📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Paid Social Buyer
🔹 Company: Hearst Magazines Division
🔹 Location: New York, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full time
🔹 Category: Media Production
🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing media buying and traffic acquisition across paid social platforms and content distribution tools
- Collaborating with Ad Operations, Sales, Marketing, and Edit teams to launch, optimize, and ensure successful performance of social campaigns
- Working with brands such as Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s BAZAAR, and O the Oprah Magazine
- Contributing to Hearst Magazines' mission to reinvent publishing for the 21st century
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of social media platforms and a creative approach to problem-solving.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage media buying and traffic acquisition across paid social platforms and content distribution tools such as Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and Pinterest
✅ Collaborate with various teams to launch, optimize, and ensure successful performance of social campaigns
✅ Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in social media advertising
✅ Analyze campaign performance data and provide insights to optimize future campaigns
ASSUMPTION: This role may require occasional work outside of regular business hours to monitor campaign performance and make real-time optimizations.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, or a related field
Experience: 2-5 years of experience in media buying, traffic acquisition, or a related role
Required Skills:
- Proficient in media buying and traffic acquisition across multiple social platforms
- Strong analytical skills and data-driven mindset
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Analytics
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with social media management tools such as Hootsuite or Sprout Social
- Familiarity with programmatic advertising
- Knowledge of Hearst Magazines' brands and their respective audiences
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the publishing industry may have an advantage in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year (based on industry standards for a role of this level in New York)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, with occasional flexibility for real-time campaign optimizations
ASSUMPTION: Salary range is based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Hearst Magazines is one of the largest publishers in the world, with a portfolio of more than 25 brands that reach over 150 million people every month in the United States alone.
Company Size: Hearst Magazines has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: Hearst Magazines was founded in 1910 as part of the Hearst Corporation, which was established in 1887.
Company Description:
- Hearst Magazines is a leading publisher of monthly magazines, including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s BAZAAR, and O the Oprah Magazine
- The company engages its audience across all mediums and channels, including print, digital, video, and social
- Hearst Magazines is committed to reinventing publishing for the 21st century through sophisticated content creation, distribution, and data capabilities
Company Specialties:
- Magazine publishing
- Digital media
- Video production
- Social media
Company Website: http://www.hearst.com/magazines
ASSUMPTION: Hearst Magazines' extensive portfolio of brands and commitment to innovation make it an attractive employer for creative and forward-thinking professionals.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is suitable for an early to mid-career professional with 2-5 years of experience in media buying, traffic acquisition, or a related role.
Reporting Structure: The Paid Social Buyer will report directly to the Paid Social Manager and work closely with various teams, including Ad Operations, Sales, Marketing, and Edit.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with occasional flexibility for real-time campaign optimizations.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement to a Senior Paid Social Buyer or Paid Social Manager role
- Expansion of responsibilities to include additional platforms or channels
- Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and collaborate with industry leaders
ASSUMPTION: With Hearst Magazines' extensive portfolio of brands and commitment to innovation, there are numerous opportunities for growth and development in this role.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: The Hearst Tower in New York City is a modern, collaborative workspace with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities.
Office Location(s): 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10009, US
Geographic Context:
- New York City is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis with a thriving media and entertainment industry
- The Hearst Tower is located in Midtown Manhattan, close to numerous dining, shopping, and cultural attractions
- New York City offers excellent public transportation options, including subway, bus, and rail services
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday-Friday, with occasional flexibility for real-time campaign optimizations
ASSUMPTION: The on-site work arrangement and central location of the Hearst Tower provide an ideal environment for collaboration and networking opportunities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- In-person or virtual interview with the Paid Social Manager and a team member
- Final interview with the Director of Paid Social
Key Assessment Areas:
- Media buying and traffic acquisition skills
- Analytical and data-driven mindset
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with Hearst Magazines' values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and achievements in media buying, traffic acquisition, or a related role
- Include specific examples of successful social media campaigns you have managed or contributed to
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your fit with Hearst Magazines' brands and values
- Prepare questions to ask the interview panel about the role, the team, and the company
ATS Keywords: Media Buying, Traffic Acquisition, Social Campaigns, Content Distribution, Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, Pinterest, Organization, Detail Orientation, Creativity, Learning
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may vary depending on the volume of applicants and the company's current hiring needs.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Meta Ads Manager
- TikTok Ads Manager
- Snapchat Ads Manager
- Pinterest Ads
- Google Analytics
- Microsoft Office Suite
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role may change or evolve as the company adopts new platforms and services.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Quality
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Integrity
- Diversity
Work Style:
- Creative and innovative
- Data-driven and analytical
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in social media advertising?
- Can you provide an example of a successful social media campaign you have managed or contributed to?
- How do you approach data analysis and optimization in your media buying strategies?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with Hearst Magazines' values and work style will be more likely to succeed in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple campaigns and platforms simultaneously
- Keeping up with the fast-paced and ever-changing social media landscape
- Occasional work outside of regular business hours for real-time campaign optimizations
- Collaborating with various teams and stakeholders to ensure successful campaign performance
ASSUMPTION: The potential challenges of this role can be mitigated through strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to a Social Media Manager role, the Paid Social Buyer role is more focused on media buying and traffic acquisition, while the Social Media Manager role encompasses a broader range of responsibilities, including content creation, community management, and analytics
- In the publishing industry, the Paid Social Buyer role is crucial for driving audience engagement and revenue growth through effective social media advertising
- Career paths for Paid Social Buyers may include advancement to Senior Paid Social Buyer, Paid Social Manager, or related roles in media planning, advertising, or marketing
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their career goals and interests when comparing this role to similar positions in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a social media advertising campaign for a new magazine launch
- Optimizing a high-performing campaign to improve cost-per-acquisition and return on ad spend
- Analyzing campaign performance data to identify trends and insights, and using those insights to inform future campaign strategies
ASSUMPTION: The sample projects provided are intended to give candidates an idea of the types of tasks and responsibilities they may encounter in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the biggest challenges facing the Paid Social team currently, and how can this role help address them?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams, such as Ad Operations, Sales, Marketing, and Edit?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Paid Social team and Hearst Magazines more broadly?
- How does Hearst Magazines support work-life balance for its employees?
- What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role, according to the interview panel?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates a candidate's interest in the role and commitment to success.
📌 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 for this role
- Prepare for your interview by researching Hearst Magazines' brands and values, and practicing your responses to common interview questions
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your appreciation 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.
