Director, Video Platform Strategy

Be Part of What's Next

Help shape the future of premium video storytelling at one of the world’s leading media companies. As Director, Video Platform Strategy, you’ll drive audience growth across Hearst Magazines’ YouTube portfolio, transforming insights into action and helping our iconic brands reach and engage millions of viewers in new and meaningful ways.

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)

Hearst Magazines is one of the world’s largest publishers, with a portfolio of 30 brands that reach audiences across print, digital, social, video, and emerging platforms. From trusted journalism and service content to entertainment and lifestyle experiences, our brands connect with consumers in meaningful ways every day. We are committed to innovation, collaboration, and creating content that informs, inspires, and engages audiences wherever they are.

Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)

• Develop and lead YouTube growth strategies across select Hearst Magazines brands, driving audience expansion, engagement, and subscriber growth.
• Oversee optimization of video metadata, including titles, descriptions, tags, and publishing strategies to maximize discoverability and performance.
• Direct thumbnail strategy and creative best practices, leveraging audience insights and testing to improve click-through rates.
• Partner closely with editorial, video, social, and analytics teams to align content strategies with audience growth opportunities.
• Analyze channel performance, audience behavior, and competitive trends to inform recommendations and strategic decision-making.
• Establish and manage testing frameworks that continuously improve content performance, retention, and discoverability.
• Monitor YouTube platform developments, algorithm updates, and industry trends, translating insights into actionable strategies.
• Define, track, and report on key performance indicators including subscriber growth, watch time, engagement, and overall channel health.

Qualifications (What We’re Looking For)

• 7+ years of experience in digital video, audience development, platform strategy, or a related field with a strong focus on YouTube, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated success growing YouTube channels and improving audience and performance metrics at scale.
• Deep expertise in YouTube SEO, metadata optimization, audience development, and thumbnail strategy.
• Strong analytical skills with experience leveraging YouTube Analytics and other performance measurement tools to drive decision-making.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders across editorial, creative, and business teams.
• Skilled at balancing creative judgment with data-driven insights to achieve measurable outcomes.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience developing testing frameworks and using experimentation to optimize content performance.
• Passion for digital media, audience behavior, and emerging platform opportunities.
• Based in New York, NY, with participation in Hearst Magazines’ hybrid work model as required.

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 $147,015–$167,698. This role is also eligible for bonus and/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.