The Spectator logo

Growth Marketing Director

The Spectator
Full-time
On-site
London, London, City of, United Kingdom
πŸš€ Growth Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Growth Marketing Director

πŸ”Ή Company: The Spectator

πŸ”Ή Location: London, London, City of, United Kingdom

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-time

πŸ”Ή Category: Book and Periodical Publishing

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: June 12, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Driving subscription growth through creative, data-driven marketing strategies
  • Collaborating with editorial, design, and marketing teams to align growth efforts with The Spectator's editorial tone and priorities
  • Managing external paid media agency relationships and multi-channel campaigns
  • Continuously testing, learning, and optimizing campaigns to improve acquisition and re-engagement
  • Monitoring news cycles and cultural conversations to identify new growth opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of current affairs, politics, and The Spectator's distinctive voice, as well as excellent editorial judgement and sharp copywriting skills.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Conceive, brief, execute, and report on tactical subscription campaigns across paid and organic channels

βœ… Identify and package editorial content in real time, with a clear instinct for what will resonate with audiences

βœ… Own and manage the day-to-day relationship with the external paid media agency

βœ… Run continual creative and offer testing to improve acquisition and re-engagement

βœ… Work closely with editorial, design, and marketing colleagues to ensure growth efforts align with The Spectator's editorial tone and priorities

βœ… Track the news cycle and cultural conversations to identify new growth opportunities

βœ… Own campaign reporting and performance analysis

ASSUMPTION: This role involves rapid tactical campaigns and requires the ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Journalism, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: Proven experience driving subscription or audience growth in a digital environment

Required Skills:

  • Deep understanding of current affairs, politics, and The Spectator's distinctive voice
  • Excellent editorial judgement with a sharp sense of what cuts through on digital platforms
  • First-rate copywriting skills with wit, humour, and the ability to turn a phrase
  • Comfortable balancing instinct with data β€” testing, learning, and optimising continuously
  • Experience managing agency relationships and multi-channel campaigns

Preferred Skills:

  • Background in publishing, journalism, politics, or current affairs

ASSUMPTION: A background in publishing, journalism, politics, or current affairs is strongly preferred but not required if the candidate can demonstrate a deep understanding of these areas.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Β£50,000 - Β£70,000 per year (based on experience and industry standards for a Growth Marketing Director role in London)

Benefits:

  • 5% Employer Contribution Pension Scheme
  • Generous Holiday Allowance with 25 days holiday per calendar year + birthday holiday bonus + Bank Holiday Leave
  • All staff receive generous discounts at our Company restaurant, as well as free breakfast and fruit
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Interest free season ticket loan

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours (9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, Monday - Friday), with flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet deadlines

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Growth Marketing Director role in London, taking into account the candidate's experience level.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: The Spectator is a weekly magazine focused on politics, current affairs, arts, and culture, published in the United Kingdom since 1828. It is the oldest continuously published magazine in the English language.

Company Size: The Spectator has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: 1828, with a rich history and established reputation in the publishing industry.

Company Description:

  • Known for its distinctive voice and contentious opinion, The Spectator offers a platform for diverse views and thought-provoking debate
  • Features regular columns, editorial features, book reviews, and arts coverage from leading writers and experts in their fields
  • Committed to delivering high-quality journalism and engaging content to its readers

Company Specialties:

  • Politics and current affairs
  • Book reviews
  • Arts
  • Luxury goods and lifestyle
  • Publishing
  • Debate and events

Company Website: www.spectator.co.uk

ASSUMPTION: The Spectator's focus on politics, current affairs, and thought-provoking debate makes it an attractive option for candidates interested in these areas and seeking a challenging, intellectually stimulating work environment.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for an experienced marketing professional looking to take on a leadership position in driving subscription growth for a prominent publishing company.

Reporting Structure: The Growth Marketing Director will report directly to the Managing Editor and work closely with editorial, design, and marketing teams.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site role based in London, with the possibility of occasional remote work for specific tasks or meetings.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to make a significant impact on The Spectator's digital growth and subscription base
  • Opportunities to collaborate with and learn from leading journalists, writers, and industry experts
  • Possibility to progress to a more senior role within the company, such as Managing Editor or a similar position, as the company continues to grow and evolve

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for a growth marketing professional to apply their skills in a dynamic, intellectually stimulating environment and make a real impact on the company's digital growth and subscription base.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Spectator's office is a modern, professional workspace located in central London, providing a collaborative and engaging work environment.

