SEO Specialist (Contractor) for US agency— Ongoing, Part-Time (~30 hrs/month to start)

Do not contact outside of Upwork. NO agencies. We're a lean SEO agency working with mid-market and enterprise B2B brands. We run audits, 90-day sprints, and ongoing retainers focused on organic strategy, on-page optimization, technical SEO, and content, with a growing focus on AI/GEO visibility. We move fast, stay lean, and constantly refine how we work. We're looking to add an experienced SEO specialist to work behind the scenes across 2–3 client accounts, handling research, data analysis, technical SEO, and strategic recommendations. You'll work closely with the agency founder, who handles client relationships and high-level direction. This is ongoing work for the right person. Important: we use AI tools in our workflows, and we expect you to be comfortable with them. But we do not want AI-generated deliverables handed to us as your work. We can prompt Claude ourselves. What we can't do is replace the human judgment, prioritization, and strategic thinking that turns data into action. If your output reads like a ChatGPT export, this isn't the right fit. We want your brain: messy, opinionated, specific. Required: Based in the Americas or Europe Fluent in English (written and spoken) Solid working knowledge of Ahrefs, Screaming Frog, GA4, and Google Search Console Experience with on-page SEO, content optimization, and technical SEO: you can diagnose and fix issues, not just list them Comfortable using AI tools in a workflow, but able to add the strategic layer on top that AI can't Attention to detail: we work with live client data and reporting that goes to executives. If you've read this far, include the word "compass" somewhere in your proposal. Proactive and self-directed: you don't wait to be told what to do next, and when you hand something over it's actionable and ready to go Direct communicator who gives and receives feedback constructively Stable wifi (non-negotiable) Available for at least 3 hours of daily overlap with US Eastern time, Mon–Fri Able to commit to a consistent weekly schedule What you'll be doing: Keyword research, competitive analysis, and audit research so new projects can move immediately Weekly data checks across client accounts, reported back with a clear summary and flags, not just numbers Maintaining keyword trackers and AI visibility data weekly Updating client reporting dashboards for client calls Monthly technical audits: handling straightforward CMS fixes directly and preparing clear briefs for anything that needs developer involvement On-page optimizations from established specs Over time: supporting content strategy, preparing monthly report data, and potentially drafting weekly client email updates What this role looks like: This isn't full-time yet: we start at 25–30 hours/month across 2 clients and scale up as you prove out. It's not a one-off project. We want someone who treats this like a professional commitment. No unnecessary meetings, no forced team bonding, but we expect ownership, reliability, and clear communication. Rate: $30–$40/hr depending on experience and location. Hiring process: We review your proposal → screening call with COO → you do a short paid exercise with a Loom walkthrough → technical conversation with CEO → 30-day probation. To apply, include in your proposal: 1. Brief overview of your SEO experience, specifically B2B clients and what deliverables you've owned 2. What's one trend in SEO or GEO marketing you'd confidently bet your 2026 salary on, and why? 3. Tell us about the toughest client account you've had to turn around: what was the situation, what did you do, and what did you learn? 4. Your working hours, timezone, and overlap with US Eastern time 5. Your hourly rate