Director, Media Strategy

Be Part of What's Next

As Director of Media Strategy at Hearst Magazines, you’ll be charged with developing smart media frameworks that bring the Hearst portfolio to life for our advertising partners.   You’ll be at the intersection of analytics, brand marketing and digital revenue operations – weaving together core concepts from each discipline to bring key moments to market.

You will dig deep into our portfolio of ad products, data and editorial calendars to build pricing and planning frameworks to meet the market.  You’ll incorporate feedback from our Sales teams and advertisers to evolve those packages for our clients. 

You will be a thought leader and a partner for our Client Success organization, providing them with best practices and centralized resources to respond to day-to-day client requests.

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)

Hearst Magazines’ portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands in the U.S. inspires and entertains audiences across all media platforms. From digital and social media to print and emerging platforms, our brands—including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Popular Mechanics—reach millions of consumers every month. We are committed to creating engaging content and innovative experiences that connect audiences and advertisers in meaningful ways.

Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)

• Design and develop core digital media planning strategies to serve our wide variety of advertising clients and ad products.   Analyze traffic patterns, inventory, and performance KPIs to craft formulas that win business.
• Collaborate with senior staff in Sales, Client Success, Yield, Research and Marketing to weave together proactive multi-channel client opportunities.  These packages should both maximize revenue and meet client KPIs.
• Partner with brand-focused marketers to identify key editorial moments and size the surrounding media products.  Establish packaging toolkits that maximize media opportunities, using research and site analytics to highlight opportunities.
• Partner with Yield & Pricing teams to establish business rules and success metrics for these programs to monitor business health.  This may include tracking budgets, savings, makegoods and credits.
• Develop appropriate workflows and ad systems capabilities to track adoption, delivery and performance for each program.
• Act as subject matter expert to our team of Account Managers and Program Managers, who use these media frameworks to respond to client requests.  Develop trainings and feedback loops for these teams to respond to our advertisers quickly, with insightful opportunities.  Ensure all campaigns and critical communications are executed effectively and key learnings are quantifiable.
• Proactively identify areas of opportunity to our Sales teams. Manage media mix recommendations on a quarterly basis. Lead strategies for the development of media plans that include creative, first-to-market executions.
• Demonstrate practical knowledge and deep understanding of all integrated media channel planning (Video, Audio, Print, Social, and Digital, including direct and programmatic/biddable media)

Qualifications (What We’re Looking For)

• 8–10+ years of related experience in media, with significant experience in digital media planning and sales, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated success developing strategic media plans and delivering integrated programs across digital platforms in a fast-paced environment.
• Deep understanding of integrated media channel planning, including Video, Audio, Print, Social, and Digital, as well as direct, programmatic, and biddable media.
• Strong analytical capabilities and experience with digital inventory management, pricing, traffic patterns, and performance measurement; proficiency with Google Analytics, Excel, and Google Ad Manager.
• Strategic and resourceful problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate complex data, client needs, and business objectives into clear, actionable media strategies.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to build alignment, influence cross-functional partners, and communicate effectively with senior leaders.
• Ability to navigate change, balance multiple priorities, and collaborate effectively across teams; people-management experience is preferred.
• Results-oriented and curious, with the initiative, tenacity, and collaborative mindset to identify opportunities and move ideas forward.
• This role is based in New York City and requires working in the office four days per week as part of our hybrid work model.

Benefits (What We Offer)

• Work with the Best: Collaborate with top-tier professionals across media, advertising, tech, fashion, lifestyle, and publishing, shaping the future of these dynamic industries.
• Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs, immersive workshops, and exclusive industry events.
• Work-Life Harmony: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work, empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.
• Foster Connection & Belonging: Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
• Wellness First: Prioritize your well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance from Day 1.
• Plan for Your Financial Future: Enjoy competitive financial perks, including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

The base salary range for this role is $133,000-$161,000. This position is not eligible for bonus or commission compensation. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, skills, qualifications, and location.

Hearst Magazines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.