experience. 

 

 

The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $95,000. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, education, years of experience, past training, skills and abilities of applicant, internal equity and local geographic market data. A range of medical, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, paid time off, and/or other benefits also are available. #LI-Hybrid

 

What We Offer

  • Hybrid Workplace: Three days a week in the office
  • Robust benefits program, effective within 30 days of hire
  • Paid maternity/paternity leave
  • Family Forming Benefits
  • Employee Recognition Program
  • Generous paid time off includes vacation, wellness, and extended holiday schedule
  • Various development opportunities to enhance personal and professional life
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Monthly Cell Phone & Wi-Fi reimbursement

Interested? We’ve got an opportunity for you.

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