SEO/SEM Director Jobs

SEO/SEM Directors lead the strategies that help organizations increase visibility, attract qualified audiences, and grow through search. These senior digital marketing professionals guide organic search engine optimization (SEO) and paid search engine marketing (SEM), combining strategic planning, analytics, and team leadership to deliver measurable results. Explore vetted SEO/SEM Director opportunities paying $100,000 or more on Ladders.

What Does an SEO/SEM Director Do?

SEO/SEM Directors set search marketing priorities and oversee programs across channels, teams, and technology platforms. Depending on the organization, the role may include managing SEO, paid search, or both. Directors translate business goals into search strategies, allocate budgets, monitor performance, and communicate results to executives and cross-functional partners.

Common Responsibilities

  • Develop and oversee integrated SEO and SEM strategies tied to business growth.
  • Lead keyword research, technical SEO, content optimization, and paid search campaigns.
  • Manage search budgets, bidding strategies, agencies, and marketing technology.
  • Measure performance using analytics, attribution, and reporting tools.
  • Partner with content, product, engineering, analytics, and brand teams.
  • Hire, coach, and develop search marketing teams while presenting insights to leadership.

Skills and Qualifications

Employers often seek substantial experience in digital marketing and a track record of improving search visibility, traffic quality, and conversions. Valuable capabilities include technical and on-page SEO, paid search management, data analysis, forecasting, budget ownership, experimentation, and executive communication. Familiarity with platforms such as Google Ads, Google Analytics, and SEO research tools can also be important. Requirements vary by company and industry.

SEO/SEM Director Salary and Career Outlook

Compensation depends on factors such as company size, location, industry, scope of responsibility, and experience. Ladders focuses on vetted professional opportunities that pay $100,000 or more, including senior search marketing leadership roles. Directors may advance to vice president of digital marketing, head of growth, or broader marketing leadership positions.

Find SEO/SEM Director Jobs on Ladders

Search Ladders for SEO/SEM Director openings and related senior search marketing roles. Compare opportunities by location, industry, and responsibilities, then use your experience in search strategy, analytics, and team leadership to identify roles that match your career goals.

Remote
caret down
Compensation
caret down
Position Level
caret down
Time Posted
caret down
Industries
caret down
Locations
caret down
More
1
caret down

$145K - $165K *

Transform your career by leading diverse teams and client portfolios in a dynamic Search Marketing environment. Drive strategy, foster innovation, and mentor talent while optimizing digital campaigns...

2 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$88K - $105K *

Champion innovative paid search strategies, optimizing performance and driving client success through data analysis, team leadership, and cross-channel alignment. Lead a dynamic team to enhance campai...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$140K - $160K *

Lead the implementation of a cutting-edge SEO strategy, managing client accounts and driving performance through collaboration with teams. Mentor staff, innovate processes, and ensure best practices t...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$140K - $160K *

Join a dynamic team to lead the execution of innovative SEO strategies, driving client success through effective account management and collaboration with specialists. Elevate your career by mentoring...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$140K - $185K *

Unlock opportunities for performance marketing success as you drive client strategies, optimize campaigns, and shape insights in a rapidly evolving search and ads landscape, leading cross-functional c...

3 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Transform search visibility and traffic by leading SEO initiatives across diverse domains. Collaborate cross-functionally to optimize content, diagnose technical issues, and leverage data for impactfu...

United StatesRemote

2 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Consumer Technology

$110K - $130K *

Drive technical SEO excellence and organic search strategy, optimizing website performance and visibility across traditional and AI-powered platforms. Collaborate with teams to enhance content and use...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Legal & Accounting

$115K - $130K *

Lead the charge in optimizing search channels for diverse clients, managing a global team while driving SEO, PPC, GEO, and AIO strategies. Ensure performance efficiency and deliver insightful reportin...

United StatesRemote

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$77K - $89K *

Transform the landscape of SEO and GEO by leading innovative strategies, optimizing AI-generated content, and driving measurable results for B2B clients. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enh...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$77K - $89K *

Drive your career with a Senior Manager role focused on SEO and GEO strategies. Collaborate with teams to optimize client visibility, conduct audits, and deliver actionable insights, all while leading...

