📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Sponsored Content Specialist
🔹 Company: Hearst Newspapers
🔹 Location: Houston, Texas, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full time
🔹 Category: Advertising & Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-05-27
🔹 Experience Level: 0-2 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing advertiser content requests from start to finish
- Supporting paid and organic social media strategists with agency clients
- Collaborating with editorial teams and creating engaging content
- Pacing and managing boosting budgets for sponsored content
- Working with nationally recognized media brands and clients
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, creativity, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. It's ideal for someone looking to gain experience in both organic and paid social media strategies.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Manage advertiser content requests, including gathering assets, writing copy, getting editorial approval, and publishing posts
✅ Manage boosting budgets for sponsored content, including target audience creation, pacing budget spend, and reporting results
✅ Support the social media team with agency clients, including copywriting, organizing client content assets, and setting up paid social media audiences/campaign structures
✅ Collaborate with editorial teams to ensure content aligns with publisher brand guidelines
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of multitasking and requires strong communication skills to work effectively with various teams and clients.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, advertising, or related field
Experience: 1 year of proven experience in creating and executing social media content and paid campaigns
Required Skills:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with creating posts on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
- Experience using Facebook Ads Manager and other paid social media tools
- Ability to perform light design work (typically in Canva)
- Self-starter with quick execution, brainstorming, and communication skills
Preferred Skills:
- Content marketing and SEO writing experience
ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with project management tools may be beneficial for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $40,000 - $55,000 per year (Based on industry standards for entry-level marketing roles in Houston, 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 & dependent care reimbursement
- Mental wellness benefits
- Inclusive healthcare designed for every individual’s unique needs
- Fertility coverage & menopause support
- Pet wellness reimbursement & Rover credits
- Additional benefits and details available here
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for entry-level marketing roles in Houston, TX. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Newspaper Publishing
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 1887
Company Description:
- Hearst Newspapers (HNP) is a leading provider of local and regional news, with an extensive portfolio of modern local and regional brands, services, and solutions.
- HNP serves over 45 million digital visitors monthly and over 6 million print readers weekly through a collective network of 50+ leading websites, 28 daily and 50 weekly publications, and innovative digital products.
- HNP 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: www.JoinHNP.com
ASSUMPTION: Hearst Newspapers is a well-established company with a strong focus on local news and community engagement. Its extensive portfolio and commitment to quality journalism make it an attractive employer for individuals interested in the media industry.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level to mid-level marketing role, with opportunities for growth and career advancement
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Social Media Manager and works closely with the advertising operations team, editorial teams, and clients
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with the opportunity for remote work based on team needs and project requirements
Growth Opportunities:
- Gain experience in both organic and paid social media strategies
- Develop skills in content creation, client management, and project management
- Potential career progression into roles such as Social Media Strategist, Marketing Manager, or similar positions
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in various aspects of social media marketing and client management, providing a strong foundation for career growth within the company.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate office environment with a collaborative and creative work culture
Office Location(s): 4747 Southwest Fwy, Houston, Texas 77027, United States
Geographic Context:
- Houston, Texas, is the fourth-most populous city in the United States and offers a diverse cultural scene, vibrant arts community, and numerous job opportunities
- The office is located in the Energy Corridor district, with easy access to major highways and public transportation
- The city experiences a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break), with the possibility of flexible hours based on team needs and project requirements
ASSUMPTION: The office environment at Hearst Newspapers is collaborative and creative, with a strong focus on teamwork and innovation. The location in Houston, Texas, offers a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, providing numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or video interview with the social media manager and a member of the advertising operations team
- Final interview with the director of advertising operations
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to work effectively with various teams and clients
- Creativity and problem-solving skills
- Understanding of social media platforms and paid advertising strategies
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide specific examples of your experience with social media content creation and paid campaigns
- Demonstrate your understanding of the role and how your skills and experience make you a strong fit for the position
ATS Keywords: Social Media, Content Creation, Paid Campaigns, Client Communication, Audience Targeting, Budget Management, Facebook Ads Manager, Canva, SEO Writing
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and applicants should take the time to tailor their application materials to demonstrate their qualifications and fit for the position.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Facebook Ads Manager
- Canva
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or similar)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is essential for success in this role. Applicants should be comfortable using them and able to learn new tools as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Quality
- Innovation
- Collaboration
- Accountability
Work Style:
- Collaborative and creative
- Results-driven and deadline-focused
- Adaptable and responsive to change
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a collaborative and creative work environment?
- Are you able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines?
- Do you have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with various teams and clients?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with the company's values and work style to ensure they are a strong cultural fit for the organization.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working with a diverse range of clients and teams, each with their own priorities and expectations
- Keeping up with the constantly evolving social media landscape and industry best practices
- Adapting to changes in the company's priorities and goals
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are common in marketing roles and can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Social Media Coordinator or Content Marketing Specialist, but with a focus on both organic and paid social media strategies
- Unlike some roles, this position requires experience with paid social media campaigns and managing boosting budgets
- Career progression in this role could lead to positions such as Social Media Strategist, Marketing Manager, or similar roles within the company
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should compare this role to similar positions in the industry to better understand its unique requirements and opportunities for growth.
📝 Sample Projects
- Managing a sponsored content campaign for a major client, including gathering assets, writing copy, getting editorial approval, and publishing posts
- Supporting a paid social media strategist with an agency client, including organizing client content assets and setting up paid social media audiences/campaign structures
- Creating a content calendar for a publisher's social media profiles, including a mix of organic and sponsored content
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for success in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?
- How does this role support the overall goals and objectives of the advertising operations team?
- What opportunities are there for growth and professional development in this role?
- How does the company support work-life balance for its employees?
- What is the company's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
ASSUMPTION: These questions can help applicants better understand the role, the company culture, and the opportunities for growth and development.
📌 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 examples of your experience with social media content creation and paid campaigns
- Research the company and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience make you a strong fit for the position
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after your interview 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.
