Marketing Director,
Science News Media Group

As the Marketing Director for Science News Media Group (SNMG), you will be responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote and enhance the visibility of our magazines and websites to key audience segments. This role will be integral to supporting the future of SNMG’s journalism by helping to grow its direct revenue. The Marketing Director will be responsible for building experiences and executing strategies that identify, target, and acquire new audiences. Specifically, they will work to ensure that SNMG’s performance marketing strategy expands the reach of our content, builds reader engagement, and ensures conversion into paying and loyal subscribers/customers. You will take a primary role in developing optimization strategies to bring our digital audience (1.5MM avg monthly website users, 2.8MM monthly pageviews and 7.6MM social media followers) into a deeper commercial relationship with our products, as well as playing a key role in the development and management of marketing-driven products. You should also have a robust understanding of platform analytics, as well as of tracking and attribution. This position requires a creative and strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the print and digital publishing industry, market trends, and effective marketing techniques. A passion for science journalism and its vital importance in building an appreciation and respect for science among the general public is key. Special consideration will be given to candidates with knowledge of the education (middle and high schools) market.

The Marketing Director will collaborate cross-functionally with teams (editorial, digital operations, sales, design, etc.) within SNMG and the Society, manage brand and product marketing efforts, and work to increase readership/viewership, website traffic and conversions, subscriber numbers, and overall brand awareness. The ideal candidate will also have experience in building effective strategic partnerships to expand the reach of SNMG content on other platforms. Strong writing, editing and communication skills are critically important, as is an exacting attention to detail and an entrepreneurial spirit. This position reports to the Publisher, SNMG.

Job Responsibilities

Job duties include, but are not limited to:

Brand Development

  • Utilize various channels such as digital media, social media, email, and partnerships to promote the SNMG brand and its associated products.
  • Maintain and enhance SNMG brand identity and ensure that this is reflected in all marketing efforts and materials.
  • Collaborate with design and editorial teams to ensure that marketing materials align with the SNMG image and Society guidelines.

Audience Development

  • Develop and implement strategies to engage and grow the audience for both magazines and their websites, with a target of 10% user growth for each for 2024.
  • Deepen relationships with existing readers (including growing registered users by 30% for 2024) and explore opportunities to attract new, targeted demographic segments.

Circulation Growth

  • With input from the Publisher and our circulation consultant, devise strategies to increase paid individual subscriptions to SN 15% YoY and double paid individual subscriptions to SN Explores, across both print and digital formats.
  • Work with our circulation consultant to develop and implement retention programs to reduce subscriber churn.

Partnerships and Collaborations

  • Identify and negotiate partnerships with relevant institutions, platforms and organizations to expand SNMG visibility and reach.
  • Collaborate with advertisers and sponsors to create mutually beneficial relationships.

Data/Market Analysis and Reporting

  • Utilize analytics tools to measure and report on the performance of marketing efforts.
  • Conduct market analysis/research to identify trends, competitor activities, and target audience preferences.
  • Provide regular reports to senior management, highlighting key metrics and insights.

Sales and Sponsorships

  • Support advertising and sponsorship sales in the development and execution of custom integrated opportunities to help meet/exceed annual revenue budget.
  • Collaborate with ad sales and design on the development of sales collateral materials.

Leadership

  • Manage one Senior Marketing Manager.
  • Foster a collaborative and innovative work environment with SNMG and Society colleagues.
  • Manage marketing budgets and goals.

Qualifications

Job specific:

  • 8-10 years of experience in marketing roles within the publishing or media industry.
  • Experience in managing performance marketing campaigns across social media platforms either with agencies or in-house with a brand focused on content marketing.
  • Strong understanding of digital marketing (including SEO/SEM), social media, and emerging marketing trends.
  • Proficient at interpreting data and results from marketing efforts and providing actionable recommendations based on learnings.
  • Experience in identifying, building, and implementing audience strategies for email marketing, paid social and onsite targeting.
  • Familiarity with analytics tools (GA4, Looker), CRM platforms (Microsoft Dynamics and Marketing), and project management tools (Assana, Airtable).
  • Excellent communication (including writing and editing) and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to think creatively and strategically.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Experience with budget management.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
  • An entrepreneurial and inventive approach to problem-solving.
  • A respect for and commitment to the importance of quality journalism.

Required qualifications for all Society positions:

  • Affinity for the mission of the Society for Science.
  • Exceptional communications skills, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to develop rapport with colleagues and external clients.

Required Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree from a College or University or four years of related experience

Additional Information

Society for Science has mandated the COVID-19 vaccine for employees coming into the office and attending Society events. Exceptions to the vaccine requirement may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons.

Salary Range

  • $130,000 – $150,000; salary is commensurate with experience.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee usually works in an office setting. Our office is located near the Dupont Circle and Farragut North Metro stations. The Society is operating on a hybrid schedule.

Ideally this position is based in the metropolitan area of DC, MD, or VA; however, consideration may be extended for remote opportunity

Position Type and Expected Hours

  • This is a full-time, exempt position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday during normal office hours of the Society. Light travel for some of the organization’s events is necessary in this position.

How to Apply

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover every duty, responsibility and activity required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Science News

For more than a century, Science News journalists have covered advances in science, medicine and technology for the general public. We were founded as an independent nonprofit in 1921 by newspaper magnate E.W. Scripps and zoologist W.E. Ritter, who wanted to improve the quality and accuracy of science journalism and remain true to that vision today. Our mission is to provide independent, unbiased coverage of science and give people the tools to evaluate the news and the world around them. We connect with audiences through our print magazines–Science News and Science News Explores–and their associated websites–ScienceNews.org and SNExplores.org. While Science News is targeted to adults, Science News Explores (which launched online in 2003 and as a print magazine in 2022) makes science accessible for young people ages 9 and up. Additionally, teachers and students in almost 5,000 high schools read us in print and online through the Science News Learning program.

Science News is published by the Society for Science, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, effective STEM education and scientific research through its award-winning publications and world-class science education competitions.

Society for Science

Founded in 1921, the Society for Science (Society), is a champion for science, dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, effective STEM education, and scientific research. Through its world-class competitions, including the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, and its award-winning magazines, Science News and Science News Explores, the Society, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization, is focused on promoting the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, education, and inspire.

EEO Statement

The Society is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Society for Science & the Public is committed to equal employment opportunity. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, the Society does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis, including but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, ancestry, national origin, disability, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, age and/or any other categories protected by the laws of the United States or the District of Columbia.