Sr. Content Strategist (TEMP-to-HIRE)

Hearst; New York (NY); Hybrid; Confidential; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Medical benefits

401(k) plan

Job summary

iCrossing, a Hearst-backed marketing and technology partner, seeks a Senior Content Strategist to translate business goals into structured, measurable content. You will lead strategy across engagement touchpoints, guide writers, and ensure governance with a hands-on approach.

This temp-to-hire role requires 2 days in the office weekly. You will own content frameworks, matrices, journeys, and editorial governance, partnering with UX, SEO, Brand, and Tech to deliver integrated content systems.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years in content strategy, editorial strategy, UX writing, or digital marketing.
• Portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking and practical execution (frameworks, matrices, journeys).
• Experience partnering with UX/Design on IA, templates, and component-based content.
• Working knowledge of CMS platforms (HubSpot, WordPress, Contentful, AEM).
• Familiarity with SEO tools (Search Console, SEMrush/Ahrefs) and on-page optimization.
• Strong writing/editing skills; ability to simplify complex concepts.
• Comfortable presenting to stakeholders and facilitating working sessions.

Responsibilities

• Develop content strategies rooted in audience needs and journey stages for engagements.
• Create messaging architecture that translates into page-level content.
• Collaborate on information architecture, templates, and content models.
• Define content requirements for key experiences (web, email, campaigns).
• Apply governance frameworks: ownership, workflows, approval paths, maintenance cadence.
• Create project toolkits: templates, briefs, editorial checklists.
• Maintain content matrices and status tracking for clear ownership.
• Use AI thoughtfully for ideation, drafting, optimization, and QA.
• Create structured briefs, brand guardrails, and reusable prompts.
• Apply risk controls for sensitive content and substantiation.
• Execute content audits, identify gaps and opportunities with SEO collaboration.
• Track KPIs and surface insights using GA4, Search Console, and Analytics tools.
• Translate data into prioritized recommendations for stakeholders.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with SEO, Brand, Tech, and CX teams.

Skills

Content strategy

Editorial strategy

UX writing

Digital marketing

Portfolio

CMS platforms

SEO tools

Strong writing

Stakeholder presentation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

HubSpot

WordPress

Contentful

AEM

Job description

About Us

iCrossing is a Hearst-backed marketing and technology partner built for how brands grow today. As outcomes architects, we bring together strategy, media, experience, engineering, data, and AI to build connected digital systems that improve performance, strengthen customer experiences, and support measurable business growth.

Our work is grounded in data-backed strategy, modern digital visibility, and connected execution. We help brands perform now while transforming for what’s next, designing the platforms, content, media, and operating models that help them move faster, learn smarter, and scale what works.

At iCrossing, you’ll work with teams across marketing, technology, and experience to solve complex client challenges with strategic breadth and executional depth. As part of Hearst, we combine agency agility with access to powerful data, insights, audiences, content, and technology capabilities.

Role Summary

As a Senior Content Strategist, you will deliver content strategy for assigned client engagements translating business goals into structured, discoverable, measurable content. You own the quality and coherence of strategy deliverables on your projects, partnering with Experience Design, SEO, Brand, and Technology to ensure content works as an integrated system.

You bring deep craft expertise and a hands‑on approach: creating messaging frameworks, content matrices, journey maps, and governance documentation. You guide writers and contributors on your projects and flag risks early to keep delivery on track. This is a temp‑to‑hire role and requires 2 days per week in the office.

What You’ll Do

1. Experience-Led Content Strategy

   • Develop content strategies rooted in audience needs, intent, and journey stages for assigned engagements.
   • Create messaging architecture (positioning, value props, proof points) that translates into page-level content.
   • Partner with Experience Design on information architecture, page templates, and content models.
   • Define content requirements for key experiences (web, email, campaigns, product/portal).

2. Content Systems & Governance

   • Apply and adapt governance frameworks: ownership, workflows, approval paths, and maintenance cadence.
   • Create project‑level toolkits: templates, briefs, component guidance, and editorial checklists.
   • Maintain content matrices and status tracking so teams have clarity on ownership and next steps.

3. AI‑Enabled Content Operations

   • Use AI tools responsibly for ideation, drafting, optimization, and QA maintaining editorial control.
   • Create strong AI inputs: structured briefs, brand guardrails, and reusable prompts.
   • Apply risk controls for sensitive content: accuracy checks and claims substantiation.

4. Audit, Optimization & SEO / AI Discovery

   • Execute content audits to identify gaps, consolidation opportunities, and high‑value assets.
   • Collaborate with SEO on technical + editorial optimization (linking, metadata, on-page structure).
   • Optimize content for modern discovery patterns including AI‑driven search (AEO/GEO principles).

5. Measurement & Continuous Improvement

   • Track KPIs tied to engagement, conversion, and task success for your projects.
   • Use analytics platforms (GA4, Search Console, Adobe Analytics) to surface insights.
   • Translate data into prioritized recommendations for stakeholders.

6. Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

   • Work cross‑functionally with SEO, Brand, Tech, and CX teams on your engagements.
   • Present strategy recommendations to client stakeholders with clarity and confidence.
   • Guide writers and contributors; provide editorial direction and constructive feedback.

What You Bring

• 5–8 years in content strategy, editorial strategy, UX writing, or digital marketing.
• Portfolio demonstrating strategic thinking and practical execution (frameworks, matrices, journeys).
• Experience partnering with UX/Design on IA, templates, and component-based content.
• Working knowledge of CMS platforms (HubSpot, WordPress, Contentful, AEM).
• Familiarity with SEO tools (Search Console, SEMrush/Ahrefs) and on‑page optimization.
• Strong writing/editing skills; ability to simplify complex concepts.
• Comfortable presenting to stakeholders and facilitating working sessions.

Education

Bachelor's degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, HCI/UX, or equivalent experience.

Nice to Have

• Experience with design systems and product/UI content (microcopy, onboarding).
• Familiarity with accessibility standards (WCAG).
• Experience with A/B testing, CRO, or personalization.
• Experience applying generative AI in content workflows.

Success in This Role Looks Like

• High‑quality deliverables that meet client objectives and timelines.
• Content strategies that are actionable, adopted by delivery teams, and drive measurable results.
• Positive stakeholder feedback on clarity, collaboration, and responsiveness.
• Effective partnership with cross‑functional teams minimal rework, smooth handoffs.

The estimated hourly range for this position in Chicago is between $47 and $60. For New York City, the estimated hourly range for this position is between $53 and $67. The range for this position in other geographies may vary based on market differences. The actual compensation will be determined based on experience and other factors permitted by law.

Benefits (What We Offer)

• Work with the Best: Collaborate with top‑tier professionals across media, advertising, tech, fashion, lifestyle, and publishing, shaping the future of these dynamic industries.
• Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs, immersive workshops, and exclusive industry events.
• Work‑Life Harmony: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work, empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.
• Foster Connection & Belonging: Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
• Wellness First: Prioritize your well‑being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance from Day 1.
• Plan for Your Financial Future: Enjoy competitive financial perks, including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.