Performance Marketing Manager, SEO and AI Search

At Manifest, our work is fueled by data, ignited by creativity and driven by results. We are a proudly independent, full-service agency represented by diverse talents, backgrounds and expertise, and we have one goal: to deliver breakthrough ideas and brand experiences that drive emotional connections and measurable impact. Let’s chat.

We’re hiring a Performance Marketing Manager to focus on SEO and AI Search. Our ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of agency experience in search engine optimization, including technical SEO, on-page and off-page strategy, and proficiency in AI Search. This role is based (hybrid) in DC, and reports to the Director of Performance Marketing.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute workflow of SEO & AI search deliverables, including technical audits, keyword research, keyword mapping, on-page optimization, off-page optimization, link reclamation, competitive analysis, striking distance analysis and optimization.
• Recognize opportunities for new content and create prescriptive recommendations for new content or landing pages in partnership with internal teams.
• Drive communication of SEO & AI search recommendations both internally and with clients, adjusting complexity of communication delivery based on audience.
• Solve complex SEO & AI search problems, including identifying the issues, finding root causes, and moving quickly to implement ideas and deliver results.
• Champion technology enhancements to impact organic visibility and improve technical site health, as well as participate in the QA of enhancements.
• Monitor and analyze organic & AI traffic and landing page performance of client websites, including ranking movement, search engine & AI visibility and organic click thru to pages, and re-assess elements and/or page strategy as needed to drive performance.
• Monitor Google algorithm, AI/LLM documentation and developer resources to identify algorithm updates and assess the potential or known impact on Manifest clients.
• Maintain knowledge of development languages and technologies and proficiency with SEO/AI analytics tools.
• Partner with colleagues in Data Intelligence to deliver performance insight reports.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in search engine optimization, including technical SEO, on-page and off-page strategy. Agency experience required.
• Knowledge of AI & organic search best practices and ranking factors.
• Experience developing and presenting insights about search behaviors and trends.
• Proven track record of distilling complicated AI Search & SEO Data and communicating results to agency and client stakeholders
• Experience with Google Analytics, Search Console, Screaming Frog and SEMrush (or similar tools).
• Occasional travel if needed.
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience required.
• Hybrid to our DC office; 3x week onsite.

What We Offer

• Private Company – Being a private organization allows us to move quickly so that we can deliver our best for our teams and our clients.
• Flexibility – We have a hybrid work environment and a flexible PTO plan that allows teams to take time off when they need it.
• Competitive Benefits and Salary – Multiple options for health plans based on your and/or your family’s needs, plus a 401(k) match and paid parental leave. The annual salary range for this role in the DC market is $100k - $115k in base pay, and the base pay offered will be determined on a case-by-case basis based on experience, skills, training, certifications, education, etc., and will be informed by market data.

Manifest is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Manifest recruits qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, ethnicity, national origin, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship status, or any other protected groups covered by federal, state or local laws.