Director, SEO & Generative AI Optimization

Job Description

Overview (Why This Role?)

Hearst Magazines, a global leader in digital publishing and storytelling, is seeking a visionary leader to join our Product and Technology team to shape our future in SEO and Generative AI Optimization (GAIO). This exciting new role combines strategic oversight of traditional SEO with pioneering methodologies to optimize our award-winning content for discovery in generative AI environments (ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Bard, etc.).

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 Are You Doing)

• Lead and enhance our traditional SEO practice—drive audience growth, technical optimization, and keyword research across multiple brands.
• Define and implement new practices for Generative AI Optimization, ensuring Hearst’s content maintains high visibility and credibility within emerging AI-driven consumer interactions.
• Establish frameworks for prompt optimization, structured data enrichment, content readability by AI engines, and authority signaling for generative AI tools.
• Collaborate closely with editorial teams to provide insights and guidance on content strategy based on SEO and AI optimization best practices.
• Collaborate deeply with product, data science, and engineering teams to embed AI-optimized practices across our content lifecycle.
• Coordinate, advise, and provide strategic oversight for SEO and generative AI experimentation, whether executed at brand or central levels, facilitating shared learnings and best practices.
• Proactively stay ahead of rapid developments in generative AI and SEO, swiftly adapting strategies to leverage emerging trends and technologies.
• Share critical developments, intel and the implications for the Hearst Magazines business with internal teams and executives.
  
  

Qualifications (What We’re Looking For)

• Proven expertise and hands-on experience with AI and generative AI platforms (ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Bard, etc.), including prompt engineering, structured data, and AI content optimization strategies.
• 5–10 years of experience in SEO leadership at large-scale publishers or digital-first media organizations.
• Deep technical and editorial SEO expertise: schema/structured data, indexing strategies, content optimization, accessibility, page speed, and UX.
• Proven adaptability in embracing new technologies and trends.
• Ability to move quickly and decisively, comfortable operating in fast-paced environments characterized by rapidly changing landscapes.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills; effective at influencing across departments.
• Entrepreneurial and strategic mindset, comfortable defining and shaping innovative new disciplines.
• Preferred Experience: Familiarity with machine learning concepts, particularly Natural Language Processing (NLP), and demonstrated ability to apply ML insights toward SEO and generative AI optimization strategies.
• This role is currently based in the NYC office at least 4 days a week. No remote option.
  
  

Compensation: The base salary for this role is between $175,000 - $220,000. 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Hearst Magazines 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.