Sr. SEO Specialist

What to Expect Wonderist Agency is a full-service marketing agency that supports 1,200+ dentists around the country. We pride ourselves on ditching the old fashioned marketing model of stock photos and templated sites. We strive to tell our clients’ stories with bespoke brands, impactful photo and video shoots, and stunning website design (Here is a great example of our work: www.valordentaltx.com) We’re a team of over 90+ passionate marketers with our headquarters nestled in sunny San Diego. We are walking distance from local hangouts, bars, and the famed Liberty Station. While many companies simply check the required boxes when it comes to culture, a well-balanced team and positive office culture has been the core of our success from the start. We are a social team at heart, and that is one constant that hasn’t changed with all the movement this economy and industry has seen. We have embraced a hybrid work model where local team members come in at least two days a week. This allows us to work from home and have flexibility, without altogether forgoing the excitement and moments of collaboration and inspiration you can only get from in-person time. Not to mention, we also genuinely enjoy spending time together and socializing. We celebrate new ideas and prioritize a culture of trust and respect where team members can grow and take risks. Each quarter we host events under our four cultural pillars; health & wellness, personal & professional development, social good, and social. We are proud to have been named: San Diego Business Journal’s Best Places to Work in: 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2023, Inc 5000 Regionals Fastest Growing Companies in: 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025, and 2026, San Diego Business Journal’s Fastest Growing Private Companies list in 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024, Inc Best Workplaces list in: 2024 and 2025, and Inc. 5000 for the last 6 years (2019-2025)! If you work at Wonderist, you likely enjoy a challenge, appreciate autonomy, actually care about clients, and are looking for a team that you can enjoy being part of. JOB DESCRIPTION: The Senior SEO Specialist will be responsible for managing and optimizing a portfolio of client accounts in a fast-paced, high-growth agency environment. This role requires an individual who is highly organized, strategic, and capable of executing SEO initiatives across a portfolio of websites at scale. The primary focus is on driving quality organic search performance, improving rankings, and increasing website visibility for our clients in the dental industry. As a senior member of the SEO team, you’ll go beyond day-to-day implementation—taking ownership of complex client scenarios, advising on strategy, and helping ensure delivery at scale in a fast-moving startup environment. You’ll be expected to support junior team members, delegate where appropriate, and contribute to elevating both the quality and efficiency of execution across the department. This role also includes owning portions of vendor relationships, working cross-functionally with third-party partners to ensure alignment, quality, and smooth delivery. You’ll collaborate with the SEO Team Lead to identify areas for process improvement and play an active role in scaling systems that support growth across hundreds of clients. The Senior SEO Specialist combines technical SEO, content strategy, local optimization, and off-page SEO to create tailored, results-driven strategies. Unlike in-house SEO roles, which focus on a single brand, this position requires the ability to prioritize a large, diverse portfolio, troubleshoot performance challenges, and stay agile as industry trends evolve. The ideal candidate thrives in an agency setting, has strong communication skills, and can confidently translate SEO insights into actionable client recommendations. You should be comfortable navigating ambiguity, taking initiative, and working collaboratively across web, content, paid media, and external partners to deliver cohesive, measurable outcomes. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Develop & Execute SEO Strategies – Develop and implement scalable, results-driven SEO strategies that drive growth across a diverse portfolio of dental clients. Client Communication & Strategy – Serve as the primary SEO expert for accounts, leading client communications via email and calls to discuss performance, recommendations, strategy and client escalations. Vendor/Partner Collaboration – Assist in managing external SEO partners by providing feedback, aligning deliverables with internal standards, and identifying process improvements. Team Management and Development – Manage select junior resources, providing guidance and support to junior SEO specialists by reviewing work, sharing best practices, and contributing to their growth and development. SEO Content Optimization – Develop content strategies, perform keyword research, and optimize web copy for SEO performance that are scalable across the department. Website Optimization & Technical SEO – Improve website performance and search engine rankings by implementing best practices in technical SEO, including schema markup, site architecture, and page speed optimization. Local SEO & Google Business Profile Optimization – Execute local SEO strategies, including citation management, local keyword targeting, and Google Business Profile enhancements. Performance Analysis & Reporting – Translate complex performance data into actionable insights using GA4, GSC, SEMrush, and other SEO tools to inform client strategies and internal reporting. Cross-Functional Collaboration – Work closely with the web, content, and paid media teams to create a holistic SEO approach for clients. Time & Project Management – Manage your workload effectively to meet deadlines across a high volume of client accounts, and support the team in managing workload effectively. CORE COMPETENCIES: Agency SEO Experience – 6+ years of experience in an SEO-focused agency environment, managing multiple client accounts simultaneously. Excellent Communication Skills – Communicate as a trusted SEO advisor to clients and internal teams, including the CSM team, offering proactive recommendations, addressing complex challenges, and driving alignment on long-term search goals. Ability to Develop and Implement SEO Best Practices at Scale – Deep understanding of SEO ranking factors, technical SEO, on-page optimizations, schema markup, and local SEO, and ability to implement these across not just your own clients but the client portfolio as a whole Analytical Mindset – Strong proficiency in analyzing SEO data, identifying trends, and making data-driven optimizations. Detail-Oriented & Highly Organized – Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment and proactively communicate status at all levels. Self-Starter & Problem-Solver – Ability to work independently, troubleshoot challenges, and proactively optimize strategies for better results with minimal guidance. Adaptability & Forward Thinking – Understanding of evolving search algorithms and industry trends, with a proactive approach to testing and implementing new SEO tactics. PERSONALITY MUSTS: Our perfect fit is someone who is a problem solver who understands the difference between “yes, and…” and “yes, but…”. You should be a hungry, scrappy personality with a positive attitude and aims to deliver. Working in the client service industry can mean going the extra mile, and we need someone who is always willing to rise to the occasion for our clients and strives to put forward beautiful work that exceeds client expectations. Someone who is detailed and organized, driven and displays vigor and comes ready to play every day. Confidence, self-discipline, and a congenial, curious mind are things we love and admire. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 6+ years of SEO experience in an agency setting managing SEO for multiple clients. Expert technical SEO knowledge, including site audits, schema markup, and local SEO. 3+ years of experience managing resources, including mentoring junior team members, overseeing deliverables, delegating work across internal teams, and collaborating with external vendors or contractors to ensure consistent output and alignment Advanced Proficiency with SEO tools, including Google Search Console, Google Analytics 4, SEMrush, Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, and Agency Analytics. Experience in local SEO, including Google Business Profile optimization, citation management, and multi-location SEO strategies. Hands-on experience with CMS platforms, including Webflow and WordPress. Ability to communicate SEO concepts effectively in client meetings and internal discussions. BONUS POINTS FOR APPLICANTS WITH: (if you don’t have these but are organized and want to learn, we want to hear from you!) Experience with dental or healthcare industry SEO SEO certifications Proven success driving local SEO growth for multi-location or service-based businesses Experience managing SEO for businesses in competitive local markets