Generative Search Strategist

VERB is a digital marketing and technology agency with our head office located in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia. Our global clients offer the opportunity to work and collaborate with some of the world’s biggest destinations, resorts, and travel brands—and with our employee travel credit, it’s easy to experience them for yourself. We take a balanced approach to work/life and have fun at the office– or wherever we happen to be working. We are passionate about exceeding expectations and we thrive on jobs other agencies might find too big, or too difficult, or too fast. Sounds good? Great, here’s who we’re looking for… The GEO Search Strategist will support VERB’s organic search offering, transitioning from traditional SEO to AI-first Generative Engine Optimization. This role acts as a primary change agent, partnering with the SEO team to align agency capabilities with the rise of Large Language Models (LLMs). They will help influence and support high-impact decisions regarding the GEO technology stack and as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) will, assist the team as they adapt to new search paradigms. Responsibilities: Supports VERB’s GEO/AIO offering, acting as the SME to help shape processes and deliverables to align with overall organizational strategy and future-proof client success. Nurtures client relationships and partnerships by providing strong insights and strategies across accounts and demonstrating strong communication skills. Partners with Paid, Content, Marketing Technology, Client Service, and other departments to integrate GEO methodologies (e.g., Topic/Content Pillars, Entity Schema, llms.txt protocols) into cross-channel workflows. Develops and refines GEO frameworks and playbooks, translating experimental AI search tactics into actionable, high-value client solutions. Diagnoses and resolves complex technical issues, specializing in Knowledge Graph entity resolution and AI-generated citation visibility. Monitors and analyzes industry shifts in Generative Search (ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity) to craft proactive, forward-thinking strategy pivots for clients. Evaluates and leverages GEO-specific vendors and MarTech tools (e.g., Scrunch, Brand Radar) to elevate reporting and insight extraction. Executes high-stake GEO strategies, ensuring all client deliverables maintain the highest standards of technical accuracy and strategic depth. Troubleshoots complex technical roadblocks, particularly surrounding CMS architecture and complex technical search environments. Maintains deep subject matter expertise in LLM ranking factors, Query Fan-out, RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation), and semantic search to guide strategic direction. Partners with Accounts team to scope accurate, competitive, and achievable GEO strategies sales and partner retention. Facilitates internal training sessions (e.g., “Lunch and Learns”) to share industry knowledge and upskill agency teams on the evolving impact of AI on search. 5+ years of SEO/Digital experience with experience and knowledge in generative search, and AI optimization. Proven ability to drive project outcomes in ambiguous environments, specifically relating to emerging technologies (AI, LLMs, or complex data structures). Strong technical command of the modern web stack (Headless CMS, JSON-LD, Vector Search concepts) required to guide a technical team. Experience managing vendors and software budgets (e.g., negotiating with enterprise analytics platforms like Scrunch or Perplexity). Excellent communication skills, capable of translating high-impact technical decisions into clear business logic for the team, leadership, C-Suite and clients. Our benefits are anything but basic, with vacation time available on day one (not to mention an extra bonus week during the holidays), an annual travel credit (for non-work related travel), and free office snacks and drinks to keep you energized when you’re around. In addition, we offer the following and are consistently looking for new ways to enhance the benefits we offer to our team: Premium co-share option for Group Health Insurance (medical, dental, vision) $1000 annual allowance to use towards a Health Spending OR Wellness Spending Account Company matching RRSP program Top up for Parental/Pregnancy leave Hybrid work arrangements (3 days in office per week for local employees) Remote opportunities available for other locations. Professional and Personal Development opportunities Internal recognition programs Recreational sports teams and social event Transit and fitness discounts