[Hiring] Lead, AI Search & SEO Strategy @Delan Associates, Inc

Role Description

Dynamic and results-driven AI Search & SEO Strategist with a passion for maximizing visibility across emerging AI-driven search ecosystems. This individual will serve as Princess Cruises' subject matter expert in Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), ensuring brand visibility across large language models (LLMs), AI search platforms, and evolving discovery experiences.

As a key member of the eCommerce team, this role will own and drive the technical execution required to maximize visibility across AI-powered search environments including Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other AI answer engines. The position acts as the critical link between Engineering, Content, SEO, Analytics, and agency partners to ensure Princess Cruises remains discoverable as search behavior continues to evolve.

Key Responsibilities

• AI Search & AEO/GEO Strategy Execution (25%)
  • Translate AI Search (AEO/GEO) strategies into actionable technical initiatives.
  • Partner with SEO agencies and content teams to align traditional SEO and AI-native optimization efforts.
  • Identify opportunities to improve AI answer inclusion, citations, and brand visibility across AI search ecosystems.
• AI Search / LLM Optimization (25%)
  • Optimize content and site structure for LLM discoverability and citation.
  • Improve:
    • Entity authority and topical relevance
    • Structured answer formats (FAQs, summaries, authoritative content blocks)
    • E-E-A-T signals (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
  • Identify gaps where Princess content is underperforming in AI-generated responses.
• Technical SEO & Structured Data Ownership (20%)
  • Own and enhance:
    • Schema markup and structured data (JSON-LD, entity markup)
    • Crawlability, indexation, and internal linking improvements
  • Ensure content is modular, machine-readable, and optimized for AI consumption.
  • Partner with engineering teams to improve:
    • Semantic HTML
    • Content hierarchy and formatting
    • Performance and accessibility signals
• Performance Measurement & Optimization (15%)
  • Define and track KPIs related to:
    • Visibility within AI search experiences
    • Citation frequency and share of voice
    • Traffic and conversion impact
  • Partner with Analytics teams to build AI-search-specific measurement frameworks.
  • Lead testing, experimentation, and optimization initiatives.
• Engineering Partnership & Delivery (10%)
  • Serve as the primary contact for AEO/GEO technical requirements.
  • Translate business objectives into clear technical requirements and user stories.
  • Influence engineering prioritization and backlog planning.
  • Validate implementation quality and ensure successful delivery.
  • Bridge agency recommendations with internal technical feasibility.
• Additional Responsibilities (5%)
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Adhere to all company policies, Code of Conduct requirements, audit procedures, and controls related to business systems and financial data.

Impact

This position serves as Princess Cruises' internal authority on AI Search Optimization and helps shape how the organization approaches discoverability across AI-powered search experiences. Success in the role directly contributes to:

• Increased AI search visibility
• Brand awareness
• Customer acquisition
• Traffic growth
• Engagement and conversion performance

Leadership

Although this role does not have direct people management responsibilities, it requires significant cross-functional leadership and influence. The Lead, AI Search Optimization (AEO/GEO) will:

• Provide thought leadership on AI search best practices.
• Drive alignment across Content, Technology, Analytics, eCommerce, and agency teams.
• Communicate recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Lead initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Influence priorities and decision-making without direct authority.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field.
• 3+ years of digital marketing experience with a focus on SEO.
• 1+ year of hands-on AEO/GEO optimization experience.
• Experience working with AI-driven search ecosystems and emerging discovery platforms.
• Strong understanding of how SEO, AEO, and GEO contribute to broader digital marketing strategies.

Technical Skills

• Adobe Analytics
• Google Analytics 4 (GA4)
• Google Search Console (GSC)
• HTML/CSS
• Basic JavaScript
• WordPress
• Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) or comparable CMS
• SEO, AEO, and GEO tools and best practices

Core Competencies

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to translate business objectives into technical execution plans.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management capabilities.