Audience Growth Lead, The Christian Science Monitor

Christian Science•Boston, MA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Christian Science Monitor is seeking an Audience Growth Lead to join their mission-driven international news organization. This role is crucial during a period of strategic renewal, focusing on deepening audience engagement and reach in a rapidly changing media landscape, especially in the AI era. The Audience Growth Lead will collaborate with newsroom, product, and promotions teams to develop and implement strategies that increase subscriptions, engagement, and loyalty. This position requires a disciplined and curious approach to understanding reader behavior, translating insights into actionable steps to enhance impact and sustainability. It's a hands-on role combining strategic thinking with direct execution, focusing on improving performance through SEO, newsletters, homepage strategy, and other audience development initiatives. Success is defined not just by numbers, but by aligning with the Monitor's mission to 'bless all mankind.' The role emphasizes curiosity, open-mindedness, experimentation, and continuous learning.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree is required.
At least 7–10 years of experience in audience development, digital strategy, SEO, analytics, or related work—preferably within mission-driven media organizations.
Demonstrates strong understanding of audience growth levers, including SEO, AEO, GEO, newsletters, engagement strategies, and subscription funnels.
Demonstrates strong headline writing and story packaging skills, with the ability to balance clarity, accuracy, and audience engagement.
Excels at partnering with teams across the organization and adapting their style as needed, while consistently staying focused on customer needs and clear communication across stakeholders.
Deep understanding of SEO as an editorial practice, including keyword strategy, search intent, and how content structure impacts discoverability.
Uses AI tools effectively to enhance workflows across analysis, content optimization, and execution, with a willingness to experiment and adapt as tools evolve.
Familiarity with evolving search dynamics, including generative search (GEO) and platform-driven discovery.
Comfortable working with data and analytics tools; able to interpret performance and translate insights into action.
Strong editorial judgment and understanding of how journalism connects with audiences.
Effectively communicates information and ideas, both in writing and orally.
Responds quickly to colleagues and stakeholders, facilitating efficient decision-making and progress.
Works calmly and effectively under deadline pressure.
Possesses strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and follow-through.
Experience with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Chartbeat, Parse.ly or similar) and ability to interpret performance data to inform decisions.
Familiarity with SEO tools (e.g., Google Search Console, keyword tools) and understanding of search and discovery systems.
Experience with newsletter platforms and audience engagement tools.
Familiarity with CMS platforms and digital publishing workflows.
Working knowledge of audience metrics, subscription funnels, and engagement tracking.
Comfort using data tools (e.g., spreadsheets, dashboards) to analyze and communicate insights.
Familiarity with experimentation and optimization approaches (e.g., A/B testing).
Comfort working with and evaluating emerging technologies, including AI tools, to improve workflows and performance.

Nice To Haves

Engagement with Christian Science Membership in The Mother Church is valued, but is not required.
The incumbent is receptive to developing a deeper understanding of how that mission informs and uplifts our journalism.

Responsibilities

Works with the Managing Publisher, editorial leaders, the analytics team and product partners to define and advance audience growth priorities, with a focus on subscription growth, engagement, and newsletter expansion.
Leads day-to-day execution of audience strategies across key channels, including search (SEO), emerging generative search (GEO), newsletters, homepage, and distribution platforms.
Partners directly with editors and writers to shape story framing, write and refine headlines, and optimize packaging to improve reach, engagement, and subscription conversion—while maintaining Monitor voice and sensitivities.
Partners with teams across the organization, particularly analytics and marketing/promotions, to drive maximum impact.
Leads SEO strategy and execution, including keyword identification, headline optimization, and ongoing refinement of content to improve search visibility and performance.
Identifies opportunities to grow subscription conversion and reader loyalty through content strategy, user journeys, and audience insights.
Collaborates with analytics partners to interpret audience data, define success metrics, and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
Effectively prioritizes across multiple channels and initiatives, balancing impact, urgency, and available resources.
Tracks performance across key initiatives and communicates clear, concise updates to stakeholders.
Supports the development and expansion of newsletters as a core driver of engagement and retention.
Monitors trends in audience behavior, search, and platform dynamics, and adapts strategies accordingly.
Tests and iterates on new approaches to reach and engage audiences, balancing experimentation with practical results.
Ensures audience strategies directly support the Monitor’s mission, editorial standards, and non-sensational approach.