Search Strategist – 12 to 14 Month Contract

VERB Interactive

. Act as the primary search contact for partners, lead calls, and present reports explaining strategy, tactics, and recommendations .

Posted 11/3/2026contractHalifax • CanadaMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in SEO and AI search strategies, including technical SEO, local search management, and performance analysis. Proficient in utilizing analytics tools and managing partner relationships to drive search performance and deliver actionable insights.

Highest-signal resume keywords

SEO Strategy DevelopmentGenerative Engine OptimizationTechnical SEO Issue ResolutionGoogle Business Profile ManagementPerformance Analysis and Reporting

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

SEO Best PracticesEntity OptimizationSchema MarkupKeyword ResearchContent Writing for SEOTechnical SEOLink-Building StrategiesCrawling and Indexing ManagementData AnalysisPerformance Monitoring

Soft Skills

Analytical SkillsProblem-SolvingWritten CommunicationVerbal CommunicationOrganizational Skills

Tools & Technologies

Google Search ConsoleAhrefsSemrushGA4Data StudioJiraScreaming FrogYextClaudeScrunch

Industry Keywords

Local ListingsHospitality ExperienceTourism ExperienceAI SearchSearch Performance

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

DrupalWordPress

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Act as the primary search contact for partners, lead calls, and present reports explaining strategy, tactics, and recommendations
Lead integrated SEO and AI search strategies for partners
Lead Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) through entity optimization, structured data, llms.txt, and citation-ready content
Monitor AI search performance, including brand mentions, share of voice, citations, and answer accuracy
Turn performance findings into prioritized recommendations
Own local search strategy, listings, location data, reviews, and Google Business Profiles
Manage day-to-day SEO and AI search activities for retainers
Manage pre- and post-launch activities for new builds
Coordinate with content strategists, project managers, developers, and external vendors
Apply site architecture, on-page, technical, schema, and off-page SEO tactics
Manage partner backlink profiles and link-building strategies
Perform keyword, prompt, competitor, content, and website performance research
Use Ahrefs, Semrush, Scrunch, Yext, Google Search Console, GA4, Data Studio, and Claude
Proactively identify and implement strategy and tactic improvements
Collaborate with Accounts, Performance Media, social, creative, and content teams
Align search insights, SERP strategy, and content calendars across channels
Track time and manage tasks in Jira
Keep retainer hours and deliverables on time and on budget
Provide SEO and AI search training to partners
Participate in team training and stay current on search and AI trends

Requirements

What you’ll need

3+ years of SEO or AI search experience
Post-secondary education in marketing, communications, or equivalent experience
Demonstrated knowledge of ranking factors and SEO best practices
Knowledge of how AI answer engines such as Google AI Overviews, AI Mode, and ChatGPT select, cite, and describe brands
Recent experience identifying and fixing technical SEO issues on CMSs such as WordPress and Drupal
Experience crawling sites and managing indexing in Google Search Console
Experience using Screaming Frog, Semrush, and Ahrefs
Knowledge of robots.txt, regular expressions, schema markup, and entity optimization
Experience managing Google Business Profiles and local listings through platforms such as Yext
Working knowledge of GA4, Data Studio, or other analytics tools
Working knowledge of Jira or similar time-tracking tools
Experience managing organic search for multiple partners
Hospitality and tourism experience is an asset
Ability and interest in leading calls, presenting reports, and clearly explaining decision rationale
Self-directed and accountable, with confidence to own partner strategy end to end without close supervision
Demonstrated ability to write content for SEO and AI search
Strong analytical, problem-solving, written and verbal communication skills
Close attention to detail
Highly organized and able to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
Open to feedback
Experience with social or paid media campaigns is an asset

Benefits

Comp & perks

Vacation time available from day one
Extra paid week off during the annual holiday closure between Christmas and New Year’s
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 toward a Health Spending or Wellness Spending Account
Company matching RRSP program
Top up for Parental/Pregnancy leave
Hybrid work arrangements
Remote opportunities available for other locations
Career advancement
Professional and personal development opportunities
Internal recognition programs
Recreational sports teams and social events
Transit and fitness discounts