Branded Content Director

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Branded Content Director

🔹 Company: Ziff Davis Shopping

🔹 Location: Austin, Texas, United States

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid

🔹 Category: Branded Content, Editorial, Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 9, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site/Hybrid

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Strategic leadership of branded content across multiple platforms
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams for innovative content solutions
• Management of a team of full-time direct reports and freelancers
• End-to-end campaign development and execution
• Data-driven decision making and performance reporting

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high-performing editorial leader with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, able to manage multiple complex projects and teams.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Branded Content Strategy & Execution:

• Develop and execute strategic branded content campaigns that meet client goals and resonate with audiences
• Collaborate with Sales, Design, and Brand Marketing teams to ideate and pitch compelling campaign concepts
• Oversee editorial execution to ensure sponsored content aligns with client goals, campaign KPIs, and brand voice and standards
• Manage project timelines, workflows, and budgets to ensure accountability and success
• Present campaign updates and post-mortem performance recaps to internal stakeholders and external partners
• Strategically manage inventory and surface opportunities to meet and exceed competitive revenue targets

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and teams effectively.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or a related field

Experience: Minimum 8 years of experience in editorial or content marketing, with at least 3 years in a leadership role

Required Skills:

• Proven track record in pre-sale strategy and post-sale execution
• Strong editing and storytelling skills across digital formats
• Deep understanding of branded content metrics, KPIs, and performance reporting
• Experience working in CMS platforms, like Wordpress
• Proficiency in data analytics platforms like Google Analytics and Tableau dashboards

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in affiliate marketing or ecommerce
• Fluency in Spanish or another language

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in editorial leadership, with a proven track record in branded content strategy and execution.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Director-level role in Austin, TX)

Benefits:

• Company-sponsored medical, dental, and vision insurance (including domestic partner coverage)
• Flexible vacation and paid time off
• Charitable giving programs and family planning benefits
• 401K savings plan with employer match
• Employee stock purchase program (ESPP)
• Wellness programs, including gym reimbursement, Lose It! and Calm subscriptions
• Hybrid, remote, and flexible work arrangements
• Diverse and inclusive employee resource groups

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Director-level role in Austin, TX. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Online Audio and Video Media

Company Size: 201-500 employees

Founded: 1920, with the Shopping division founded in 2006

Company Description:

• Ziff Davis Shopping helps millions of shoppers discover and save, delivering exceptional consumer and merchant-advertiser experiences across a portfolio of leading mobile and ecommerce brands
• Domestic brands include RetailMeNot, Offers.com, BlackFriday.com, TechBargains and more
• International brands include Ma-Reduc and Poulpeo in France, and Voucher Codes in the UK

Company Specialties:

• Affiliate marketing and ecommerce
• Branded content and editorial
• Mobile and online shopping experiences

Company Website: ziffdavis.com

ASSUMPTION: Ziff Davis Shopping is a well-established company with a strong presence in the affiliate marketing and ecommerce industries, offering a dynamic work environment for its employees.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Director/Manager

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the VP of Branded Content or a similar role

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow the branded content team and expand the company's offerings
• Opportunities to collaborate with various teams and contribute to the company's overall success
• Potential to advance to a VP or similar role in the future

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a substantial impact on the company's branded content strategy.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid, with a mix of on-site and remote work

Office Location(s): 114 5th Ave, 15th floor, New York, New York 10011, US and 7801 N. Capital of Texas Hwy, Suite 300, Austin, Texas 78731, US

Geographic Context:

• Austin, TX: Known for its vibrant tech industry, live music scene, and outdoor activities
• New York, NY: A global hub for media, finance, and technology, offering endless cultural and professional opportunities

Work Schedule: Flexible, with a mix of on-site and remote work

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility and a good work-life balance, while also providing opportunities for in-person collaboration and networking.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager or HR representative
• On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final interview with the VP of Branded Content or a similar role
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Leadership and team management abilities
• Editorial and content creation expertise
• Data analysis and performance reporting

Application Tips:

• Highlight relevant experience in branded content strategy and execution
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize skills and experiences that match the job requirements
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

ATS Keywords: Branded Content, Editorial Leadership, Content Strategy, Campaign Development, Project Management, Team Management, Data Analysis, Performance Reporting

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may involve multiple interviews and assessments, focusing on both technical skills and cultural fit.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Content Management Systems (CMS) like Wordpress
• Data analytics platforms like Google Analytics and Tableau dashboards
• Project management tools like Asana or Trello
• Collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams

ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies for this role may vary, but strong proficiency in content management systems and data analytics platforms is essential.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation and continuous learning
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Customer-centric approach
• Data-driven decision making

Work Style:

• Agile and adaptable
• Results-driven and data-focused
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your leadership style and values align with the company's core values?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully managed a complex project or team, and how did you ensure the project's success?
• How do you approach data-driven decision making, and can you share an example of a time when you used data to inform a strategic content decision?

ASSUMPTION: Ziff Davis Shopping values candidates who are innovative, collaborative, and data-driven, with a strong customer focus and a results-oriented mindset.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple complex projects and teams simultaneously
• Balancing the needs of clients, partners, and internal stakeholders
• Keeping up with industry trends and evolving client expectations
• Ensuring consistent high-quality content across multiple platforms and formats

ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges related to project management, stakeholder communication, and content quality assurance.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Branded Content Manager vs. Director: The Director role involves more strategic decision-making, team management, and cross-functional collaboration
• Content Marketing Manager vs. Director: The Director role requires more leadership, budget management, and performance analysis
• Editorial Director vs. Branded Content Director: The Branded Content Director role focuses more on sponsored content and client relationships, while the Editorial Director role is more focused on independent editorial content and journalistic integrity

ASSUMPTION: The Branded Content Director role is distinct from other editorial or content marketing roles, with a unique focus on sponsored content and client relationships.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive branded content strategy for a major retail client, including longform editorial, social media, and influencer marketing components
• Managing a team to create and execute a successful content hub for a financial services client, driving user engagement and conversions
• Collaborating with a cross-functional team to create a custom content solution for a tech client, resulting in increased brand awareness and lead generation

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic, collaborative, and data-driven approach required for success in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the company's approach to branded content and how this role fits into that strategy?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its branded content team members?
• Can you provide an example of a successful branded content campaign the company has executed, and what made it successful?
• How does the company measure the success of its branded content initiatives, and how does this role contribute to those metrics?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the branded content team currently, and how does this role help address them?

ASSUMPTION: These interview questions help assess the company's approach to branded content, team support, and the specific challenges and opportunities related to this role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences, emphasizing your fit for this role
• Prepare for interviews by researching the company, its branded content strategy, and the specific challenges and opportunities related to this role
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative one week after submitting your application, if you have not heard back

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.