📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Paid Social Media Strategist
🔹 Company: Hearst Newspapers
🔹 Location: Austin, Texas
🔹 Job Type: Full time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: May 12, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (with flexibility)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing direct response and brand campaigns across various paid social platforms
- Optimizing campaigns through A/B testing and multivariate tests
- Monitoring KPIs and providing actionable insights
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align campaign objectives with user experience and performance data
- Staying updated with industry trends and recommending emerging platforms
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, agency-style environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Plan, build, and manage direct response and branding ad campaigns across Meta, Pinterest, Twitter, Reddit, YouTube, and emerging platforms
✅ Execute A/B and multivariate tests to optimize targeting, creative, bidding strategies, and placements
✅ Monitor KPIs and campaign performance across multiple reporting platforms, providing actionable insights and regular progress updates
✅ Partner with other product teams to align campaign objectives with user experience and performance data
✅ Interface directly with clients and sales teams to support campaign launches, troubleshoot issues, and deliver performance reporting
✅ Stay ahead of trends, recommend emerging platforms, and lead innovations in automation, CAPI + Pixel tracking, and CRM integrations
✅ Develop paid social media plans tailored to acquisition and retention goals, supporting seasonal and promotional initiatives across other marketing channels as needed
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong self-management skills to balance multiple projects and deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or Communications
Experience: 3-5 years in social media marketing with a focus on paid social campaigns
Required Skills:
- Proficient in ad copywriting, Meta ad manager, CRM integrations, CAPI + Pixel tracking, A/B testing, and automation flows
- Strong analytical skills with competency in speaking to metrics across multiple reporting systems
- Creativity and willingness to think outside the box
- Ability to receive constructive criticism and learn from feedback
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work across multiple teams and clients with ease
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with Zapier and other automation tools
- Familiarity with emerging social media platforms
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in an agency environment or managing complex campaigns will have a competitive edge.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Senior Paid Social Media Strategist role in Austin, TX)
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
- Competitive retirement plan with matching program
- Generous paid time off, including holidays and vacation
- Paid parental leave
- Monthly child and dependent care reimbursement
- Mental wellness benefits
- Inclusive healthcare
- Fertility coverage and menopause support
- Pet wellness reimbursement and Rover credits
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and skills.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Newspaper Publishing
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees (mid-size)
Founded: 1887
Company Description:
- Hearst Newspapers is the operating group responsible for Hearst’s newspapers, local digital marketing services businesses, and directories
- With over 3,000 employees across the nation, Hearst Newspapers publishes 24 dailies and 52 weeklies
- The company is committed to being the most trusted, most respected, and most accurate source of news and information in the communities it serves
Company Specialties:
- Digital
- Media
- News
- Marketing
- Publishing
- Commerce
- Advertising
- Journalism
- Content Marketing
- Entertainment
- Comics
- Photography
- Product Design
- Social Media
- Branding
- Analytics
- SEO
- Company Culture
- Web Development
- Consumer Marketing
- and Audience
Company Website: JoinHNP.com
ASSUMPTION: Working at Hearst Newspapers offers opportunities for growth and exposure to various aspects of the media industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level, with potential for growth into management or specialist roles
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Manager of Paid Social Media
Work Arrangement: On-site, with flexibility for remote work
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to lead a team or take on a more specialized role within the paid social media function
- Opportunities to work on high-profile campaigns and collaborate with cross-functional teams
- Access to professional development resources and training opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a good balance between autonomy and collaboration, with opportunities for growth and development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative workspace with on-site amenities
Office Location(s): 300 W 57th St, New York, NY 10019, US; 901 Mission St, San Francisco, California 94103, US; 4747 Southwest Fwy, Houston, Texas 77027, US; Avenue E & Third Street, San Antonio, TX 78205, US; P.O. Box 15000, News Plaza, Albany, NY 12212, US; 301 Merritt 7, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851, US
Geographic Context:
- Austin, Texas, is a vibrant, growing city with a strong job market and a high quality of life
- The cost of living in Austin is relatively affordable compared to other major metropolitan areas
- Austin offers a diverse range of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and culinary experiences
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: Austin's growing tech industry and strong job market make it an attractive location for professionals in the digital marketing field.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume screening
- Phone or video call with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the team
- Final interview with the department head or director
Key Assessment Areas:
- Campaign strategy and execution
- Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant experience and achievements in your resume, focusing on paid social media campaigns and results
- Tailor your cover letter to demonstrate your understanding of the role and your fit with the company's mission and values
- Prepare examples of successful paid social media campaigns you've managed, including metrics and insights
- Research the company and industry trends to show your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role
ATS Keywords: Paid Social Media, Campaign Strategy, A/B Testing, Metrics, Analytics, Collaboration, Cross-functional Teams, Emerging Platforms
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may involve multiple interviews and assessments to ensure the best fit for the company and the candidate.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Meta Ad Manager
- CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Facebook Insights)
- Automation tools (e.g., Zapier, IFTTT)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is essential for success in this role, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency during the interview process.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Quality
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Accountability
- Diversity
- Inclusion
Work Style:
- Data-driven and results-oriented
- Collaborative and team-focused
- Adaptable and open to feedback
- Proactive and solutions-oriented
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
- Are you comfortable working with multiple teams and stakeholders?
- Do you have a strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality?
- Are you open to feedback and willing to learn from others?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Hearst Newspapers' values and work style will be most successful in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple campaigns and deadlines simultaneously
- Keeping up with the fast-paced nature of the digital marketing industry
- Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders
- Balancing autonomy and collaboration in a mid-sized organization
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Senior Paid Social Media Manager, but with a focus on strategy and execution rather than team management
- Compared to other marketing roles, this position requires a deep understanding of paid social media platforms and campaign optimization
- Career progression may involve moving into a management role or specializing in a specific aspect of paid social media marketing
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their long-term career goals and how this role fits into their professional development plan.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a multi-platform campaign to drive brand awareness and user engagement for a new product launch
- Optimizing a direct response campaign to improve conversion rates and reduce cost per acquisition
- Collaborating with the organic social media team to create a cohesive content strategy that supports overall marketing objectives
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and tactical aspects of the role, as well as the importance of collaboration with cross-functional teams.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical campaign lifecycle and how this role fits into that process?
- How does this role collaborate with other teams, such as organic social media and content marketing?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the paid social media team currently, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Hearst Newspapers support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What is the company's approach to work-life balance and employee well-being?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and allows you to gain a better understanding of the company culture and expectations.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant experience and achievements in paid social media marketing
- Write a cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the role and your fit with the company's mission and values
- Prepare examples of successful paid social media campaigns you've managed, including metrics and insights
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
