Digital Marketing & Search Strategy Manager

Sterling Group is a family-owned vertically integrated real estate investment services firm started in 1976. Our organization includes development, construction, property management and investment management with a specialty in multifamily housing and self-storage facilities. Our executives are involved daily and work closely with over 375 colleagues in multiple states throughout the Midwest and Southeast. We are looking for self-driven professionals with high accountability and integrity.

Why work for Sterling Group?

• Training and Career advancement opportunities
• Recognition programs
• Competitive wages
• Full benefits
• Family friendly culture
• Work life balance

Highlighted essential functions of the Digital Marketing & Search Strategy Manager:

Website & Search Strategy

• Lead the strategy, optimization, and ongoing performance of Sterling Group's corporate and property websites.
• Improve visibility through SEO, Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), local SEO, structured data, and technical website enhancements.
• Ensure websites deliver an exceptional user experience while maximizing lead generation and conversions.

AI Search & Organic Growth

• Optimize Sterling's digital presence for Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and emerging AI-powered search platforms.
• Develop content strategies that increase organic visibility, local search performance, and AI search discoverability.

Paid Media & Vendor Management

• Manage relationships with PPC agencies, Internet Listing Services (ILS), and digital marketing vendors.
• Analyze campaign performance, optimize advertising investments, and drive the lowest possible cost per lease.

Analytics & Performance Reporting

• Monitor website performance, lead attribution, conversion rates, marketing ROI, and key digital KPIs.
• Build dashboards and provide actionable insights that support data-driven marketing decisions.

Online Reputation & Local Presence

• Manage online reputation across Google Business Profiles and review platforms.
• Monitor reviews, local search visibility, and brand perception while identifying opportunities to improve resident engagement.

Digital Marketing Strategy

• Partner with the Director of Marketing and cross-functional teams to develop digital strategies that support occupancy, brand awareness, and business growth.
• Research emerging marketing technologies, AI tools, and industry trends to keep Sterling at the forefront of digital marketing innovation.

Marketing Automation & Continuous Improvement

• Support lead nurturing through email marketing, digital automation, and customer journey optimization.
• Conduct regular digital audits and continuously identify opportunities to improve website performance, search visibility, and marketing effectiveness.

Reports to: Director of Marketing

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in digital marketing, with a proven track record of managing successful paid advertising campaigns.
• Experience in the multifamily apartment industry is highly desirable.
• In-depth knowledge of Google Ads, geofencing, and Internet Listing Services.
• Proficient in SEO and SEM best practices, with a strong understanding of website analytics tools.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with digital marketing agencies.
• Familiarity with Yardi software is a plus.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to translate data into actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Must be able to adapt to a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects effectively.

Benefits:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Group Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Supplemental programs
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Volunteer time

Our goal is customer loyalty. Because we understand that customer loyalty is achieved by exceeding customer's expectations, our company credo is:

• "Creating the Sterling Story by exceeding expectations... one customer at a time!"