Responsibilities

• Lead organic audience growth strategy across Hearst Autos brands, focusing on attracting high-intent shoppers and driving conversions across lead generation, commerce, and marketplace experiences
• Partner with editorial and product teams to create seamless pathways from content to conversion, aligning audience acquisition with core business outcomes
• Manage day-to-day content strategy workflows, ensuring coverage aligns with search demand, seasonal trends, and key moments in the car-buying journey
• Analyze search trends, audience behavior, and competitive gaps to inform content creation, product development, and prioritization decisions
• Translate complex SEO data into clear, actionable insights that improve content performance and drive measurable impact
• Collaborate with product and engineering teams to grow marketplace audiences through technical SEO, content syndication, and scalable audience development strategies
• Define and support the launch of new tools, features, and content formats that enhance the car shopping experience while driving traffic and revenue growth
• Monitor AI-driven discovery trends and search ecosystem changes, adapting strategies to maintain visibility, authority, and performance

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in SEO, audience development, digital strategy, or a related field
• Proven experience leading SEO strategy for large-scale, content-driven websites (1M+ pages preferred), including technical SEO and site architecture
• Deep understanding of search intent across news and evergreen content, with the ability to align editorial strategy to audience needs
• Strong technical SEO knowledge, including crawling, indexing, structured data, internal linking, and Core Web Vitals
• Proficiency with SEO and analytics tools such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Looker, Ahrefs, Semrush, and Screaming Frog
• Demonstrated ability to translate data into clear insights and strategic recommendations for cross-functional stakeholders and senior leadership
• Experience working in or closely with editorial teams, with an understanding of newsroom workflows and publishing environments
• Based in New York City with the ability to work in-office 4 days per week

Preferred

• Marketplace experience is a plus
• Affiliates/content monetization familiarity is a plus
• Curious, proactive mindset with a test-and-learn approach to evolving search and discovery platforms, including AI-driven experiences
• Experience working in or closely with editorial teams, with an understanding of newsroom workflows and publishing environments
• Strong communication and presentation skills

Benefits

• 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.