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$77K - $89K *

Drive innovative SEO and GEO strategies, collaborating with teams to enhance client visibility through technical audits, content optimization, and performance analysis. Leverage deep expertise to deli...

Seattle, WARemote

1 week ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$80K - $95K *

Unlock potential by transforming local performance data into actionable SEO strategies. Collaborate with clients to enhance visibility across multiple locations, leveraging insights to drive store vis...

3 weeks ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Business Services

$150K - $180K *

Lead strategic initiatives in paid search marketing, driving innovative campaigns and measurable results. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance client relationships and mentor team member...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$125K - $150K *

Lead the charge in shaping innovative paid search strategies that drive measurable business results. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance client relationships and mentor talent, ensuring...

2 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$75K - $102K *

Manage the execution of innovative SEO strategies, ensuring optimal site performance and visibility. Collaborate with clients and teams to deliver actionable insights, while leading a skilled team in...

2 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Media

$145K - $165K *

Lead the charge in managing diverse teams and client portfolios within our dynamic Search Marketing practice, driving strategy, innovation, and performance improvements while mentoring junior staff an...

2 weeks ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$174K - $210K *

Lead paid search strategy and performance across diverse client portfolios. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive growth and optimize campaigns while developing strong client relationships...

4 weeks ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Lead the charge in driving organic growth through innovative SEO, AEO, and content strategies. Collaborate with teams to optimize performance, enhance visibility, and build a robust content engine tha...

5 days ago

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Hospitality & Recreation

$90K - $110K *

Lead strategic SEO initiatives for B2B SaaS clients, driving measurable business impact through clear communication and innovative strategies. Build strong relationships and guide clients in an AI-fir...

Toronto, ONIn-Person

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$100K - $120K *

Drive impactful SEO strategies for B2B SaaS clients, leading strategic conversations and translating complex insights into actionable business recommendations. Join a high-performing team dedicated to...

Toronto, ONRemote

3 days ago

  •   Less than 5 years exp.  •   Enterprise Technology

$150K - $180K *

Transform the Paid Search landscape by leading strategy and performance across platforms like Google and AI search. Drive growth, mentor future leaders, and shape innovative practices in a fast-paced...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$160K - $200K *

Transform the Paid Search practice by leading strategy, performance, and team growth. Drive innovation across traditional and AI search platforms while shaping best-in-class service offerings and nurt...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$160K - $200K *

Lead the charge in shaping and executing the vision for a high-impact Paid Search practice, driving strategy, performance, and team development across traditional and AI search platforms while collabo...

Today

  •   8 - 10 years exp.  •   Media

$75K - $180K *

Unlock your potential as you lead day-to-day Paid Search operations, driving strategic direction and team development while managing client relationships and optimizing performance across multiple acc...

2 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

$110K - $130K *

Accelerate progress at the forefront of paid search strategy, leading a team to optimize and scale campaigns across platforms. Drive measurable outcomes through innovative thinking and collaboration w...

3 days ago

  •   5 - 7 years exp.  •   Media

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • What is an SEO/SEM Director?question toggle

    An SEO/SEM Director is a senior marketing leader who oversees organic search optimization, paid search engine marketing, or both. The role connects search strategy and execution to broader business goals.

  • What does an SEO/SEM Director do day to day?question toggle

    Responsibilities may include setting search strategy, managing SEO and paid search programs, directing budgets and teams, analyzing campaign performance, and collaborating with content, product, engineering, and analytics partners.

  • What qualifications are common for SEO/SEM Director jobs?question toggle

    Employers commonly look for extensive digital marketing experience, demonstrated search growth, strong analytical and communication skills, and expertise in areas such as technical SEO, paid search, budgeting, and performance measurement. Specific requirements vary.

  • How much do SEO/SEM Directors earn?question toggle

    Pay varies by location, industry, company, experience, and role scope. Ladders features vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more, including SEO/SEM Director opportunities.

  • Where can I find SEO/SEM Director jobs paying $100,000 or more?question toggle

    You can explore SEO/SEM Director and related senior search marketing openings on Ladders, which focuses on vetted professional jobs with salaries of at least $100,000.