Associate Head of Content, SEO

We're looking for a sharp writer and strategic thinker to join our SEO team as an Associate Head of Content. This is a high-level individual contributor role that sits between our Senior Content Marketers and Heads of Content, and it requires someone who can move fluidly between hands-on content creation and strategic account management. First and foremost, this is a writing role. We need someone who produces exceptional content—clear, compelling, and editorially rigorous—not someone who simply knows how to assemble keywords into a blog post. You'll write content that ranks, but more importantly, content that's genuinely worth reading. Your SEO expertise should elevate your writing, not replace it. The balance of your work will shift based on agency needs. When managing fewer accounts (2-3), you'll carry a heavier writing load, producing multiple pieces per month and serving as a primary content creator for key accounts. When managing more accounts (4-5), you'll shift toward strategic account management, freelancer oversight, and quality control. This flexibility is central to the role; you need to thrive in both modes. You'll report to a Head of Content who serves as your strategic partner and consultant. You'll also work closely with our SEO and content engineering teams to ensure content strategies account for traditional search, AI-powered discovery, and emerging content production workflows. What You'll Do Content Creation & Quality Research, outline, and write high-quality SEO content (blog posts, guides, landing pages, and more) that balances search intent with editorial excellence Refresh and optimize existing content to improve rankings, engagement, and visibility across both traditional search and AI-powered discovery tools Maintain Animalz's standard of writing quality across all content you produce and oversee, ensuring every piece is clear, well-structured, and genuinely useful to the reader Strategy & Account Management Create and optimize content strategies for your accounts with input from your Head of Content, incorporating SEO, AEO (Answer Engine Optimization), and content performance data Manage content calendars that align with each customer's goals, search landscape, and competitive positioning Generate strategic content ideas and craft comprehensive briefs that account for keyword targeting, search intent, SERP features, and AI search visibility Serve as a consultative partner to customers, offering expertise on how their content performs across organic search and AI-driven channels Proactively identify risks to account health—whether that's declining performance, misaligned expectations, or gaps in delivery—and flag them early Report on content performance monthly, using tools like GA4, GSC, Ahrefs, and Clearscope to communicate results and surface opportunities Content Operations & Freelancer Management Manage and assign work to freelance writers: preparing briefs, tracking deadlines, reviewing drafts, and providing editorial feedback to ensure quality and consistency Collaborate with design on graphics and visuals for your content deliverables Contribute to team knowledge-sharing, internal initiatives, and cross-functional projects as time and primary responsibilities allow SEO, AEO & AI Workflows Apply SEO best practices across all content work, including keyword research, on-page optimization, technical SEO considerations, and competitive analysis Stay current on how AI search tools (Perplexity, ChatGPT, Gemini, AI Overviews) surface and cite content, and factor this into content strategy and execution Work with our content engineering team to understand and contribute to AI-assisted content workflows. You don't need to build these systems, but you should understand how they work and how to leverage them Use AI tools responsibly to support research, ideation, and content production without sacrificing quality or voice What We're Looking For Exceptional writing ability: You're a writer first. You produce publication-ready content with minimal revisions, writing with clarity, precision, and editorial judgment across formats — from long-form thought leadership to concise, conversion-focused copy. You adapt your voice to match different brand personas while maintaining high standards Strong editing and editorial oversight: You can review freelancer work with a sharp eye, elevate drafts to meet our quality standards, and provide clear, constructive feedback. You know what good looks like, and you can get other writers there 5+ years of experience in content marketing, preferably in B2B SaaS or an agency setting 2+ years of customer-facing experience at a B2B marketing agency or within an in-house marketing team, managing accounts and customer relationships Strong SEO knowledge: You understand keyword research, on-page optimization, content audits, and competitive analysis, and you can diagnose why content isn't performing. You know how to write for search without writing for search engines AEO and AI search fluency: You're actively working in AEO, not just aware of it. You understand how AI-driven discovery tools are changing content visibility, and you have hands-on experience with AEO strategies, prompt tracking, citation monitoring, or optimizing for AI Overviews AI workflow familiarity: You've worked with AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, etc.) in your content process and understand concepts like programmatic content, content engineering, and AI-assisted production. You don't need to build workflows, but you should be conversant in how they work Strategic execution: You can translate a content strategy into consistent, high-quality output, and adjust tactics based on performance data and customer needs Technical curiosity: You're genuinely interested in learning how software products work so you can write about them clearly and persuasively Project management: You manage multiple accounts, content types, and contributors while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines Tool proficiency: Working knowledge of GA4, Ahrefs, Clearscope, Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, and similar tools Reliability and adaptability: You deliver quality work on time, navigate ambiguity well, and adjust your approach when priorities shift—whether that means writing six articles in a month or managing five accounts with minimal writing Our Values At Animalz, our values guide how we show up for our customers, our teammates, and the content we create. Value Over Vanity: We measure success in customer impact, not surface-level praise. We focus on content that drives sustainable, long-term results. Two Steps Ahead: We're proactive and strategic, solving problems before they become blockers. Power Source, Not Power Trip: We lead through service, energizing teammates and customers. Pursue Mastery: We're always learning, evolving, and testing new approaches. Left Brain, Right Brain, Robot Brain: Our best work blends creativity, analysis, and smart use of AI — without sacrificing humanity or voice. In the Arena: We experiment boldly and stay immersed in our customers' industries so we can lead from experience, not theory. Your First 90 Days Days 1–30: Learn & Integrate Complete onboarding and learn our tools, processes, and editorial standards Deep dive into your assigned customer accounts with guidance from your Head of Content Familiarize yourself with our SEO and AEO workflows, tools, and content engineering processes Create your first content deliverables with regular feedback and review Build relationships with your team Days 31–60: Execute & Own Take on writing and/or account management responsibilities for 2-3 accounts Manage freelancer assignments, review drafts, and provide editorial feedback to maintain quality standards Co-lead customer calls with your Head of Content, progressing toward leading them independently Own performance reporting for your accounts Contribute to team meetings and discussions Days 61–90: Lead & Contribute Run your accounts independently, with your Head of Content as a strategic partner rather than a day-to-day guide Serve as the primary point of contact for your customers Fully own editorial quality for your accounts, including freelancer output Demonstrate consistent quality, on-time delivery, and strategic thinking Share learnings and contribute to team improvement, including SEO/AEO best practices Working Arrangements Location: Fully remote, Americas or EMEA Timezone Requirements: At least 4 hours of overlap with US timezones (EST/PST) to collaborate effectively with our team and customers Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $70,000 – $90,000 USD annually Placement within the range is based on experience, skills, and demonstrated impact in previous content marketing roles. Benefits: Unlimited PTO policy Flexible working schedule Technology budget Learning budget Health & wellness stipend Team lunch stipend Health & vision insurance (US only) 401(k) retirement plan (US only) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Animalz, we believe diverse perspectives make us stronger. We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities can thrive. We particularly encourage applications from historically underrepresented groups in tech and marketing. Equal Opportunity Animalz is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We're excited to meet you!