SEO beginner needs help

[thehandler]

Hello all,

I am student and just landed an internship for a company that needed an SEO Analyst for the summer(organic search only). I have had experience in Information Architecture, web content developement but not SEO.

My tasks and mission are:
• Translate business goals effectively into search engine marketing strategies.
• Review site for search engine friendly design principles.
• Develop comprehensive search engine optimization recommendations and execute all phases of implementation and ongoing management.
• Remain up-to-date on current search engine news and trends.
• Analyze keyword and search engine performance
• Manage keyword lists, create new keywords, and phase out ineffective words
• Work with production team to build relevant landing pages that drive conversion

I know a little about optimization but i really don't know where to start this project...

What are the necessary first steps before starting anything?

Would anybody here recommend me articles, books or any type of ressources to help start this work...?

Regards
TheHandler
ps: the reason i am sort of lost is because i am doing the internship remotely.