Content Director, Content Innovation Lab
McClatchy Media · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $100,000 / year
- United States
Job highlights
- Lead content teams for innovative digital brands.
- Utilize AI and analytics for editorial decisions.
- Launch and grow new brands rapidly.
- Foster a culture of experimentation.
- Requires 5+ years management experience.
About the role
Content Director, Content Innovation Lab
Ready to lead the future of content creation at the intersection of innovation, technology, and storytelling? Join McClatchy’s Content Innovation Lab as a Content Director and help shape the next generation of digital brands that captivate passionate audiences nationwide.
At McClatchy, we’re building on a 169-year legacy of trust and excellence by embracing experimentation, AI-enabled tools, and data-driven insights — while keeping human creativity and editorial judgment at the heart of everything we do. Our Content Innovation Lab is where bold ideas meet fast execution, and where directors empower talented teams to deliver high-impact, audience-first content across travel, food, outdoor recreation, sports and more.
From barbecue to bourbon, water sports to hiking, and golf to college sports, we are going to develop a steady stream of reader-focused, high-quality content for national and regional audiences. The content directors will supervise teams of producers and writers, spurring creation and experimentation.
If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and are energized by the challenge of launching new brands, experimenting with emerging technologies, and growing engaged communities, we want to hear from you!
What You’ll Do
- Lead and inspire teams of content creators, driving experimentation and results across multiple passion topics.
- Use audience analytics and AI-powered insights and tools to guide editorial decisions and fuel content innovation.
- Collaborate on recruitment, hiring, and team building to ensure a diverse and dynamic talent mix.
- Move quickly to launch and grow new brands, adapting strategies based on real-time data and audience signals.
- Foster a culture of curiosity, accountability, and continuous learning — where every idea is tested and every audience matters.
Who You Are
- A bold, collaborative leader energized by fast-paced change and experimentation.
- Fluent in both editorial judgment and audience analytics, with a knack for turning insights into action.
- Experienced in managing creative teams and passionate about building new brands from the ground up.
Join us to build the foundation for McClatchy’s next era — where talent, technology, and purpose come together to create content that matters.
What You’ll Bring
- The position requires a combination of knowledge and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, including education, experience, skills, and knowledge necessary to perform the job.
- 5+ years of management experience leading content teams and driving results.
What We'll Bring
The anticipated base salary range for this position is between 90k - 120k annually. Individual base pay may vary within that range depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, relevant education, department equity, training, geography, and local wage and hours laws. Enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, 401(k) with match, generous PTO, wellness resources, and more. For more information on McClatchy's benefit plan, please visit McClatchyLivewell.com.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and work samples.
Key skills/competency
- Content Director
- Content Innovation
- Team Leadership
- Digital Brands
- AI Tools
- Audience Analytics
- Storytelling
- Brand Building
- Editorial Strategy
- Content Creation
Skills & topics
- Content Director
- Content Innovation
- Digital Media
- Team Leadership
- Editorial Strategy
- AI in Media
- Audience Analytics
- Brand Building
- Journalism
- Storytelling
How to get hired
- Customize your resume: Highlight your 5+ years of management experience leading content teams and driving results, emphasizing your expertise in AI, audience analytics, and brand building.
- Craft a compelling cover letter: Showcase your leadership style, passion for innovation, and experience launching new brands. Mention your fluency in editorial judgment and data-driven insights.
- Prepare strong work samples: Include examples of successful content initiatives you've led, demonstrating your ability to drive experimentation and audience engagement.
- Research McClatchy's mission: Understand their commitment to trust, excellence, and innovation in content creation, and how your vision aligns with their goals.
- Ace the interview: Be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy, how you foster a culture of curiosity, and your strategies for using AI and analytics to inform editorial decisions.
Technical preparation
Behavioral questions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the salary range for the Content Director role at McClatchy?
- The anticipated base salary range for the Content Director position at McClatchy is between $90,000 and $120,000 annually. Actual pay will depend on factors such as experience, skills, education, and location.
- What qualifications are essential for the Content Director at McClatchy Media?
- Key qualifications for the Content Director role include a bachelor’s degree equivalent in education, experience, skills, and knowledge. Crucially, you'll need over 5 years of management experience leading content teams and a proven track record of driving results.
- How does McClatchy incorporate AI in its Content Innovation Lab?
- McClatchy's Content Innovation Lab leverages AI-enabled tools and AI-powered insights to guide editorial decisions, fuel content innovation, and enhance storytelling. While AI is integral, human creativity and editorial judgment remain central to their process.
- What types of content will the Content Director oversee?
- The Content Director will oversee the development of high-quality, reader-focused content across various passion topics for national and regional audiences. This includes areas like travel, food, outdoor recreation, sports, barbecue, bourbon, water sports, hiking, golf, and college sports.
- What is the application process for the Content Director position?
- To apply for the Content Director position, you need to submit a cover letter, resume, and relevant work samples. These materials should highlight your leadership, innovation, and content creation experience.
- Does McClatchy offer benefits for the Content Director role?
- Yes, McClatchy offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package. This includes a 401(k) with a match, generous Paid Time Off (PTO), wellness resources, and more. You can find more details at McClatchyLivewell.com.
- What is the work environment like for a Content Director at McClatchy?
- The Content Director will work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment within the Content Innovation Lab. This role is ideal for leaders energized by change, experimentation, launching new brands, and growing engaged communities.