Job Description

Be Part of What’s Next

Help shape how millions of car shoppers discover, evaluate, and choose their next vehicle. This is an opportunity to redefine how trusted automotive journalism connects to real-world decisions in an evolving search landscape.

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)

Hearst Magazines is one of the world’s largest publishers of premium content, with a portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands, including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s BAZAAR, Popular Mechanics, and Runner’s World. We reach more than 200 million people every month across print, digital, video, and social platforms. Our content informs, inspires, and entertains audiences around the globe.

Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)

• 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

Qualifications (What We’re Looking For)

• 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
• Familiarity with affiliate content strategy and monetization models; marketplace experience is a plus
• Curious, proactive mindset with a test-and-learn approach to evolving search and discovery platforms, including AI-driven experiences
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Based in New York City with the ability to work in-office 4 days per week

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 for this role is between $101,000 and $122,000. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as transferable skills, work experience, business needs, and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

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, or protected veteran status.