The Director of Content will develop and oversee two distinct areas of content for Cars.com:  

1. Content marketing strategy and execution for Cars.com -- focused on improving and enhancing our SEO strength. This work includes optimizing the content marketing capabilities of our current editorial output and developing new content that generates traffic and drives acquisition 

 

2. Cars.com Brand Studio – a new team that will be responsible for developing and creating branded content on behalf of the largest advertisers in the world on the Cars.com app, mobile and web sites. Success for this group is a track record of impactful, revenue generating campaigns, and an industry leading POV on content marketing in and around the car space.  

You will build and lead a team tasked with inventing and building world-class marketing ideas for the world’s largest brand marketers. You’ll use your communication skills and business acumen to package and launch breakthrough advertising ideas in the market. A successful candidate will have a passion for partnering across teams to create incremental opportunities, a deep understanding of branded content/entertainment, and the ability to manage many projects at once.  

You are an analytical thinker with a deep understanding of digital marketing and SEO. You are a creative builder, doer, and someone who loves the blend of strategic thinking and precise execution that will impact our biggest partners, as well as our audience of millions of Cars.com users. You are a fast learner who hits the ground running, balancing multiple projects at once. You have a track record of delivering consistent performance and growth. You have a drive for continuous development and often jump-start projects without clear direction, as well as an ability to multi-task and move fast. You have experience working cross-functionally, managing and communicating across internal and external organizations to gain buy-in. You are an excellent communicator who can distill complex information into a simple pitch, in a room, on a whiteboard, or in a document.  

 
Responsibilities 

• Content marketing strategy – devise a strategy and partner with internal stakeholders and external agencies to execute. 
• Go-To-Market – Be a conduit to sales to help drive marketer demand, assist in navigating complex processes (clients, agencies, production partners, etc.), advise on FB/IG media/measurement, and successfully land big ideas with the right clients/agencies. 
• Campaign Development – Help evaluate, package, launch, and manage (with Editorial, B2B marketing, and Sales) the pipeline of opportunities, from conception to case study. 
• Materials and Communications - Provide internal trainings and materials (FYI sessions, monthly emails, etc.) to keep everyone informed on the team’s latest offerings. 
• Tracking and Reporting - Track the revenue and creative impact of campaigns, and assist in forecasting future impact/growth projections. 
• Tent Pole Events - Identify opportunities throughout the year to highlight and integrate branded content ideas into the industry, and work with relevant teams (marketing, events, communications) to execute them. 
• Develop strong client relationships, including thorough and effective communicating skills of complex ideas and proposals. This person will also be sitting at the table with our clients at meetings, crafting client correspondence, driving campaign production and researching new opportunities 
• Manage programs from start to finish, serving as the primary point of contact between our internal and client/agency teams, ensuring all deliverables are on message, track and within scope 
• Manage budgets on each program to ensure healthy margins and revenue growth 
• Provide strategic and consultative advice to clients for all aspects of each campaign 
• Distill client goals and feedback to help effectively define campaign success 
• Serve as the final check/gatekeeper for all deliverables, including writing and editing communications as needed 
• Digital Content Savvy: Understanding of branded content (securing content, IP/usage/talent, business models), strategic media planning, and brand measurement. 

• BA or BS degree required 
• 7+ years of account management experience in an agency environment with P&L experience 
• Demonstrated ability to work with little to no guidance and think outside the box 
• Experience in juggling and prioritizing competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment 
• Proven success launching large scale campaigns 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work across different teams/departments 
• Demonstrated ability to work face-to-face with client teams 
• Extreme attention to detail  
• Interest in all aspects of the production cycle 
• Thick skin and a top-notch sense of humor 

This is a new segment of service for Cars.com and this person will need to learn how to navigate around Cars.com and understand resource constraints and where business opportunities exist.