Director, Lifecycle Operations

Director, Lifecycle Operations
Location: New York, NY (Hybrid – 4 days in office)

Overview (Why This Role?)
The Director of Lifecycle Operations is the operational engine behind our email and lifecycle marketing programs—ensuring every message we send is timely, targeted, and flawlessly executed. This role will shape how millions engage with our brands daily, driving long-term audience and revenue growth through cutting-edge marketing infrastructure.

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)
Hearst Magazines’ portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands in the U.S.—including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Popular Mechanics — inspires, entertains, and builds new and bold experiences for an engaged and growing audience across digital, video, social and print, reaching nearly 130 million readers and site visitors each month. With sophisticated content creation, cutting-edge technology, and industry-leading data capabilities, we make media and products that move people across all platforms. We are a global media company that publishes nearly 200 magazine editions and 175 websites around the world—and together, we are shaping what’s next.

Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)

• Lead and mentor a team of specialists executing campaigns across email, SMS, and other owned channels
• Define and implement scalable processes that drive efficiency, accuracy, and speed to market
• Drive continuous improvement in workflows, templates, and governance models within our ESP (Sailthru)
• Partner cross-functionally to design and deploy automated customer journeys for acquisition, onboarding, retention, and re-engagement
• Leverage AI, machine learning, and automation to enhance segmentation, targeting, and personalization
• Collaborate with Data, Product, and Engineering to support advanced data strategies and platform innovation
• Evaluate and implement new martech tools to improve campaign orchestration and performance
• Establish operational visibility through calendars, SLAs, and performance dashboards

Qualifications (What We’re Looking For)

• 8+ years in lifecycle marketing, CRM, or marketing operations, including 3+ years managing teams
• Proven experience scaling lifecycle programs across email, SMS, and other owned channels
• Deep familiarity with ESPs (Sailthru a plus), automation workflows, and data-driven marketing
• Expertise in designing processes, testing frameworks, and applying technology to drive operational efficiency
• Strong analytical and project management skills, with a detail-oriented mindset
• Passion for building systems that enhance both team performance and customer experience
• Hybrid role based in NYC; in-office presence required 4 days per week

What We Offer

• Work with the Best: Collaborate with top-tier professionals across media, advertising, tech, fashion, lifestyle, and publishing, shaping the future of these dynamic industries.
• Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs, immersive workshops, and exclusive industry events.
• Work-Life Harmony: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work, empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.
• Foster Connection & Belonging: Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
• Wellness First: Prioritize your well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance from Day 1.
• Plan for Your Financial Future: Enjoy competitive financial perks, including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

Compensation
The base salary for this role is between $130,000 - $150,000. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Hearst is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.