Associate Director, SEO

Location: Chicago, Nashville, or remote in the continental U.S.

Department: Content & Engagement

Reports To: Senior Director of SEO

Employment Type: Full-Time

Why Join Unlock

At Unlock, we’re reshaping how healthcare organizations connect with people, building smarter, more integrated marketing that drives real outcomes. Search is at the core of that mission. As consumer journeys become more complex and AI reshapes discovery, we’re investing in experts who can elevate SEO into a central growth driver for our clients.

We’re looking for visionary SEO strategists who thrive at the intersection of data, content, and innovation. As a Senior SEO Strategist / Associate Director, you’ll have the platform, resources, and support to define best-in-class SEO strategies, mentor top talent, and push the boundaries of what search can achieve for our clients.

If you’ve been waiting for the chance to take your SEO expertise and shape how an agency does search—this is it.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership + Client Oversight

• Serve as the strategic lead on SEO and GEO initiatives across key client accounts, setting vision, frameworks, and success metrics that align with business goals.
• Partner with the group lead to evolve Unlock’s SEO practice, staying ahead of AI-driven search and identifying opportunities to innovate and differentiate.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with subject matter experts in content, creative, media, PR, demand generation, and analytics to integrate SEO into holistic marketing programs.
• Oversee advanced SEO initiatives: technical audits, content gap analysis, competitive assessments, page optimizations, content outlines, and performance measurement.
• Translate data into compelling narratives and insight-driven recommendations that influence executive-level client decision-making.
• Build long-term, trusted partnerships with clients by delivering measurable impact and thought leadership.
• Support new business growth by contributing SEO expertise to pitches, proposals, and consultative sales conversations.

Team Leadership & Development

• Help build and manage a growing team of SEO managers, specialists, and interns, fostering a culture of excellence, curiosity, and innovation.
• Build career growth plans, lead training initiatives, and coach team members to expand their skills and confidence.
• Improve operational efficiency and cross-functional collaboration through streamlined processes and tools.
• Champion internal education on SEO and AI-influenced search trends to continually evolve our capabilities.

Qualifications

• 7–9+ years of progressive, full-time SEO experience, with a strong mix of technical and strategic expertise.
• Proven success managing SEO programs for mid-market to enterprise-level clients in an agency or consulting environment.
• Experience leading and growing high-performing teams with measurable business outcomes.
• Strong track record of building the business case for SEO, contributing to sales, and driving new opportunities.
• Mastery of SEO tools and analytics platforms (Google Analytics, Google Search Console, SEMrush, Screaming Frog, generative AI tools, etc.).
• Deep expertise in technical SEO, content optimization, and analytics.
• Proven ability to design and implement innovative SEO solutions in rapidly evolving environments.
• Exceptional communication skills—able to simplify complex concepts for senior and executive audiences.
• Adept at juggling multiple client engagements with strong prioritization and project management skills.
• Familiarity with project management systems.
• Google Analytics Certification preferred (required within first 6 months).

What You’ll Bring

• An expert, future-focused perspective on how SEO is evolving in the era of AI, automation, and generative content.
• A collaborative work style that uplifts teams while demanding performance.
• A growth mindset rooted in experimentation, continuous learning, and improvement.
• A passion for helping healthcare organizations connect with people in more meaningful ways.

About Unlock:

Unlock Health breaks down the walls that healthcare providers have lived with for decades. We connect the dots across managed care and marketing so that providers can realize their missions and patients can get the right care. We've brought together the top healthcare marketing organizations to make this vision a reality, combining Eruptr and DECODE with a team of experts in managed care, technology, and ROI design.

We believe our business can only grow by including our Vision and Values in everything we do. Our hiring process is no different. We interview and hire based on our values, which you can learn more about here.

Equality Opportunity Employer Statement

Unlock, and its affiliate companies, is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.