Manager, SEM & SEO

Manager, SEM & SEO

Location: Boston, MA (Hybrid – onsite 3 days/week)
Reports To: Director of Digital Strategy
Brand: Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT)
Salary Band: $120,000–$135,000

Role Purpose

The Manager, SEM & SEO will lead OAT’s paid and organic search strategy, driving customer acquisition and demand through data-driven performance marketing. This individual contributor role owns end-to-end execution across paid search and SEO, serving as the in-house search expert while partnering closely with agency and cross-functional teams to deliver measurable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Paid Search (SEM)

• Own and optimize Google Ads programs across Search, Demand Generation, Display, YouTube, and PMAX.

• Manage monthly budgets of $25K+ while maintaining efficiency and performance targets.

• Develop keyword strategies, bidding approaches, audience segmentation, and ad copy testing plans.

• Leverage all Google Ads features, reporting, and optimization tools to scale performance.

• Partner with agency teams while retaining internal strategy ownership.

SEO

• Own the full SEO roadmap, including keyword research, on-page optimization, technical SEO, link building, and audits.

• Partner with content and web teams on SEO-informed content planning and optimization.

• Monitor performance using tools such as Semrush, Moz, Google Search Console, and GA4.

• Stay current on algorithm changes and proactively adapt strategy.

Analytics & Collaboration

• Analyze data across Google Ads, analytics platforms, CRM, and BI tools to identify insights and opportunities.

• Build and deliver recurring performance reporting for leadership.

• Partner with digital strategy, creative, web experience, and content teams to improve conversion and performance.

Qualifications

Required

• 4+ years of hands-on SEM and SEO experience for a B2C brand.

• Experience managing Google Ads campaigns with $25K+ monthly spend.

• Strong analytical skills and experience translating data into action.

• Proficiency with Google Ads, GA4, Adobe Analytics, Semrush, Moz, and Search Console.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred

• Travel, D2C, or performance-focused B2C experience.

• Digital agency experience.

• Working knowledge of HTML/CSS.

Total Rewards

The base salary range for this role is $120,000 – $135,000 annually for employees based in Boston, MA. Final compensation may vary and will be determined based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, internal equity, and geographic location. In addition to base pay, this role is eligible for an annual incentive bonus and first-class benefits, which include:

• • Health & wellness: Comprehensive and heavily subsidized medical, dental, and vision plans, plus on-site gym access, holistic wellness sessions, and group fitness classes 
  • Time for you: Substantial Paid Time Off (PTO), and 11 paid holidays- including Juneteenth, Memorial Day, and Labor Day – and Summer Fridays. Plus- extensive parental leave, with up to 12-16 weeks paid leave at 100% base salary.
  • Travel more, spend less: 50% off our trips for you and a companion, 25% for additional immediate family members, and exclusive quarterly associate travel deals 
  • Your future, secured: 401(k) with company match, life insurance, and disability coverage 
  • Continuous growth: Tuition assistance for both professional and personal development, opportunities for professional development through oversees travel, and direct access to Pinnacle Leadership & Team Development.
  • Extra perks: Commuter benefits, FSA options, pet insurance, home & auto discounts, and paid volunteer time off to give back to the community

  
  To learn more, please visit our websites at www.gct.com, www.oattravel.com and www.grandcirclefoundation.com.