Are you a dynamic SEO leader who's already rethinking search for the AI era - not just optimizing for Google, but for how brands show up in Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, and every other place people are now asking questions?

Impact Media, a fast-growing digital marketing agency based in Huntington, WV & Montreal, QC, is looking for an experienced Director of SEO to build and lead our SEO department. This is a senior, strategic role - you'll own client strategy, reporting, and team-building, while directing a mix of internal team members and our existing contractor network to execute the work.

This is not a hands-on-keyboard-only role, and it's not entry- or mid-level. We're looking for someone who has already led SEO for real client accounts, already knows how to build and manage a team, and is ready to build something with us as we scale - not learn how to do the job.

About Impact Media

Impact Media is a fast-growing digital marketing agency based in Huntington, WV & Montreal, QC, specializing in social video production, content creation, paid advertisement, conversion focused funnels, and search engine optimization. We believe marketing should be sustainable, ethical, and impactful - our mission is to help purpose-driven brands and social impact initiatives succeed through content that aligns with their values. We work with a range of clients across industries, with a particular focus in addiction recovery center marketing for search engine optimization - a space where trust, accuracy, and ranking credibility (E-E-A-T) really matter.

Role & Responsibilities

Own SEO strategy, roadmaps, and reporting across our client portfolio - including guiding new clients into our existing account infrastructure Lead and build the SEO department: mentor internal team members, and vet, onboard, and manage contractors from our existing network (or source new ones as we scale) Develop and maintain internal playbooks/SOPs so strategy and quality stay consistent as the team grows Be the primary strategic and communication point of contact for clients - proactive updates, clear reporting, and confident handling of client meetings Build and maintain conversion-focused reporting systems that clearly tie SEO work to leads and ROI, not just rankings and traffic Lead our approach to AEO/AI search - how our clients show up in AI-generated answers (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, AI Overviews, etc.) - and how we use AI tools internally to work smarter and faster Conduct technical and content audits to identify growth opportunities and competitive advantages Stay ahead of algorithm updates, AI search evolution, and emerging tools to keep our service offering sharp

Qualifications

5–10+ years of professional SEO experience, with a proven track record leading and growing client accounts Experience managing multiple client accounts simultaneously Direct client-facing experience - comfortable running meetings, handling questions in real time, and being the face of strategy for a client Demonstrated experience building conversion/lead reporting systems - you must be able to walk us through real case studies and show how you've tied SEO work to actual business results, not just traffic or keyword rankings Experience leading or building a team - internal staff, contractors, or both Working knowledge of AI/LLM tools for both SEO workflow efficiency and AI search optimization (AEO/GEO) - you should be able to speak to how you've used AI in your own process, and how you're positioning clients to show up in AI-generated answers Comfortable with our core toolset: Ahrefs, SEMrush, Google (Looker Studio, Search Console, Business Profile, GA4), Search Atlas - open to other tools you bring with you

Ideal Skills & Traits For Job

Strategic Vision - can build roadmaps tied to real client business goals, not vanity metrics Leadership - can build and run a team, not just execute individually Systems-Minded - thinks in playbooks and repeatable processes as we scale Communication - clear with clients and non-technical stakeholders Results-Oriented - obsessed with proving ROI, not just activity

Commitment + Engagement Specifications

Location: Montreal, QC Independent Contractor Engagement Approximately 40 hours per week based on client demand and project requirements. Access to a coworking space for collaboration 1–2 days per week may be available for local contractors, but attendance is optional unless otherwise agreed. The contractor is responsible for determining the manner and method of performing the services, while meeting agreed-upon deliverables, deadlines, quality standards, and client expectations. Initial three-month engagement period, after which both parties may review and continue the engagement.

Target start date: August 15, 2026

Compensation

CAD $80,000–$95,000 annually (contract value), based on experience and scope of services. Invoices submitted in accordance with the Independent Contractor Agreement. Performance incentives may be available based on department growth, client retention, and overall business performance. Significant opportunity for increased compensation as the SEO department and client portfolio expand.

Discretionary Perks & Incentives

Performance based bonuses Commission Opportunities Wellness programs Flexible Work Hours Independence Coworking Space Access Professional Development Support Wellness Support Programs Financial Wellness Education Long-Term Growth Opportunities Collaborative Team Environment

How To Apply

Please send an introduction of yourself, experience, and why you are a great fit for this position to yen@impactagency.io or apply through this form: https://www.impactagency.io/application-form