Executive Communication & Marketing

Digital Service, a department of MU Marketing & Communications, seeks a Search Engine Optimization Specialist who demonstrates strategic and creative thinking and problem solving in managing all SEO (Search Engine Optimization) activities such as content strategy, link building and keyword strategy to increase rankings on all major search networks. You will manage all SEM (Search Engine Marketing) campaigns on Google, Yahoo and Bing to maximize ROI. You will be responsible for working within a team of Marketers, Web Developers, UI/UX designers and backend content management and hosting programmers to implement SEO strategies and practices that support the marketing and communications goals of the University of Missouri. The successful candidate has experience with content management systems (Drupal or WordPress), has knowledge about how content management systems should be configured and managed to support SEO goals, and is eager to support university departments to optimize their search engine results.

Digital Service provides and supports the website technology and supporting systems for all colleges and schools on the Columbia, MO campus, the University of Missouri System websites and many core business unit websites. We work with faculty, staff and students across Mizzou, vendors, and affiliated groups to meet their digital communications needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute tests, collect, and analyze data and results, identify trends and insights in order to achieve maximum ROI in paid search campaigns.
• Track, report, and analyze website analytics and PPC (pay-per-click) initiatives and campaigns. Manage campaign expenses, staying on budget, estimate monthly costs and reconcile discrepancies.
• Optimize copy and landing pages for search engine marketing. Perform ongoing keyword discovery, expansion, and optimization. Research and implement search engine optimization recommendations. Research and analyze competitor advertising links. Develop and implement link building strategy.
• Work with the web development team to ensure SEO best practices are properly implemented on newly developed and existing websites.
• Work with editorial and marketing teams to drive SEO in content creation and content programming.
• Recommend changes to website architecture, content, linking and other factors to improve SEO positions for target keywords.
• Adhere to university standards.

8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and 4 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Proven and up-to-date SEO and SEM experience managing PPC campaigns across Google, Yahoo and Bing. In-depth experience with website analytics tools. Working knowledge of HTML, CSS and JavaScript development and constraints. Knowledge of ranking factors and search engine algorithm.

Salary Range: $58,573 – $65,000

Grade: GGS-11

University Title: Web Developer III

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Resume, Cover Letter

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen cultural festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Values Commitment
We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person’s success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.