Digital Marketing & Search Strategy Manager, Midwest

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

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.

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!"