Associate Director, Content (Temp)

Horizon Media•New York, NY

About The Position

As a member of Horizon Futures, the Associate Director, Content will be responsible for developing a storytelling strategy that elevates our practice and organization by editing and publishing work that generates press coverage and leads to new business inquiries or partnership opportunities. The Associate Director, Content plays a critical role in the management of communications and platforms that support Horizon’s thought leadership and market positioning. This role designs and delivers thought leadership by bringing research to life through sharp narrative, sophisticated data visualization, and strong visual systems, with fluency in advanced design tools and AI-enabled workflows. This person is a superb writer and digital content strategist/creator with a pulse on current technology and digital/social media best practices that drive innovative, modern corporate communications; also has an eye for the aesthetics of beautiful content creation/curation. He/she will report to the VP, Cultural Intelligence. As a Center of Excellence within Horizon Media, the Futures Group is responsible for developing a deep understanding of people, brands and culture, diving in to determine the interaction between these three ‘worlds’ and what this means for marketing, communications, content and other brand experience strategies. With data underpinning much of what we do, we use a range of different datasets (behavioral, syndicated, spending, viewership, social, attitudinal and cultural) in creating strategic studies and thought pieces to gain understanding and inform business decision making for our clients, as well as to showcase to the industry at large. The Associate Director, Content will manage the Futures public-facing site, publishing Horizon thought leadership reports as well as expanding the volume of marketable content from them to generate interest and site visitors. This role will also manage the implementation of Substack content to showcase the team's abundance of rich content.

Requirements

7-10 years’ experience in a relevant writing/editing/ design role (newsroom experience a plus)
Skilled across different content types
Passion for storytelling
Self-starter
Master at effective communication
Exceptional copywriting and editing skills, with the ability to distill nuanced ideas into concise, audience-driven communication.
Social/Digital expert with a passion for knowledge of the latest platforms, tools, best practices and demonstrated ability to drive innovative, engaging content that meets business needs
Strong experience using digital communications in corporate environments, including content creation/curation and site management
Ability to balance multiple priorities and deliver in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
Self-starter - driven and incredibly detail-oriented; strong client focus, excellent team player, exceptional interpersonal communication skills
Able to handle highly confidential information with sensitivity, integrity and good judgment
Data-minded with the ability to edit and write for research findings
Self-directed, strategic learner with the ability to work collaboratively and cross-functionally.
Strong project management, time management, and organizational skills with the ability to manage numerous competing priorities are .
Proven ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a high-energy, fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with WordPress platform
Newsroom experience

Responsibilities

Lead the design and execution of Horizon Futures’ thought leadership reports and flagship research—translating complex insights into clear, compelling, and visually sophisticated narratives.
Own visual storytelling across long-form reports, frameworks, and POVs, including data visualization, layouts, charts, diagrams, and modular visual systems.
Partner closely with researchers and strategists to bring findings to life—shaping how insights are expressed, understood, and shared.
Apply strong editorial judgment to determine what deserves visual emphasis, how stories unfold, and how reports are structured for impact and usability.
Create a variety of compelling pieces on Substacks /LinkedIn from longer reports
Apply a consistent tone of voice to various thought leadership pieces from across the agency. Pieces will range from full research reports to short-form articles to agency POVs.
Ensure proper and consistent grammar and formatting.
Create and maintain a brand-style guide that elevates the aesthetic of all Futures reports to better reflect the depth of our insights, foresight, and spirit of innovation.
Edit and refine a wide range of content, including research reports, articles, case studies, frameworks, and agency POVs; some writing.
Work with members of the team to develop and hone writing skills
Seek out and experiment with cutting-edge tech (AI , motion graphics, etc., ) for more efficient and engaging copy and visualizations.
Create banner images for website and substack posts
Write copy for and design to market content (e.g., teaser content , report outline/synopsis, etc.)
Publish thought leadership to the site (familiarity with WordPress platform a plus)
Ensure each piece of content is properly optimized for SEO best practices
Develop and execute future site enhancements
Direct tech team on site enhancements and organization / display of content
Generate short-form content (blog posts, POVs) for Horizon ‘s Substack
Contribute design /visual POV to cultural intelligence reports , as needed.
Work with legal on ensuring data/image sourcing is compliant.
Ensure all projects are completed on time and to expectation.
Maintain consistent communication with project researchers and project stakeholders.
Bring new content ideas, initiatives, and projects to the table.
Stay inspired, engaged , and always share your ideas.