About the position
The Daily Beast delivers fearless reporting and sharp cultural commentary to millions of readers each month. With a loyal and growing subscriber base, we’re investing deeply in our digital subscription product—and we’re looking for an experienced leader to take it to the next level. We’re seeking a Senior Director, Subscription Marketing with extensive experience driving acquisition and retention for digital subscription products—ideally at a major publisher or news organization. This person will own the end-to-end subscription marketing strategy and execution, working cross-functionally to grow both reach and revenue. You’ll be the senior-most marketer focused on subscription growth, with a deep understanding of how to drive conversions, optimize funnel performance, and keep subscribers engaged. This is a hands-on role that requires expertise in marketing execution as well as the vision to scale a team over time. You will be the initial hire to a new stand-alone team focused exclusively on subscriptions, with an opportunity to build a team around you as our subscriber base grows. You'll report directly to the President and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our subscription program. This role is a hybrid position based in our NYC HQ.
Responsibilities
- Lead full-funnel marketing efforts across acquisition, conversion, onboarding, engagement, and retention
- Plan and execute campaigns to drive paid subscriber growth, using performance channels, onsite messaging, lifecycle marketing, and promotions
- Work closely with editorial, product, analytics, and design teams to identify opportunities to optimize user journeys and improve conversion rates
- Develop and test pricing and promotional strategies that maximize revenue and subscriber lifetime value
- Use data to analyze funnel performance, segment audiences, and drive personalization at scale
- Own A/B testing across creative, messaging, and offers to inform ongoing optimization
- Build and oversee subscriber retention programs and lifecycle communications
- Set KPIs, manage reporting, and regularly communicate results and recommendations to leadership
- Help define resourcing needs and eventually grow a high-performing subscription marketing team
Requirements
- 7–10+ years of experience in subscription marketing, with a strong focus on acquisition and retention within a news organization
- Proven track record driving growth for a digital subscription product
- Deep knowledge of performance marketing, lifecycle marketing, and conversion rate optimization
- Expertise with website subscription funnels—including paywalls, landing pages, and registration flows
- Hands-on experience with CRM platforms, ESPs, analytics tools, and A/B testing frameworks
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with strong executional skills
- Strong collaboration skills and comfort working cross-functionally in a fast-paced environment
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for journalism and digital innovation
- Leadership experience or clear potential to hire and manage a team as the business scales
Benefits
- A mission-driven team passionate about quality journalism
- Opportunities for growth and professional development
- A collaborative and flexible work environment
- Competitive salary and benefits package
