Director, Content Strategy

Job description

Company Description VERSANT is a leading force in news, sports and entertainment - home to iconic and trusted brands that inspire, inform, and delight audiences. Our unique combination of content, technology and services enriches the cultural fabric, igniting passions, sparking conversations, and connecting people to what they love most. As an independent, publicly traded company, VERSANT brings together powerhouse cable networks - including USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Golf Channel - with dynamic digital and direct-to-consumer brands such as Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. Together, these businesses reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across every screen and service. VERSANT is an industry-changing media company fueled by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. With a strong foundation and a forward-looking vision, VERSANT empowers creativity, embraces change, and drives connection in an ever-evolving world. Job Description The Director of Content Strategy will play a key role in shaping and executing the network’s content strategy across linear cable and digital platforms. This leader will drive audience growth, engagement, and revenue by aligning content initiatives with business priorities, optimizing the programming slate, and leveraging data-driven insights to inform decision-making. This role partners closely with research, analytics, marketing, sales, product, and distribution teams to ensure content strategy supports broader company objectives. Depending on experience and level, the individual may manage team members and lead strategic planning initiatives. This role will report directly to the Vice President, Content Strategy. This position is ideal for a strategic, analytical, and collaborative leader passionate about shaping the future of entertainment content in a rapidly evolving media landscape. Responsibilities : Develop and execute a data-driven content strategy across cable, streaming, and digital platforms. Analyze audience performance data (Nielsen, Comscore, OTT/YouTube analytics, etc.) to identify trends and inform programming decisions. Optimize content mix, scheduling, and investment decisions to maximize audience acquisition, retention, and engagement. Partner with research and analytics teams to translate performance insights into actionable strategy. Conduct comprehensive reviews of movie and series packages, including title selections, windowing strategy, and purchase justification. Develop both long-term and short-term movie projections and allocations to support network scheduling strategies Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing, sales, product, and distribution teams to ensure alignment between content initiatives and revenue goals. Conduct competitive analyses and monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving viewer behaviors. Contribute to annual planning, long-term content roadmaps, and budget allocation processes. Prepare executive-ready presentations and strategic recommendations for senior leadership. Additional responsibilities may include : Leading the overall strategic vision for a portfolio, platform, or genre. Managing and mentoring team members. Influencing budget decisions and long-range planning. Representing the content strategy function in senior leadership forums and external partnerships. Qualifications 8+ years of experience in content strategy, media strategy, business strategy, programming, analytics, or related roles within cable, streaming, digital media, or strategy roles in top-tier consulting or investment banking with a focus on media, entertainment, or digital platforms. Direct experience working in or closely supporting a streaming platform (SVOD, AVOD, FAST, or OTT) or advising media clients on streaming strategy, with a strong understanding of streaming content performance metrics, distribution strategies, and audience behavior. Strong understanding of audience analytics, content performance measurement, and digital distribution ecosystems (Nielsen, Comscore, OTT analytics, etc.). Experience leveraging data and strategic analysis to inform content investment, programming strategy, platform growth, or business decision-making. Proven ability to collaborate effectively across a matrixed organization and influence cross-functional stakeholders. Desired Characteristics: Prior people management experience. Strong leadership presence and executive communication skills. Experience contributing to or managing budgets, business cases, or resource allocation. Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational execution in a fast-paced environment. Experience working in strategy consulting, corporate strategy, investment banking, or media-focused advisory roles is a plus. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Media, Marketing, Business, Economics, or related field preferred; advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) a plus. Additional Requirements: Must be willing to travel if/when needed. Hybrid : This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the office a minimum of three days per week from our NYC office. This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other benefits and perks. Salary: $125,000 - $140,000 (bonus & LTI eligible) Additional Information As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with a VERSANT Media employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. VERSANT Media's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to candidateaccessibility@versantmedia.com . VERSANT Media is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. We include a good faith pay range for each position to comply with applicable state and local pay transparency laws and to promote equity across our organization. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and location and may include additional forms of compensation and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc. VERSANT Media is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at VERSANT via-email, the Internet, or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from VERSANT's Talent Acquisition team will be deemed the sole property of VERSANT. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by VERSANT as a result of the referral or through other means.