Job Description

The Washington Post Creative Group is the award-winning in-house branded content studio of The Washington Post. We are a high-performing, world-class team of strategists, creatives, writers, producers, editors, visual artists, UX designers and program managers who believe that storytelling can change the way we see the world and our place within it. Working at the convergence of technology and consequential journalism, we produce branded stories and experiences for advertisers across a diverse array of categories. Our stories empower our readers to think bigger, do better and be accountable to the greater good. We are looking for a Senior Creative Lead to produce branded content in post-sale, as well as ideate and pitch ideas periodically for our B2B and B2C lines of business.

Job Summary:

Senior Creative Lead is a writing/editing-focused content strategy role responsible for shaping sold concepts into engaging and high-performing multiplatform, multimedia content for major consumer brands. Our work is dynamic, merging cutting-edge creative formats and human-driven narratives. The ideal candidate will have a solid track record of working with brand partners to produce digital, social and experiential content that drives business goals. They should also have a collaborative spirit, a strong point of view and boundless diplomacy. They are passionate about the power and need for consequential journalism and the opportunity that The Washington Post provides brand partners. This role will report to the Creative Director and will work closely with team members across marketing operations, audio/video production and design to deliver engaging and impactful branded content experiences of the highest quality.

Motivation:

• You have a passion for the native advertising/content space and an innate curiosity about a variety of topics and brand categories
• You take pride in your ideas and storytelling abilities while staying open to feedback and ready to pivot when needed
• You have a strong reporting, writing and editing background and several years of journalism and branded content experience with major media brands
• You thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven post-sale role, taking big ideas and turning them into engaging, multiplatform programs that drive performance
• You have a deep understanding of the kind of writing and storytelling that readers engage with, and are obsessive about what makes a good story and how to tell it best
• You are organized, detail-oriented and excited to win new and returning business
• You believe that creativity comes from collaboration and from teams with diverse points of view and backgrounds
• You are flexible and able to juggle multiple projects
• You have a strong grasp of and interest in the latest technology, digital content and social media trends and fluency in working with ad agencies, media companies, publishers and production companies
• You have an obsession with problem solving, collaboration and ensuring flawless execution of highly compelling, captivating and engaging brand experiences from start to finish
• You are inspired by the opportunity to realize the mission of a purpose-driven organization and to future-proof the business model that supports it

Responsibilities:

• Ideate, pitch and produce custom articles, infographics, videos, podcasts, social and experiential for brand partners
• Mentor junior members on the post-sale team
• Use a combination of editorial expertise and brand storytelling savvy to shape sold concepts into engaging and high-performing multiplatform, multimedia content that elevates the output of WP Creative Group, ensuring it meets the highest journalistic standards and pushes the boundaries of innovative storytelling
• Present creative ideas clearly and effectively to internal and external stakeholders and incorporate feedback
• Bring a strong, but diplomatic, creative point-of-view that makes you a go-to for input, advice and ideas
• Lead the production of storytelling by assigning writers, editing content, collaborating with producers to develop multimedia deliverables, collaborating with designers to shape UX and page design components, collaborating with social strategists on distribution and messaging, and coordinating with program managers on timelines and deliverables to ensure smooth execution of narratives that achieve client objectives and KPIs
• Oversee and assign work to freelance writers and content contributors
• Source experts, thought leaders and influencers for stories and conduct interviews to create stories that elicit emotional connections and have journalistic credibility

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree
• 5+ years of experience as an editor/strategist with experience in media or advertising
• Proven experience producing, ideating and pitching award-winning content and experiences for brands
• Experience writing and editing for digital media publications, journalism qualifications preferred
• Experience assigning and overseeing freelance writers and content contributors; ideally with a robust network of freelance writers and content contributors
• Expertise wearing many hats- strong attention to detail but can switch on a dime to generate big creative ideas
• A strong background in creating human-centric stories that exceed performance goals
• Excellent presentation skills
• Proficiency with presentation and team productivity tools including PowerPoint, Keynote and Google Slides
• Enthusiasm for the full palette of branded content: print, digital, video, audio, AR/VR, social and experiential
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional partners
• Please note: This is NOT a design, art direction or UX role

Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:

• Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
• Company-paid pension and 401(k) match
• Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave
• Nine paid holidays and two personal days
• 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent
• Robust mental health resources
• Backup care and caregiver concierge services
• Gender affirming services
• Pet insurance
• Free Post digital subscription
• Leadership and career development programs

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.

The Washington Post includes salary ranges for certain positions to comply with local pay transparency laws. The salary range for this position is:
77,500.00 - 129,100.00 USD Annual

The actual salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience, and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements. This position may be eligible for a bonus or incentive program, and a member of the Talent Acquisition team will discuss bonus payment terms and conditions during the interview process.

The Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed.

The innovation doesn't end in the Newsroom - dozens of teams power The Washington Post. We are now hiring the next innovator - how will you Impact Tomorrow?

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