Vice President, Performance Content (SEO) Job at Starcom in Chicago

Overview Join to apply for the Vice President, Performance Content (SEO) role at Starcom. The VP will lead the SEO practice, drive content strategy, and develop next-generation search solutions across emerging AI platforms.

Responsibilities Practice Development : Lead the strategic vision and development of the Performance Content practice across Starcom clients.

Maintain deep expertise in evolving organic search and AI-powered answer engine landscape to guide innovation.

Own and evolve frameworks, methodologies, and tools that support SEO, conversion optimization, and AI / Generative Engine Optimization (GEO).

Serve as a senior subject matter expert supporting new business.

Cultivate partnerships with SEO and AI search technology platforms.

Identify new products and offerings that drive value and growth.

Support internal education, enablement, and advocacy to drive understanding and adoption of modern search strategies.

Oversee development and transition plans from legacy content platforms or models.

Experience managing and optimizing brand"s local listings and reviews.

Experience optimizing websites to drive conversions – conversion rate optimization (CRO).

Client Engagement & Strategy : Partner with senior agency and client leaders to deliver scalable, high-impact SEO and AI search solutions.

Ensure the quality and performance of strategic deliverables, content optimization plans, and reporting frameworks.

Guide agencies through SEO transformation efforts, including integration with AI search and emerging platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, etc.).

Present performance content vision to C-level stakeholders.

Team Leadership & Development : Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of performance content strategists and SEO specialists.

Provide strategic coaching to elevate team capabilities in technical SEO, content optimization, AI Search, and analytics.

Support hiring, career path planning, and ongoing performance management of team members.

Encourage a collaborative, cross-functional culture across agencies for shared learning and knowledge transfer.

Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, or related field.

10+ years in digital marketing with deep experience in SEO, AI search, and / or content-driven performance.

At least 6+ years of executive or senior leadership experience, ideally within an agency or multi-brand environment.

Demonstrated success leading large, cross-functional teams and developing enterprise-level performance content strategies.

Proven track record of presenting to and influencing C-suite executives.

Experience developing search solutions that integrate content, user experience, and technology.

Strong command of tools like SEMrush, Screaming Frog, Google Search Console, Looker Studio, and enterprise analytics platforms.

Familiarity with AI and Generative Search platforms, and a demonstrated passion for emerging search trends.

Experience managing large scale content libraries is a strong plus.

Preferred Competencies : Strategic thinker with the ability to connect search behavior to business outcomes.

Excellent communicator with strong presentation and storytelling skills.

Hands-on knowledge of technical SEO, content architecture, and AI search impact on site performance.

Enthusiastic mentor and team builder, comfortable managing talent at all levels.

Additional Information Starcom is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our employment decisions are made without regard to actual or perceived race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, medical condition as defined by applicable state law, genetic information, marital status, military service and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws and ordinances.

Benefits The Power of One starts with our people! Our best-in-class wellness and benefits offerings include :

Paid Family Care for parents and caregivers for 12 weeks or more

Monetary assistance and support for Adoption, Surrogacy and Fertility

Monetary assistance and support for pet adoption

Employee Assistance Programs and Health / Wellness / Comfort reimbursements

Tuition Assistance

Paid time off including Flexible Time off, Vacation, Sick Days, Volunteer Days, Holiday and Identity days, and more

Matching Gifts programs

Flexible working arrangements

Work Your World Program encouraging employees to work from anywhere Publicis Groupe has an office for up to 6 weeks a year (based upon eligibility)

Business Resource Groups that support multiple affinities and alliances

The benefits offerings listed are available to U.S. based employees and governed by the terms of the applicable plan documents.

Compensation Range : $146,490- $210,420 annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant and the requirements of the position. The Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer / temporary employee medical plan and 401(k) under certain criteria. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 10 / 15 / 2025.

If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact USMSTACompliance@publicis.com. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Seniority level Not Applicable

Employment type Full-time

Job function Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing / Editing

Industries : Advertising Services

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