📌 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 options for other Texas locations)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing ad campaigns across social media platforms
- Optimizing campaigns through A/B testing and data analysis
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive customer acquisition, engagement, and retention
- Providing thought leadership and identifying new advertising opportunities
- Managing day-to-day Paid Social operations and supporting additional marketing channels
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong analytical skills, and experience with Paid Social platforms to succeed.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Plan, build, and execute direct response and brand ad buys across social platforms
✅ Determine areas of opportunity and execute tests and campaigns to drive customer acquisition, engagement, and retention
✅ Develop and execute A/B testing programs to improve campaign performance
✅ Develop paid acquisition plans and provide regular reporting on progress
✅ Work cross-functionally with product, UX, and other marketing teams
✅ Use measurement, tracking, and management platforms to produce analytical insights
✅ Provide thought leadership and identify new advertising opportunities
✅ Work with Business Intelligence/Analytics teams on Paid Social dashboard development and KPIs monitoring
✅ Provide support for additional marketing channels and promotional campaigns
✅ Strategize with sales teams for effective launches to customer campaigns
✅ Work directly with clients on reporting, troubleshooting, and optimizing campaigns
✅ Present new innovations and campaign statuses to stakeholders
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve marketing goals.
🎯 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:
- Experience with ad copywriting, Meta ad manager, CRM Integrations, CAPI + Pixel tracking, A/B testing, and Zapier
- 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 working in a fast-paced agency setting
- Familiarity with additional Paid Social platforms (Twitter, Pinterest, Reddit, YouTube, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in Paid Social and a proven track record of driving results are most likely to succeed in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $85,000 - $120,000 (based on industry standards for a Senior Paid Social Media Strategist with 3-5 years of experience in Texas)
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 designed for every individual’s unique needs
- 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 in Austin or other Texas locations
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards 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
Founded: 1887
Company Description:
- Hearst Newspapers is the operating group responsible for Hearst’s newspapers, local digital marketing services businesses, and directories.
- With more than 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: https://www.JoinHNP.com
ASSUMPTION: Hearst Newspapers offers a comprehensive portfolio of modern local and regional brands, services, and solutions that redefine what ‘local news’ means and how it connects communities across the country.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and development
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Marketing Manager and works cross-functionally with various teams
Work Arrangement: On-site in Austin, Texas, with options for other Texas locations (Houston, San Antonio)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a management role or expand responsibilities within the marketing department
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and campaigns
- Chance to develop skills in cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and make a significant impact on the company's marketing efforts.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space with state-of-the-art technology and 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: Known for its vibrant music scene, tech industry, and outdoor activities
- Houston, Texas: The fourth-most populous city in the United States, with a diverse economy and cultural scene
- San Antonio, Texas: The second-most populous city in Texas, with a rich history and cultural attractions
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for remote work in Austin or other Texas locations
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Hearst Newspapers is dynamic, collaborative, and focused on driving results through innovative marketing strategies.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth interview with the marketing team
- Final interview with the director of marketing
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Analytical skills and data-driven decision-making
- Communication and presentation skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with company values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your Paid Social experience and relevant skills
- Prepare examples of successful Paid Social campaigns you've managed and the results you achieved
- Demonstrate your understanding of the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
ATS Keywords: Paid Social, Social Media Marketing, Campaign Management, A/B Testing, Analytics, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Stakeholder Management
ASSUMPTION: The application process at Hearst Newspapers is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit for the role and the company.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Meta Ad Manager
- CRM Integrations
- CAPI + Pixel tracking
- Zapier
- Google Analytics
- Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, Reddit, YouTube)
- Project management tools (Asana, Trello, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed are not exhaustive and may vary depending on the specific needs of the role and the company.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Quality
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Accountability
- Diversity & Inclusion
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced
- Collaborative and cross-functional
- Data-driven and results-oriented
- Adaptable and open to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment?
- Are you comfortable working with multiple teams and stakeholders?
- Do you have a proven track record of driving results through Paid Social campaigns?
- Are you comfortable using data and analytics to inform your decision-making?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Hearst Newspapers' values and work style are more likely to succeed and be satisfied in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple campaigns and stakeholders simultaneously
- Keeping up with the latest trends and best practices in Paid Social
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with changing priorities
- Balancing data-driven decision-making with creative problem-solving
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a focus on continuous learning and improvement.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Paid Social Media Manager but with additional responsibilities and a focus on strategic planning and thought leadership
- Compared to other marketing roles, this position requires a strong understanding of Paid Social platforms and campaign management
- Career progression may include moving into a management role or expanding responsibilities within the marketing department
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and cross-functional collaboration, making it distinct from other marketing positions.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive Paid Social strategy for a new product launch
- Optimizing an existing campaign to improve ROI by 20% through A/B testing and data analysis
- Collaborating with the product team to create targeted ads for a new feature release
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, data-driven, and collaborative nature of the Senior Paid Social Media Strategist role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe a time when you successfully optimized a Paid Social campaign to drive significant results?
- How does this role collaborate with other marketing teams and stakeholders?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the Paid Social 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 how is it supported in this role?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the company, and helps you make an informed decision about your fit.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your Paid Social experience and relevant skills
- Prepare examples of successful Paid Social campaigns you've managed and the results you achieved
- Demonstrate your understanding of the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
