Volunteer for a startup replacing single-use plastic with seaweed packaging! 🌊📦

Sway creates seaweed-based compostable packaging that replaces plastic while protecting oceans, restoring marine ecosystems, and eliminating microplastics.

Over five trillion plastic bags are produced globally every year, with a dismal 2% recycling rate that leaves the remaining 98% to fragment into microplastics contaminating our ecosystems, food systems, and human health. Plastic pollution inflicts over $3.7 trillion in annual economic and environmental damage, yet packaging remains essential for food safety, hygiene, and product protection. Without scalable, functional alternatives that match the durability and flexibility of traditional plastic, global supply chains continue to rely on petroleum-based materials that perpetuate climate change and ecosystem collapse.

Sway addresses this global waste crisis by leveraging ocean-cultivated seaweed to create TPSea Flex™, a home-compostable, flexible thermoplastic film that matches plastic’s performance without toxic chemicals or microplastics. Designed to plug directly into conventional manufacturing machinery, Sway’s materials allow legacy producers to transition to regenerative alternatives at scale without costly retooling. Beyond displacing fossil-fuel plastics, the fast-growing seaweed requires zero arable land or freshwater, sequesters carbon, restores marine habitats, and creates climate-resilient livelihoods for coastal communities. By partnering with major packaging distributors to supply top brands, Sway scales zero-waste biomaterials across global supply chains, returning organic nutrients safely back to the earth after use.

Role (Volunteer, unpaid): SEO Consultant

Role Description: Over 12 weeks, you'll help us climb Google's rankings for high-impact keywords like "seaweed packaging," "compostable packaging," and "next-generation materials." Your work will directly shape how people discover Sway and, ultimately, how they access alternatives to conventional plastics.

Phase 1 (Weeks 1-3): Audit

• Conduct a comprehensive technical SEO audit of swaythefuture.com (site structure, performance, indexation, user experience)
• Analyze current keyword rankings and competitive positioning
• Identify content gaps and quick-win opportunities
• Deliver a clear, prioritized audit report with recommendations

Phase 2 (Weeks 3-4): Strategy & Roadmap

• Develop a strategic execution plan prioritizing high-impact opportunities
• Recommend on-page, technical, and content improvements
• Identify keyword targets aligned with Sway's business priorities
• Present findings and roadmap to our Marketing & Communications team

Phase 3 (Weeks 4-12): Implementation & Quick Wins

• Implement priority technical SEO improvements (with our team)
• Optimize existing content for target keywords
• Create content briefs for new pages
• Configure Rankmath settings and reporting dashboards
• Track KPIs and share monthly progress updates
• Identify and execute quick wins toward longer-term visibility goals

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

Essential Skills:

• 5+ years of SEO experience with proven results (rankings, organic traffic growth)
• Expertise of technical SEO (Core Web Vitals, crawlability, structured data)
• Proficiency with Google Search Console, Google Analytics 4, and competitive analysis tools (SEMrush, Ahrefs)
• Fluency in SEO for Wordpress (site structure, plugin management, performance)
• Ability to audit, strategize, and execute independently
• Clear communication with non-technical stakeholders

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with Rankmath or Semplice (platforms Sway uses within Wordpress)
• B2B or sustainability sector SEO experience
• Portfolio or case studies showing measurable SEO wins
• Interest in material science, climate tech, or sustainability

WHY THIS MATTERS

Search visibility is how the world discovers that seaweed-based alternatives exist. Every keyword you optimize, every page you improve, and every ranking we climb puts Sway closer to the brands and distributors actively looking for solutions to plastic packaging. Your work will help scale a material innovation that directly improves ocean health, our climate, and our worldwide waste problem.

SUPPORT & WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

We'll set you up for success:

• Mentorship: Direct collaboration with our Head of Marketing & Communications; access to Sway's founding team and product/R&D insights
• Feedback: Monthly check-ins, strategic guidance, and technical support as you navigate implementation
• Reference & Portfolio: This becomes a standout case study for your portfolio — measurable SEO wins at a mission-driven startup
• Impact Clarity: Monthly reports showing rankings, traffic, and business impact
• Community: You'll join the Sway team and the broader network of ChangeMakers driving climate innovation

HOW TO APPLY

Please provide:

• Resume highlighting SEO achievements and technical expertise
• Brief note on what draws you to this role and Sway's mission
• Links to 2-3 projects where you've successfully improved SEO performance (case studies, portfolio sites, or client wins)
• Your availability starting October 1, 2026

We review on a rolling basis and will reach out to select candidates for an initial conversation.

Time Commitment: Volunteer 4-6 hours per week for 3-5 months remotely 💻

If you want to make change happen, apply to volunteer with Sway now!