Audience Growth Lead, Christian Science Monitor

Summary

The Christian Science Monitor is a mission‑driven international news organization undergoing a period of strategic renewal. Amid a rapidly changing media landscape, we are deepening our commitment to thoughtful, independent journalism while adapting to the opportunities and challenges of the AI era. The Audience Growth Lead works with the newsroom, product and promotions teams to grow and deepen the Monitor’s audience through thoughtful, mission‑aligned strategies that increase subscriptions, engagement, and loyalty.

The Audience Growth Lead is responsible for working with CSM senior management to drive audience growth and engagement through a combination of data‑informed strategy, editorial partnership, and hands‑on execution. The incumbent operates as an individual contributor, collaborating across teams to improve performance and build sustainable audience relationships.

• Works with the Managing Publisher, editorial leaders, the analytics team and product partners to define and advance audience growth priorities, with a focus on subscription growth, engagement, and newsletter expansion.
• Leads day‑to‑day execution of audience strategies across key channels, including search (SEO), emerging generative search (GEO), newsletters, homepage, and distribution platforms.
• Partners directly with editors and writers to shape story framing, write and refine headlines, and optimize packaging to improve reach, engagement, and subscription conversion—while maintaining Monitor voice and sensitivities.
• Excels at partnering with teams across the organization, particularly analytics and marketing/promotions, to drive maximum impact.
• Leads SEO strategy and execution, including keyword identification, headline optimization, and ongoing refinement of content to improve search visibility and performance.
• Identifies opportunities to grow subscription conversion and reader loyalty through content strategy, user journeys, and audience insights.
• Collaborates with analytics partners to interpret audience data, define success metrics, and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Effectively prioritizes across multiple channels and initiatives, balancing impact, urgency, and available resources.
• Tracks performance across key initiatives and communicates clear, concise updates to stakeholders.
• Supports the development and expansion of newsletters as a core driver of engagement and retention.
• Monitors trends in audience behavior, search, and platform dynamics, and adapts strategies accordingly.
• Tests and iterates on new approaches to reach and engage audiences, balancing experimentation with practical results.
• Ensures audience strategies directly support the Monitor’s mission, editorial standards, and non‑sensational approach.

Supervisor:
Managing Publisher

Regular Contacts:
Newsroom staff, analytics team, product and promotions teams.

• A Bachelor’s degree is required.
• At least 7–10 years of experience in audience development, digital strategy, SEO, analytics, or related work—preferably within mission‑driven media organizations.

• Strong understanding of audience growth levers, including SEO, AEO, GEO, newsletters, engagement strategies, and subscription funnels.
• Strong headline writing and story packaging skills, balancing clarity, accuracy, and engagement.
• Excellent partner skills across teams, adapting style, staying focused on customer needs and clear communication.
• Deep understanding of SEO as an editorial practice, including keyword strategy, search intent, and content structure.
• Effective use of AI tools to enhance analysis, content optimization, and execution.
• Familiarity with evolving search dynamics, including generative search (GEO) and platform‑driven discovery.
• Comfort with data and analytics tools, interpreting performance, and translating insights into action.
• Strong editorial judgment and understanding of how journalism connects with audiences.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Responsive, facilitating efficient decision‑making and progress.
• Calm under deadline pressure.
• Strong organizational…