President of Story Studio for Hearst Newspapers

Position Overview

The President of Story Studio for Hearst Newspapers is the senior executive responsible for leading Hearst’s branded content agency as a high-growth, revenue-generating business unit. Hearst Story Studio, operates as both:

• An independent agency driving direct-to-client revenue, and

• The branded content engine supporting Hearst Newspapers and Hearst Television.

In this role, you will drive profitable growth, expand enterprise partnerships, strengthen direct sales capabilities, and scale a unified branded content model across platforms. This leader will continue to build a repeatable commercial engine while advancing innovative, performance-driven content solutions for advertisers.

Core Responsibilities

Enterprise Revenue & P&L Leadership

• Own full P&L accountability, including revenue growth, margin performance, and cost management
• Drive sustained year-over-year revenue expansion across:Direct-to-client agency relationships
• Hearst Newspapers markets
• Hearst Television branded content partnerships
• Develop scalable packaging, pricing, and tiered product offerings
• Expand enterprise and multi-platform accounts
• Increase share of wallet across key national and regional advertisers

Direct Sales & Commercial Strategy

• Partner with Hearst Newspapers and Hearst Television sales leadership to ensure Story Studio remains relevant as a core platform in their go-to-market strategy
• Lead and grow Story Studio’s direct-to-client sales efforts developing execution strategies to ensure revenue commitment
• Build strategic partnerships with brands and agencies
• Serve as executive sponsor for priority enterprise accounts

Cross-Platform Product Innovation

• Oversee development and performance of Story Studio’s core offerings across digital and broadcast environments, including:Native branded content
• Video integrated content
• Interactive and immersive formats
• AI-optimized and search-forward solutions
• Anticipate shifts in advertiser demand, content discovery, and AI/search behavior
• Build scalable roadmaps that balance innovation with operational discipline
• Ensure all offerings are measurable, performance-driven, and aligned with advertiser business outcomes

Organizational Leadership

• Serve as a visible, accessible leader who inspires trust, engagement, and high standards across the business
• Empower a best-in-class leadership team with defined roles, decision rights, and ownership of outcomes
• Lead with a clear vision, strong accountability, and a results-driven culture
• Attract, and retain top talent while strengthening succession planning and bench depth
• Establish clear performance standards that drives alignment and execution
• Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, innovation, and continuous growth

Qualifications

• 10+ years of executive experience in branded content, agency, or digital marketing
• Proven P&L ownership with demonstrated revenue and margin growth
• Experience leading both direct sales and integrated sales partnerships
• Strong understanding of multi-platform media environments
• Deep knowledge of advertiser needs, performance metrics, and branded content monetization strategies

Measures of Success

• Sustainable, diversified revenue growth (direct, Newspapers, and Television)
• Expansion of enterprise and multi-platform partnerships
• Increased adoption of Story Studio solutions across Hearst businesses
• Successful launch and monetization of innovative product offerings
• Improved profitability and operational efficiency
• Strong leadership bench and high-performing culture

About HNP

With 2,500 employees across the nation, Hearst Newspapers (HNP) represents a network of 28 daily and 50 weekly publications, including the Austin American-Statesman, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News, San Francisco Chronicle and Times Union (Albany). Our portfolio also includes several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites such as Chron., CT Insider, MySA and SFGATE, along with marketing services businesses like Medium Giant and entertainment brands such as King Features Syndicate.

At HNP, we’re investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories — growing newsrooms, diversifying tools and evolving platforms — to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.

Be part of something bigger — Your Headline Awaits

In accordance with applicable law, Hearst is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role if hired in California. The reasonable estimate starting base, would start at about a $175,000+ (base), plus commissions annualized based on individual performance. Please note this information is specific to those hired in San Francisco. If this role is open to candidates outside of San Francisco, the salary range would be aligned to that specific location. A final decision on the successful candidate’s starting salary will be based on a number of permissible, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to skills and experience, training, certifications, and education.

This position does not provide sponsorship.  All applicants should have the right to work in the US without immigration sponsorship.

What We Offer

Flexible Work Schedules – Because balance matters.
Health, Dental & Vision Coverage – Comprehensive plans to keep you and your family healthy.
24/7 Telemedicine Access (MDLive) – Talk to board-certified doctors anytime, anywhere.
FMLA & Parental Leave – Supporting you through life’s important moments.
Retirement Benefits with Employer Contributions – Helping you invest in your future.
Onsite Fitness Center – Stay active and energized during your day.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential support for life’s challenges.
Monthly “Health & Wealth” Webinars – Tools and tips to support your physical and financial wellness.
18 Days of Paid Time Off + 9 Paid Holidays – Plenty of time to recharge.
8 Hours of Paid Community Service Time – Give back to the causes that matter most to you.