Search Engine Optimization Specialist, UC Online, Hybrid

Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors > http://bit.ly/UCEMPL

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 47,000 students, 10,500 faculty and staff and 330,000 alumni, UC combines a Top 35 research university with a physical setting The New York Times calls “the most ambitious campus design program in the country.”

With the launch of Next Lives Here, the Cincinnati Innovation District, a $100 million JobsOhio investment, eight straight years of record enrollment, worldwide leadership in cooperative education, a dynamic academic health center and entry into the Big 12 athletic conference, UC’s momentum has never been stronger. UC’s annual budget tops $1.6 billion and its endowment totals $1.9 billion.

At the University of Cincinnati Online (UC Online), we deliver a world-class experience for students seeking online flexibility and University of Cincinnati quality. From inquiry to graduation, we push the boundaries of what is possible and drive innovation in online education at the University of Cincinnati. With a student-centric approach and data-driven decision-making model, we support students through the online lifecycle of program discovery, program participation, and degree attainment. Our students realize their hope for a better future through real-life learning at an institution with a legacy of research, innovation, and accomplishment.
 

This position offers a hybrid work schedule for those with a residence within OH/IN/KY.  Residence must be within Cincinnati Tri-State area with reasonable distance to UC Main Campus to have ability to report to campus as required.  Remote work arrangements are subject to change in accordance with university policies.

Responsible for the development and execution of search engine optimization (SEO) strategies for UC Online’s website and the corresponding programs and certificates.

• Develop overall SEO strategy, including leading, executing, and coordinating SEO content plans, link building, and keyword strategy in collaboration with the Web and CRM team leader.
• Analyze other websites, utilize SEO keyword tracking tools, and understand current website gaps to inform SEO improvements and strategies.
• Develop and implement learning agenda with continuous A/B testing and landing page optimization to improve conversion.
• Coordinate and sometimes lead SEO content plans, reviewing and providing SEO-friendly edits to content from Marketing.
• Perform ongoing keyword discovery, expansion, and optimization to guide the marketing team.
• Recommend website architecture, content, linking, and other factors as needed to improve SEO positions for target keywords. Analyze changes made to understand impact on rankings and further adjust or shift strategies as needed. 
• Evaluate and recommend new tools that will help UCO become more effective at managing SEO processes.
• Research and analyze competitor websites and links.
• Review technical SEO issues and implement fixes.
• Optimize website content and landing pages by using tools to analyze and improve tagging, grammar, and SEO content.
• Direct off-page optimization projects like link building and/or work with marketing managers on this effort.
• Analyze and report on traffic, rankings, and other SEO aspects. Set measurable goals to improve these metrics.
• Manage site chatbot, adding in questions and answers, fixing errors, and reporting on overall value.
• Keep abreast of SEO and integrated marketing trends.
• Perform related duties based on departmental need. This job description can be changed at any time.

• Bachelor's Degree
• Six (6) years of relevant work experience and/or other specialized training can be used in lieu of education requirement.

• Two (2) years of experience in developing and executing SEO strategy with proven results.
• Strong technical, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated expertise of technical SEO fundamentals and how they interplay with website technology, architecture, and content to deliver outstanding organic search performance.
• Experience in working with SEO technical tools to assess and recommend optimizations (i.e., Screaming Frog, SEMRush).
• Experience with Microsoft Office.

• Professional hands-on working experience with Google Analytics 4 and Google Search Console.
• Experience with IBM Watson Chatbot or Ocelot’s Chatbot.
• Intermediate Excel skills.
• WordPress and Grammarly experience.

• Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and FTE.

• Competitive salary range dependent on the candidate's experience.
• Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and an award-winning employee wellness program, plus an employee assistance program.
• Financial security via our life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
• Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, annual holidays, and winter season days in addition to paid parental leave.
• Tuition remission is available for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Enjoy discounts for on and off-campus activities and services.

The University of Cincinnati, as a multi-national and culturally diverse university, is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and diverse place of learning and employment. As part of a complete job application you will be asked to include a Contribution to Diversity and Inclusion statement.

As a UC employee, and an employee of an Ohio public institution, if hired you will not contribute to the federal Social Security system, other than contributions to Medicare. Instead, UC employees have the option to contribute to a state retirement plan (OPERS, STRS) or an alternative retirement plan (ARP).

The University of Cincinnati is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity Employer / Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran.

REQ: 92841 

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