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 InspireThe 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 clientsCreate required deliverables based on research following established process, applying critical thinking skills to reach accurate conclusions and recommendationsUse 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 requirementsMeet with clients and performance managers on a scheduled basis to review monthly reports, upcoming strategy execution, and client questions or concernsComplete monthly tasks for all client’s strategy to department standards on or before internal deadlines, including but not limited to:Content editing and publishingGoogle Business Profile check ins and updates Citation management Social postingTechnical site auditsTechnical site updatesGoogle Search Console audits and investigation Performance deep divesMonthly performance reportingStrategy adjustments Other tasks as requiredMake proactive recommendations about service upgradesEngage in department and company OKR effortsUnderstand and abide by compliance rules for brandsParticipate in and support case study and experiment efforts led by Seniors and Team LeadsPreferred Skills & ExperienceActive 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 skillsAbility 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 monthWillingness to work overtime as needed to complete client work on scheduleCritical 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 actionWillingness to identify problems or issues and raise them to leadership, as well as present possible solutionsAdaptability; willingness to accept and embrace changing processes, gray