SEO Search Strategist

Job description

Department: University Communications
Classification: Public Info Representative 1
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $22.17 to $33.69 per hour
FTE: 1.0

Review of Applications Begins

August 3, 2025; position open until filled

Special Instructions to Applicants

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit a complete application that includes:
A complete online application.
A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Department Summary

University Communications drives the University of Oregons strategic goals through the development and implementation of comprehensive communications and marketing programs.

The division manages media relations, digital communications, social media, creative design, writing, editing, strategic communications, licensing, and marketing strategy.

It collaborates with departments across campus to tell the UOs key stories, enhance its reputation, and support initiatives that showcase academic and research excellence while promoting student success.

Position Summary

The Search Strategist is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive search engine optimization (SEO) strategies that drive organic traffic, improve search visibility, and support institutional goals.

This role combines technical expertise, analytical thinking, and collaboration to ensure the universitys digital content performs effectively across search engines.

Minimum Requirements

Three years of experience in gathering information, writing/producing materials, presenting information to the public, and public relations.

One year of this experience must have included responsibility for press releases and interaction with the news media.
A Bachelors degree in journalism, communication, or closely related field may substitute for up to two years of the general experience.

Professional Competencies

Proficiency with SEO tools such as BrightEdge, SEMrush, Ahrefs, Moz, Google Search Console, and Google Analytics.
Understanding of SEO techniques, including:
- On-page optimization (e.g., title tags, headers, internal linking)
- Off-page strategies (e.g., backlinks, domain authority)
- Technical SEO (e.g., site speed, schema, crawlability)
Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly across technical and non-technical audiences.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to assess complex data and translate it into actionable SEO strategies.
Able to ensure accuracy in keyword research, metadata creation, and performance tracking.
Able to work across teams to align SEO with broader marketing and content goals.
Ability to stays current with evolving SEO trends and algorithm changes.
Ability to align SEO initiatives with organizational objectives and user needs.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in SEO, including strategy development, implementation, and performance optimization.
Experience working in higher education or within an academic environment.
Familiarity with accessibility standards, content management systems (e.g., Cascade CMS, WordPress), and analytics platforms (e.g., GA4).
Knowledge of content strategy or UX principles that support SEO.

FLSA Exempt: No

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

This is a classified position represented by the SEIU Local 503, Oregon Public Employees Union.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

For more information about benefits, visit https://hr.uoregon.edu/about-benefits.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA.

The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status.

The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions), age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship, service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and state law), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use of leave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies.

Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy.

Questions may be referred to the Office of Investigations and Civil Rights Compliance.

Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed here .

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services.

The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://clery.uoregon.edu/annual-campus-security-and-fire-safety-report.

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Required Skill Profession

Business Operations Specialists