Office Location(s): 22 Old Queen St, London, London SW1H 9HP, GB

Geographic Context:

  • London is a vibrant, multicultural city with a rich history and diverse cultural scene
  • The office is located in a convenient, central location with easy access to public transportation
  • The area offers numerous amenities, including restaurants, cafes, and shops, providing plenty of options for lunch breaks and after-work activities

Work Schedule: Standard office hours with flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet deadlines

ASSUMPTION: The Spectator's central London location and modern office environment provide an attractive work setting for candidates seeking a dynamic, engaging work environment in a bustling city.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Initial phone or video screening to assess cultural fit and basic qualifications
  • First-round interview with the Managing Editor to discuss the role, responsibilities, and career growth opportunities
  • Second-round interview with key stakeholders, such as editorial and marketing team members, to assess skills and fit within the team
  • Final interview with the CEO or another senior leader to discuss the company's vision and long-term goals

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Understanding of current affairs, politics, and The Spectator's distinctive voice
  • Editorial judgement and ability to package content effectively
  • Copywriting skills and ability to turn a phrase
  • Data-driven mindset and ability to balance instinct with data
  • Experience managing agency relationships and multi-channel campaigns

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, with a focus on driving subscription or audience growth in a digital environment
  • Demonstrate your understanding of The Spectator's unique voice and content by referencing specific articles, columns, or features that resonate with you
  • Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the company's long-term goals to ask during the interview

ATS Keywords: Growth marketing, subscription growth, digital marketing, editorial judgement, current affairs, politics, data-driven, agency management, multi-channel campaigns, testing, optimization

ASSUMPTION: The Spectator's interview process is designed to assess candidates' cultural fit, skills, and understanding of the company's unique voice and content, as well as their ability to drive subscription growth through creative, data-driven marketing strategies.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Google Analytics
  • Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)
  • Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Campaign Monitor)
  • Paid media advertising platforms (e.g., Google Ads, Facebook Ads)
  • Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the candidate's experience and the team's preferences, but a strong working knowledge of digital marketing platforms and tools is essential for success in this role.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Independence: The Spectator is committed to maintaining its independence and providing a platform for diverse views and thought-provoking debate
  • Quality: The Spectator strives to deliver high-quality journalism and engaging content to its readers
  • Innovation: The Spectator is dedicated to exploring new ways to engage its audience and drive digital growth

Work Style:

  • Collaborative: The Spectator values a team-based approach to work, with regular collaboration and communication across departments
  • Dynamic: The Spectator's work environment is fast-paced and intellectually stimulating, with a focus on driving growth and innovation
  • Creative: The Spectator encourages its employees to think outside the box and approach problems from unique perspectives

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you share The Spectator's commitment to independence and providing a platform for diverse views and thought-provoking debate?
  • Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and able to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines?
  • Do you have a creative approach to problem-solving and a strong sense of editorial judgement?

ASSUMPTION: The Spectator's company values and work style are designed to foster a collaborative, innovative, and intellectually stimulating work environment, where employees are encouraged to think creatively and drive growth through high-quality journalism and engaging content.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple campaigns and priorities simultaneously, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively
  • Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines and changing priorities
  • Balancing instinct with data and making data-driven decisions in a rapidly evolving digital landscape
  • Adapting to a unique company culture and work environment that values independence, quality, and innovation

ASSUMPTION: The Spectator's fast-paced, dynamic work environment and commitment to driving digital growth present both opportunities and challenges for candidates seeking to make a significant impact in a prominent publishing company.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • Unlike traditional marketing roles, this position requires a deep understanding of current affairs, politics, and The Spectator's distinctive voice, as well as strong editorial judgement and copywriting skills
  • This role offers a unique opportunity to drive subscription growth through creative, data-driven marketing strategies in a prominent publishing company with a rich history and established reputation
  • Career progression in this role may lead to more senior positions within the company, such as Managing Editor or a similar role, as the company continues to grow and evolve

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of marketing, editorial, and creative skills, making it an attractive option for candidates seeking to apply their expertise in a dynamic, intellectually stimulating environment.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a targeted social media campaign to promote a specific article or series, driving traffic and engagement
  • Conducting A/B testing on email subject lines and content to optimize open rates and click-throughs
  • Analyzing website traffic data to identify trends and opportunities for growth, and developing targeted campaigns to capitalize on these insights

ASSUMPTION: The specific projects and campaigns developed and executed in this role will vary depending on the candidate's skills, experience, and the team's priorities, but will always be focused on driving subscription growth through creative, data-driven marketing strategies.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • How does this role fit into the company's long-term vision for digital growth and subscription acquisition?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
  • How does the editorial team collaborate with the marketing team to ensure growth efforts align with The Spectator's editorial tone and priorities?
  • What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the company?
  • How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates the candidate's interest in the role and commitment to driving subscription growth through creative, data-driven marketing strategies.

πŸ“Œ 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 experience and skills, with a focus on driving subscription or audience growth in a digital environment
  • Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the company's long-term goals to ask during the interview
  • Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and reiterate your interest in the role

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