SEO Specialist job description.
An SEO specialist improves a website's visibility in organic search results through keyword research, on-page optimization, and technical fixes. They analyze search performance, collaborate with content and development teams, and track rankings and traffic to grow qualified organic visits and support broader marketing goals.
The SEO Specialist job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: SEO Specialist Reports to: Marketing Manager or SEO Manager
An SEO specialist improves a website's visibility in organic search results through keyword research, on-page optimization, and technical fixes. They analyze search performance, collaborate with content and development teams, and track rankings and traffic to grow qualified organic visits and support broader marketing goals.
- Conduct keyword research to guide content and site strategy
- Optimize page titles, meta descriptions, headers, and internal linking
- Audit site architecture and identify technical SEO issues
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
6 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Marketing Manager or SEO Manager
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Conduct keyword research to guide content and site strategy
- Optimize page titles, meta descriptions, headers, and internal linking
- Audit site architecture and identify technical SEO issues
- Collaborate with content writers to align copy with search intent
- Monitor rankings, organic traffic, and conversion metrics
- Build and maintain backlink and off-page SEO strategies
- Report on SEO performance and recommend ongoing improvements
- Stay current on search engine algorithm changes and best practices
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- 2+ years of hands-on SEO experience
- Proficiency with SEO tools such as Semrush, Ahrefs, or Google Search Console
- Understanding of HTML, site structure, and page speed factors
- Strong analytical and written communication skills
- Experience with Google Analytics and data visualization tools
- Background in content marketing or copywriting
- Familiarity with local or e-commerce SEO
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the SEO Specialist job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this SEO Specialist job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The mid band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Marketing Manager or SEO Manager) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- What tools should candidates be fluent in?
- Look for hands-on experience with Semrush, Ahrefs, or Google Search Console, plus Google Analytics for measuring impact.
- Is coding experience necessary?
- Deep coding skills aren't required, but candidates should understand HTML basics and how site structure affects crawlability and rankings.
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This SEO Specialist job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.