SEO Specialist II

Be essential at Cars Commerce

At Cars Commerce, we’re fanatical about simplifying everything about car buying and selling. We do right by our customers and consumers to better connect the industry with simplified and tierless technology to enhance, measure and drive local automotive retail. Whether through our No.1 most recognized marketplace, Cars.com, our industry-leading digital experience, Dealer Inspire, our trade and appraisal technology, AccuTrade, our reputation-based digital wholesale auction marketplace, Dealerclub, or our new Cars Commerce Media Network, Cars Commerce is essential for success in the automotive industry.

No one ever travels alone here: at its core, Cars Commerce is collaboration. In fact, it’s built into the very fabric of our shared values. We like to say we Rise Together – putting people at the center of what we do, from consumer to customer to community. Life at Cars Commerce makes it easy when we share the ethos to be Open to All, encouraging open-minded communication because we know diverse thinking yields better outcomes. But critical to our success is Caring to Challenge and Taking Ownership, fueling a competitive spirit in a respectful environment where we think about tomorrow but act today. At our foundation, we have integrity, Doing the Right Thing, even when it’s hard. It’s our shared commitment to these values that makes Cars Commerce a place where growth becomes not only possible, but downright unavoidable.

But don't take our word for it. We are proud to be named one of Built In's 2026 Best Places to Work in Chicago and across the U.S. Ready to make your mark? Join a team that's driving real change in the automotive industry.

SEO Specialist II | Dealer Inspire

The SEO Specialist is an individual contributor member of the Dealer Inspire SEO Department, and is responsible for determining and executing organic search strategy for assigned clients. Specialists are responsible for all aspects of the client’s services, including conducting research, creating monthly strategy plans, conducting and correcting the results of site health audits, and managing directory citation consistency. SEO Specialists work with Performance Managers, Strategists, and SEO Copywriters to deliver industry leading results and organic growth, making strong organization, time management and communications skills a critical part of success in this role. 

Specialists manage a heavy client load of between 25 and 35 accounts, making time management and ability to complete tasks accurately and efficiently critical to success in this role. Tasks have varying recurrence schedules and due dates, requiring adaptability and the ability to stay organized while balancing task loads.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct preliminary research following established process, using critical thinking and reasoning to identify organic search strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for assigned clients

• Create required deliverables based on research following established process, applying critical thinking skills to reach accurate conclusions and recommendations

• Use research, analysis, and client needs to create sound organic search strategy within confines of established process that will drive organic performance for clients while meeting package requirements

• Meet with clients and performance managers on a scheduled basis to review monthly reports, upcoming strategy execution, and client questions or concerns

• Complete monthly tasks for all client’s strategy to department standards on or before internal deadlines, including but not limited to:

  • Content editing and publishing

  • Google Business Profile check ins and updates 

  • Citation management 

  • Social posting

  • Technical site audits

  • Technical site updates

  • Google Search Console audits and investigation 

  • Performance deep dives

  • Monthly performance reporting

  • Strategy adjustments 

  • Other tasks as required

• Make proactive recommendations about service upgrades

• Engage in department and company OKR efforts

• Understand and abide by compliance rules for brands

• Participate in and support case study and experiment efforts led by Seniors and Team Leads

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Active interest in organic search, search engines and digital marketing, and drive to stay abreast of industry news and updates

• “Always learning” attitude, driven by the desire to continuously gain knowledge and improve skills

• Ability to comfortably and successfully manage heavy client loads (20-30 clients)

• Ability to complete all required tasks within outlined time requirements and by required due dates each month

• Willingness to work overtime as needed to complete client work on schedule

• Critical thinking and reasoning skills; the ability to take learned concepts and apply them appropriately to unique situations in order to arrive at the most logical plan of action

• Willingness to identify problems or issues and raise them to leadership, as well as present possible solutions

• Adaptability; willingness to accept and embrace changing processes, gray areas, and new ideas with ease and enthusiasm

• Fully functional in all areas of the SEO skills matrix

• Confidence and comfort in working with clients to review reporting and explain SEO strategy recommendations and actions

• Strong written and verbal communication and grammar

• Adherence to company tenets and department identity statement

• Proficiency in using and understanding Google Search Console, SEMRush, Google Analytics, MozBar and Yoast. 

• Must be detail-oriented with exceptional proofreading skills

• Ability to think creatively to solve problems

• Able to interpret information and quantitative data and apply key findings to support client goals

• Ability to work independently and collaborate within a team

In the spirit of pay transparency, we are excited to share the base salary range for this position. In addition to base salary, some roles are eligible for our bonus and/or equity programs, depending on level and role. Regular full-time positions are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package. If you are hired at Cars Commerce, your final base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as skills and/or experience. If the salary range is close to what you're seeking, then we encourage you to apply and learn more about the total compensation package for this position.

Salary Range

$58,300.00-69,950.00

Our Comprehensive Benefits Package includes:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Healthcare Plans

• New Hire Stipend for Home Office Set-Up

• Generous PTO

• Paid Holidays, Floating Holiday, Volunteer Day, Recharge Day

Learn more about our Benefits, Perks, & Culture on our LinkedIn Life Pages!

For US-based Positions: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Please note that we are unable to sponsor employment visas at this time.
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