Director, AI Search & SEO

About the role

Manifest is seeking a Director of AI Search & SEO to lead its Universal Search capability within the Performance Marketing department. This senior, player‑coach position will shape holistic SEO and AI‑driven discovery strategies across paid, earned, shared, and owned channels, helping clients achieve measurable impact in a fragmented search landscape.

Key responsibilities

• Own and execute a comprehensive SEO and AI search strategy that translates audience insights into visibility‑driving programs.
• Design and implement Universal Search tactics across the full PESO ecosystem, integrating technical SEO, content, off‑page authority, and AI‑driven discovery (AEO/GEO).
• Serve as the client‑facing search leader, delivering strategic counsel, high‑quality deliverables, and confident presentations.
• Collaborate with Account, Precision Media, Audience Intelligence, Data & AI, and other agency disciplines to align strategy, timelines, and resources.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a small team of direct reports, building practice standards and scalable processes.
• Contribute to new‑business efforts by shaping AI‑search points of view, proposals, and statements of work.
• Identify audience and search trends to inform content planning and continuously optimize performance.
• Measure, report, and present performance results through regular reporting and quarterly business reviews.

Required profile

• 8–10+ years of SEO experience, with a proven track record leading an SEO practice or team at an agency.
• Current hands‑on expertise across technical SEO, content SEO, and off‑page SEO.
• Forward‑looking perspective on AI, generative platforms, and their impact on search discovery.
• Strong client‑facing communication skills and ability to build trust through strategic counsel.

Required skills

What we offer

• Hybrid work arrangement in Chicago, Washington D.C., New York City, or Phoenix.
• Opportunity to lead a high‑impact, innovative capability within a fast‑growing agency.