Hearst Lifestyle Group (HLG) is home to some of the most iconic brands in media, including Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, Delish, Country Living, The Pioneer Woman, House Beautiful, Prevention and Seventeen. We are seeking a Vice President of Audience Development to lead innovative, data-driven growth strategies across multiple platforms—search, social media, newsletters, memberships, and emerging technologies. 

As part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group leadership team, you will collaborate with editorial, product, data, consumer marketing, and sales teams to evolve how we connect with audiences—building sustainable, scalable, and future-focused audience development initiatives. 

Drive Audience Growth & Engagement 

Spearhead a best-in-class audience development strategy for the Lifestyle Group portfolio, setting key KPIs and leading a central content strategy team that blends editorial excellence with distribution tactics, audience insights, and business impact.  Support Editorial in finding new ways to optimize and diversify referral traffic, grow visibility and reach, and drive revenue, via SEO, social, and other emerging off-platform channels.  Work hand in hand with brand leadership (i.e. editors in chief, digital directors, managing editors, etc.) to establish editorial calendars and develop the right content coverage and growth strategies that double down on core value propositions.  Develop experimentation frameworks to test out new opportunities — such as AI-driven search and new social and community platforms — for audience expansion, brand marketing, and monetization.  Provide regular updates and insights on brand performance to group leadership, senior-level executives, and other key teams (Ad Sales/Marketing, Commerce, Product and Tech) across the business. 

Develop Innovative Partnerships & Experiences 

Work with centralized Hearst Magazine’s teams — Partnerships, Product and Tech, Commerce, etc. — to identify and secure new, high-impact partnerships that expand the group’s audience reach and engagement and grow new revenue channels.  Partner with the Tech and Editorial teams to test and launch content formats and experiences (e.g. interactive storytelling, video, AI optimizations, community-building tools), with an eye towards driving deeper audience engagement across owned platforms.  Collaborate closely with the Consumer Revenue team to evolve the portfolio’s more-loyal reader offerings, including developing new high-growth newsletter strategies and expanding current paid membership initiatives with more innovative promotions and experiences.  Foster education and adoption of approved Hearst Corporate AI tools to optimize workflows  Stay ahead of emerging media trends, AI advancements, and platform shifts to keep Hearst Lifestyle Group at the forefront of digital media. 

Qualification and Experience  

10+ years of leadership experience in audience development, digital content strategy, and/or growth marketing.  Strong understanding of SEO, social media algorithms, and audience engagement and retention tactics — with a proven track record of driving growth and evolution.  Experience with newsletters, paid subscription, performance marketing, and community engagement strategies.  Analytical mindset with proficiency in data and reporting programs (Google Analytics, Looker, Parse.ly), CRM platforms, content management systems, and new AI tools and data applications.  Exceptional cross-functional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate closely with editorial, product, and revenue teams.  Passion for experimentation, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of audience engagement. 

Why Join Hearst Lifestyle Group? 

Work with the Best: Collaborate with top-tier professionals across media, fashion, lifestyle, and publishing, shaping the future of these dynamic industries.  Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to cutting-edge 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.  Champion Inclusion: Join our Employee Resource Groups and play a meaningful role in advancing our diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.  Wellness First: Benefit from comprehensive wellness programs starting on Day 1! Plus, take advantage of our onsite fitness and wellness facilities at the iconic Hearst Tower in NYC.  Plan for Your Future: Enjoy competitive financial perks, including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match. 

The base salary for this role is between $249,000 - $328,000. 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 provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.