AEO and SEO Strategist (STE - 12 month contract)

Hootsuite • Toronto • 2d ago

We’re looking for an Answer Engine Optimisation (AEO) Strategist to help us drive visibility and brand presence in the rapidly evolving world of AI-driven search. You’ll be working to scale our organic search and AEO programs, implementing core SEO tasks, and experimenting with AI optimisation approaches to future-proof our strategy for growth. In line with Hootsuite's distributed workforce strategy, our flexible work arrangement allows for remote work or a hybrid model. This role is open to applicants located in Canada and the United States. In this role, you will report to the Team Lead, Offsite SEO & Channels. Please note: This is a contract role ending in March 2027. WHAT YOU’LL DO Develop and execute an AEO and SEO strategy with active engagement across teams to improve Hootsuite’s visibility across answer engines and AI-driven platforms while supporting core SEO programs. Execute AEO and SEO strategies by conducting keyword/topic research, optimising content, and implementing technical fixes. Monitor, track and maintain performance dashboards for organic and AI-powered search channels. Optimise content for AI-driven platforms (e.g., Gemini, ChatGPT, Perplexity, Bing Copilot) to enhance visibility and relevance in emerging search results. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to embed SEO and AEO best practices into broader marketing initiatives and content strategy. Stay ahead of industry shifts in AI and search by recommending experiments, innovations, and tactical improvements that drive traffic growth and conversion. Perform other related duties as assigned WHAT YOU’LL NEED: Demonstrated years of experience in SEO with a proven track record of delivering measurable results (AEO experience is an asset, but a passion to learn is essential). Proficiency in GA4 for analysis, reporting, and insights. Familiarity with SEO tools such as Google Search Console, Google Tag Manager, Ahrefs, ScreamingFrog, and similar. Understanding of HTML and JavaScript basics for on-page optimisation. Ability to work with minimal oversight, proactively identifying solutions and moving projects forward. Analytical mindset, with a balance of creativity and experimentation. Curiosity about the future of search and the role of AI, with willingness to invest time in learning and testing new approaches. Commitment to Results: consistently achieves results, demonstrating high performance, and challenging self and others to deliver results Curiosity: shows up curious, seeks new inputs, and considers different perspectives Resilience & Adaptability: can effectively cope with change, finding ways to advance work and projects Self Development: is personally committed to, and actively works to continuously improve WHO YOU ARE: Solution seeker: You’re focused on tackling new challenges, solving problems, and moving the business forward—and you don’t wait to be asked. Lifelong learner: You have a growth mindset – you’re here to learn, experiment, seek, apply, and provide feedback, share what works with your team, and move on from what doesn’t. Resilient adapter: In the face of change and challenges, you bring a thoughtful, calm approach, and a focus on finding the new opportunity. Intentional collaborator. You build positive working relationships across the business, bringing people together to foster new opportunities and to facilitate the efficient flow of information. Critical challenger: You have the trust in your team to ask difficult questions in order to get to the best end result. Active communicator: You listen actively and communicate ideas and information clearly, inclusively, and proactively. Integrated thinker: You look beyond your role and responsibilities to understand how your team’s work drives broader organizational goals. Accountable owner: You take pride in the work you’re responsible for with a mindset of ultimate accountability and reliability for the outcomes. Bar-raiser: You step up to help your team grow and succeed, even when that means going beyond what might be expected.

In all we do, our six guiding principles light the way: Step Up: Dare to go beyond the expected to achieve greatness. #StepUp One Team: Make Hootsuite a place we soar together by respecting each other's individuality, building trust, and showing up for the team. #OneTeam #FreeToBeMe Customer Obsessed: Focus relentlessly on helping our customers succeed. #CustomerObsessed Go Fast, Be Agile: Widen our competitive advantage by committing to speed and simplicity over perfection and complexity. #GoFastBeAgile Play to Win: Commit to building an incredible, profitable company for our customers, our employees, and our stakeholders. #PlayToWin #NoExcuses Neighbours & Allies: Give back to our communities and be an ally. #SocialForGood #Allies Accommodations will be provided as requested by candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.