Synchrony Financial

AVP, Technical SEO & Generative Engine Optimization

Chicago Site Full time

Job Description:

Summary: 
We are seeking a highly skilled Technical SEO & Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) Specialist to lead the technical SEO initiatives for our financial services platform. This role focuses on optimizing our digital presence for generative AI-driven search engines and platforms, ensuring that complex financial content is accurately indexed, discoverable, and trustworthy. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical SEO expertise with AI literacy and critical thinking, tailoring strategies to meet the rigorous compliance, security, and trust requirements unique to financial services.

Our Way of Working

We’re proud to offer you choice and flexibility. At Synchrony, our way of working allows you to have the option to work from home, near one of our Hubs or come into one of our offices. Occasionally you may be required to commute to our nearest office for in person engagement activities such as business or team meetings, training and culture events.

Essential Responsibilities: 

  • Conduct in-depth technical SEO audits focusing on site architecture, crawlability, indexing, site speed, security (including HTTPS and data protection), and structured data to ensure compliance and optimal visibility in generative AI-enabled search environments. 

  • Define clear SEO goals addressing complex business challenges typical in financial services, troubleshoot SEO and generative engine issues, and interpret AI outputs within regulatory and financial contexts. 

  • Implement advanced schema markup and structured data specifically relevant to financial products, services, and regulatory disclosures to enhance site understanding by generative search engines. 

  • Collaborate closely with IT, compliance, and web development teams to implement technical SEO solutions that align with financial industry standards and improve indexing, canonicalization, crawl budget, and site performance. 

  • Utilize log file analysis and other diagnostic methods to uncover and resolve technical SEO challenges, ensuring robust discoverability of critical financial information by AI-powered search agents. 

  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of generative AI capabilities, limitations, and best practices as they relate to search within the highly regulated financial sector. 

  • Lead site migrations and technical SEO projects with attention to risk management, compliance impact, and maintaining organic search equity. 

  • Communicate complex technical SEO and AI optimization strategies to compliance officers, business leaders, and technical teams ensuring alignment with business and regulatory objectives. 

  • Develop and deliver training and documentation to internal teams on technical SEO practices, focusing on generative engine optimization under financial compliance requirements. 

Qualifications/Requirements: 

  • Bachelor’s Degree or in lieu of degree, a high school diploma/GED and 6+ years of technical experience preferably within the financial services or highly regulated industries, focusing on site architecture, crawlability, schema markup, and indexing. 

  • 3+ years of technical SEO experience 

  • Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, capable of breaking down complex SEO and AI-driven search engine challenges specific to financial services. 

  • Demonstrated AI literacy with a fundamental understanding of agentic AI systems’ impact on search, capable of distinguishing between various AI technologies and their implications. 

  • Proven ability to communicate technical SEO and AI concepts intuitively to diverse stakeholders including compliance officers, business leaders, and product teams. 

  • Experience with SEO tools like Screaming Frog, DeepCrawl, Google Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs, and structured data testing tools. 

  • Proficiency in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and familiarity with CMS platforms used in financial services environments. 

Desired Characteristics: 

  • Strong understanding of the regulatory environment of financial services, digital content, including data security, privacy, and compliance considerations. 

  • Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and adept at working cross-functionally in complex organizational structures. 

  • Expertise in log file analysis, crawl budget optimization, and executing site migrations with minimal impact on search performance. 

 

Grade/Level: 11

                                                                              

The salary range for this position is 90,000.00 - 155,000.00 USD Annual and is eligible for an annual bonus based on individual and company performance.

                              

Actual compensation offered within the posted salary range will be based upon work experience, skill level or knowledge.

Salaries are adjusted according to market in CA, NY Metro and Seattle.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • You must be 18 years or older

  • You must have a high school diploma or equivalent

  • You must be willing to take a drug test, submit to a background investigation and submit fingerprints as part of the onboarding process

  • You must be able to satisfy the requirements of Section 19 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act.

  • New hires (Level 4-7) must have 9 months of continuous service with the company before they are eligible to post on other roles.  Once this new hire time in position requirement is met, the associate will have a minimum 6 months’ time in position before they can post for future non-exempt roles.  Employees, level 8 or greater, must have at least 18 months’ time in position before they can post.  All internal employees must consistently meet performance expectations and have approval from your manager to post (or the approval of your manager and HR if you don’t meet the time in position or performance expectations).

Legal authorization to work in the U.S. is required.  We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. 

Our Commitment:

When you join us, you’ll be part of an inclusive culture where your individual skills, experience, and voice are not only heard – but valued. Together, we’re building a future where we can all belong, connect, and turn ideals into action. More than 50% of our workforce is engaged in our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), where community and passion intersect to offer a safe space to learn and grow.

 

This starts when you choose to apply for a role at Synchrony. We ensure all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We’re proud to have an award-winning culture for all. 

Reasonable Accommodation Notice:

  • Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

  • If you need special accommodations, please call our Career Support Line so that we can discuss your specific situation. We can be reached at 1-866-301-5627.   Representatives are available from 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday, Central Standard Time

Job Family Group:

Marketing