AI-Focused SEO Strategist (Contract/Temp)

SEO Strategist - Contract

Position Summary

We are seeking an SEO Strategist who will be responsible for strengthening organic visibility and integrating SEO, AIO (AI-Driven Optimization), and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) best practices across digital initiatives. This role focuses on leading technical, content, AI-driven, and generative optimization, staying ahead of algorithm and platform updates, and embedding cutting-edge strategies into cross-channel marketing efforts. The SEO Strategist partners closely with content, UX, and media teams to ensure that our clients’ digital experiences are discoverable, competitive, and performance driven.

This is an hourly temporary role working around 29 hours/week with a possibility of increasing to 40 hours/week through at least 12/31/2025. We are open to hourly W-2 employees or 1099 contracting with an LLC.

Essential Functions

SEO, AIO & GEO Leadership

• Conduct SEO audits, keyword research, technical reviews, and deliver on-page/off-page optimization recommendations.
• Optimize articles, landing pages, and other digital content for traditional and generative search visibility, ensuring best practices for on-page SEO, structured data, and user intent alignment.
• Apply AIO techniques, leveraging emerging AI tools and search features to improve content and technical performance.
• Implement GEO strategies to optimize content for Generative Engine Optimization—ensuring brand content is cited and surfaced in AI-driven results such as Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Bing Copilot, and Perplexity.
• Monitor and respond to search algorithm updates, AI-driven trends, and generative search innovations.
• Integrate SEO, AIO, and GEO insights into cross-channel strategies, including content, UX, social, media, and CRM.
• Collaborate with creative and strategy teams to optimize content for visibility in both traditional and generative search experiences.

Trend Monitoring & Knowledge Sharing

• Stay on top of the latest trends in SEO, AIO, GEO, and digital marketing technologies.
• Proactively relay relevant updates, insights, and opportunities to both clients and internal teams.
• Serve as a thought leader within the agency, driving innovation and ensuring strategies remain forward-thinking.

Strategy, Creative & Collaboration

• Partner with Strategy, Client Service, Creative, and Media teams to align optimization strategies with broader marketing objectives.
• Partner with creative teams to deliver optimized content that remains engaging and compelling for our target audiences.
• Define SEO, AIO, and GEO-specific KPIs and measurement frameworks for multiple clients
• Provide clear recommendations that connect optimization performance to overall business objectives.

Reporting & Client Engagement

• Deliver detailed reports and insights highlighting opportunities, risks, and emerging trends.
• Provide ongoing updates to internal stakeholders and clients.
• Clearly communicate strategies and performance in ways that inspire confidence and informed decision-making.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Journalism, Computer Science or equivalent professional experience
• 4–6 years of experience in SEO strategy and execution (agency experience preferred).
• Proficiency in GA4, Google Search Console, SEMrush, AI-driven optimization tools, and platforms supporting generative engine strategies.
• Strong knowledge of technical SEO, AI-driven optimization, Generative Engine Optimization, keyword research, and content strategies.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with client-facing experience.

What We Offer:

• The hourly rate for this position will range from $70-$100 (Up to $130 for NYC and surrounding areas) per hour depending on experience, education, geographical location, and other factors.
• A full suite of benefits is available following one full month of employment working over 30 hours per week including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with profit sharing, and other ancillary benefits. We even have a Life Balanced Account where you can get reimbursed for things like groceries or a haircut (yes, really!)
• PTO: Vacation, Recharge, Safe & Sick Time, Flexible Holidays + 10 standard paid holidays and a paid Day of Service. PTO is available to employees working over 20 hours per week.
• Free financial wellness and planning and a robust EAP
• Additional fun perks like free tickets to the NC Zoo, Greensboro Grasshoppers games, SWARM games, food trucks, and more!
• Check out full details on our benefits at our website: https://www.paceco.com/culture/benefits/
• At Pace, salary equity and transparency is extremely important to us. That’s why we make our best offer upfront—no negotiations, no hidden numbers. We want every candidate to be evaluated fairly, without advantages based on negotiation skills. Our goal is to ensure that all team members are compensated equitably for the work they do.

About Pace

Pace is a leading integrated marketing agency & digital storytelling powerhouse. We specialize in brand storytelling and deliver results by continually creating better customer and employee experiences for our clients. We connect the dots across an integrated marketing ecosystem using our six key service areas: strategy, creative, media, social, technology, and analytics.

We Create With Heart. We believe everyone is part of creating something wonderful every day. We lead with purpose and empathy. We cultivate a sense of belonging and celebrate diversity in both mind and experience. And we succeed through collaboration. At Pace, everyone has a seat at the table, and unique perspectives are welcomed. Everyone’s voice carries the same tenor, and inclusivity is in our DNA.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Pace we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and genuine workplace, so if you’re enthusiastic about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we urge you to apply regardless. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles we have available.

Pace is an equal employment opportunity employer is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Pace does not discriminate against employees or job applicants based on age, ancestry, color, religious creed, race, sex, genetics, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, national origin, marital status, disability status, military or veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal or state statutes.