Manager, Organic & AI Search Optimization

Manager, Organic & AI Search Optimization

The Manager, Organic & AI Search Optimization role will be responsible for driving FirstKey Homes' digital visibility across both traditional search engines and emerging AI-powered platforms. The position will lead the development and execution of a unified Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) strategy, combining technical SEO expertise with innovative approaches to AI-driven discovery systems. By positioning FirstKey Homes as a trusted authority in the residential rental market, this role will oversee initiatives that optimize content performance, adapt to evolving algorithms, and ensure the brand remains discoverable and competitive across all digital touchpoints.

Lead the strategy and implementation of AEO / GEO initiatives to maximize organic visibility across traditional and generative search environments.

Apply deep Technical SEO expertise, including site architecture, structured data, schema markup, page speed optimization, and crawl / index management to ensure site health and discoverability.

Ensure FirstKey Homes' content is structured, discoverable, and aligned with evolving AI and search engine ranking mechanisms.

Optimize for features like knowledge panels, rich snippets, answer boxes, and voice search (AEO), while enhancing content to influence AI-generated results in tools like ChatGPT, Google AI Overview, and Perplexity (GEO).

Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, content, IT, and digital product teams to ensure alignment with business goals and brand voice.

Monitor performance across conventional SEO platforms (Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs) and emerging AI / LLM analytics tools.

Provide guidance and leadership on the intersection of content, data, and search across departments.

Track emerging technologies and trends in search behavior to ensure FirstKey Homes remains future ready.

This brief summary is not an all-inclusive description of job duties. Other job duties and responsibilities may also be assigned by the incumbent's manager at any time based upon Company need.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Bachelor's Degree

5 - 8 years of experience leading SEO strategy (technical, content, and local), with at least 2 - 3 years managing teams or cross-functional initiatives in digital marketing or search optimization.

Proven hands-on expertise in Technical SEO at scale (site architecture, structured data, schema, site health, performance optimization).

Demonstrated success optimizing content for traditional search engines (Google, Bing) as well as modern AI platforms (ChatGPT, Perplexity, Google AI Overview, Voice Assistants).

Strong understanding of how search engines and generative AI systems surface and prioritize content.

Experience working in or with enterprise-level websites, preferably in real estate, property management, B2C service industries, or omnichannel with a local search focus.

Proficiency with SEO and analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, GSC, SEMrush, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog).

Proven ability to translate complex digital concepts into actionable strategies for cross-functional teams.

Strong communication, leadership, and project management skills.

Experience with large datasets, recommending actions and synthetizing insights.

Proven ability to manage data and extract exceptions for targeted performance management.

Highly process oriented with passion to investigate root causes, driving process improvement, and enabling change management.

Experience working within a multi-disciplined, cross-functional technical organization.

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with proven ability to effectively influence staff at all levels.

Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Complex Problem Solving Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Mathematics Using mathematics to solve problems.

Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Active Learning Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Systems Evaluation Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.

Monitoring Monitoring / Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Exposure to AI / LLM-driven search environments and how generative models influence discoverability

Experience in highly regulated or location-based industries such as property management, housing, or financial services, where compliance and accuracy are critical

Familiarity with voice search optimization and conversational AI trends, including emerging platforms and assistant technologies

Knowledge of local search dynamics and strategies for scaling visibility across multi-market footprints

Leadership? Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Analytical Thinking? Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Attention to Detail? Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Initiative? Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Cooperation? Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Integrity? Job requires being honest and ethical.

Adaptability / Flexibility? Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.

FirstKey Homes is an equal opportunity employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, genetic information or any other legally protected classification or status.