Director of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) - Media Properties

Demand Media is revolutionizing the Internet, and we want you to be part of the team that is defining the next generation of media.  Demand Media leverages its proprietary social media platforms and groundbreaking Internet technology to connect large audiences with domain services; brandable domains and our unique network of niche vertical Web sites.  Among Demand Media’s many web properties are: eHow.com, Cracked.com, Airliners.net, ChannelME.TV and many more. Are you ready to join the revolution?

 

Demand Media is looking for a smart, driven, hands-on Director of SEO to join our Search Engine Optimization team in Santa Monica.

 

This senior-level Search Engine Optimization specialist will have a proven track record of SEO success working with large, dynamic media websites. He or she will demonstrate an advanced understanding of SEO tactics, the search engine industry, search engine algorithms and ranking factors, and a forward-looking approach to the future of SEO and the search industry as a whole. He or she will go beyond basics in every assignment. He or she will further the SEO culture at Demand Media through steady communication of SEO best practices at all levels of the organization.

 

The SEO director will lead the SEO work for media properties run out of our Santa Monica office. Two of those media properties being: eHow.com and ExpertVillage.com. The SEO director will be responsible for top-to-bottom SEO for websites including: site redesigns, site structure and page construction, site features, content, keywords, sitemaps, inbound link generation, ranking and referral reports, site audits and more. In addition, the SEO director will work closely with team mates to mentor them in the ways of organic search tactics and to advise on SEO practices.  

 

Responsibilities:

· Grow referrals and uniques for Demand Media properties by leveraging all types of organic traffic opportunities

· Ongoing SEO assessments of and recommendations for Demand Media media sites and content assets including text, video and images

· Generate Product Requirements Documents and wire frames for SEO product enhancements

· Contribute SEO expertise to product plans including site redesigns, product enhancements, and new site features by contributing to other Product Managers’ Requirements Documents

· Troubleshoot SEO problems and propose resolutions

· Ensure high-quality SEO for user-generated content via: user outreach efforts (with marketing teams), and the UGC submission tools in conjunction (with product development teams)

· Conduct thorough, initial site audits for newly acquired sites. Generate and implement SEO enhancements with a focus on "quick wins," followed by long term strategies

· Write keyword rich, on-site copy in collaboration with marketing teams

· Work with editorial and marketing teams to drive SEO in content creation and content programming

· Report on the SEO of Demand Media media properties including regular incremental reports plus analysis of specific SEO or product changes, enhancements or initiatives

· Report on the overall SEO health of Demand Media’s web properties and rolling up SEO reports in a meaningful way for executive management

· Stay on top of current search engine news, trends, SEO practices, and emerging items of interest and sharing these with the rest of the team, GMs, developers, etc.

· Develop and execute on inbound linking strategies

· Keyword research, analysis, recommendations and execution

· Predict up-and-coming search queries before demand arrives, and recommend content to properties accordingly

· Monitor competitor sites and the general marketplace and ensure that Demand Media sites maintain competitive advantages in SEO

 

 Requirements: 5 to 7 years of significant SEO experience working with online media sites, social networking and/or community sites. At least 3 of those years spent in a more senior role or in a management capacity Proven ability to optimize websites, images and videos for organic search on the major search engines Extensive understanding of the search engine industry, industry standards, best practices, search engine algorithms and ranking strategies. And the ability to communicate these items to ones collegues and executive management teams Proven ability to build an SEO culture within the workplace; proven ability to lead a team Sound understanding of other forms of organic traffic and how to optimize for them Deep familiarity with programming languages including HTML, DHTML, AJAX, JavaScript,  and web technologies including online video, Flash, CSS, RSS Proven SEO success including link building, link baiting, ranking for targeted keywords, increased referrals and conversions Deep familiarity with Social Media and Community Websites Sound understanding of user experience for the web Time management skills and ability to meet multiple deadlines under pressure Exceptional organizational skills Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills Expert knowledge of Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook



What we Offer:

Competitive Salaries

2 weeks PTO/vacation, 4 sick days and 4 personal days

Medical, dental, vision, 401(K), and other benefits

Excellent work environment

 

About Us: As traditional media companies are trying to grasp the power of online communities and user-generated content, Demand Media remains a step ahead as it works at lightning speed to redefine the Internet.  Demand Media's executive team has a vision for the future of new media and a proven track record for delivering on its vision.

Please visit us @ www.demandmedia.com  or apply online @ www.demandmedia.com/careers.asp. See Job Description