ONLINE SEARCH PROGRAM MANAGER - NATURAL SEARCH

Company: Recreational Equipment Inc. Location: WA 98030 Status: Full Time, Employee Job Category: IT/Software Development Reference Code: 2997MON At Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) we aim to create a retail environment that inspires, educates, and outfits our customers for a lifetime of outdoor adventure. We've been recognized for the eleventh consecutive year as one of Fortune Magazines "100 Best Companies to Work For", and we credit our continued success and trusted reputation to our dedicated employees who work each day to share their interests, friendly expertise and passion for the outdoors with people of all levels of experience and ability. The Online Search Program Manager - Natural Search contributes to REI's success by helping to define and implement search engine optimization (SEO) strategies that drive traffic to REI's digital properties, facilitate conversion and support the core co-op's core values. This talented individual will apply their expertise to meet optimal architecture, link, and design criteria of the latest search engine algorithms, improving visibility, rank, and relevance in search engines. The Online Search Program Manager will effect change by representing the Online Information Architecture team in cross-departmental efforts and by partnering with peers in marketing, merchandising, editorial, usability, design and production. Responsibilities - Oversees the strategy and execution for all aspects of REI's natural search optimization programs. - Provides technical advice of website strategy and development for natural search optimization, including HTML, error pages, re-directs, etc. - Partners with Public Affairs to pursue potential linking opportunities that drive qualified, brand appropriate traffic. - Uses social media marketing, press release distribution, etc. as needed to enhance REI's search engine ranking and visibility. - Partners with editorial and subject matter experts to develop search engine optimized content, structure and metadata. Responsible for formalizing natural search strategies and tactics. - Collaborates cross-divisionally in keyword research and testing to develop holistic term and keyword strategies for continuous natural search traffic and conversion improvements. - Manages tracking, reporting and analysis of natural search metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Reports findings to cross-divisional audiences of all levels and makes actionable optimization recommendations. - Provides top-to-bottom natural search optimization strategies and tactical requirements for REI's digital assets, including: site structure, page construction, site features, site content, keywords, site maps, inbound link generation, ranking referral reports, site audits and more. - Monitors trends in search engine algorithms. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of navigation changes and assess how new opportunities in the SEO industry could be leveraged to improve web pages' search results positioning. - Creates ongoing natural search optimization assessments and recommendations for rei.com and digital content assets including text, video, images and user generated content. - Monitors competitor sites and the general search engine landscape and marketplace to ensure competitive advantage in natural search. - Researches and develops natural search optimization best practices to identify new opportunities and maximize program profits with improved organic rankings. - Works with third party SEO vendor(s) on researching/implementing SEO projects as needed. Recreation is our business, and REI offers a great work environment that balances hard work with time off to play. We offer an excellent compensation package, flexible benefits, an outstanding retirement plan, incentive program, relocation assistance, a generous merchandise discount to help you enjoy your free time, and - most importantly - a work environment where respect for the individual and teamwork are our fundamental employee values. If you'd like to be rewarded for initiative, effort, and creative thought, come join us! - 5+ years of hands-on natural search/SEO experience; client side preferred. - 5+ years of e-commerce or related website experience. - 5+ years in process management, and working with technical teams on toolset/feature development. - 5+ years experience working with content and creative teams including design, web production, and copywriting teams. - Proven track record of successful natural search optimization strategy and implementation. - Strong knowledge of search engine algorithms and ranking strategies. - Fundamental understanding of HTML, CSS, XML and XSL. REI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.