Creative Content Manager

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

The Associated Press is seeking an experienced Creative Content Manager to join AP on the ground floor as we expand the brain trust of our growing content marketing and advertising division, AP Content Services, based in its headquarters in New York

Reporting to the Director of Content Strategy, the role will work closely with sales, integrated marketing and revenue operations teams to develop custom/branded content and assist in the project management of post-sale client campaigns.

Whether it’s written, designed or captured on film, the Creative Content Manager will aspire to elevate our advertiser storytelling with the kind of authority that only AP Content Services can provide.

The role and what you’ll do:

The Creative Content Manager will own the production process of custom content — from presale ideation to post-sale project management.

While few days will feel the same, the Creative Content Manager will be chiefly responsible for artfully balancing the interests of our advertising partners (by producing best-in-class branded content) while maintaining the trust of our generalist news audience and honoring the rigorous standards of The Associated Press.

Presale responsibilities:

Take the lead on assigned custom content campaigns that span multiple verticals, including but not limited to health/pharma, biz/finance, tech, sports and lifestyle.
Assist in brainstorming, researching and conceptualizing original, multimedia content ideas (text, photo, video, infographic) based on client needs that remain on-brand and in-line with AP’s voice and values.
Attend sales meetings to educate prospective advertisers on AP Content Services offerings.
Collaborate with AP stakeholders to scope out appropriate production costs, timing and project feasibility for each custom content opportunity.
Assist in identifying sponsored editorial opportunities with news and sales leaders.

Post-sale responsibilities:

Lead the project management of multiple campaigns as a clear, prompt and courteous communicator across a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
Lead client-facing kick off calls to guide advertising partners through AP Content Services’ standard production workflow and best practices.
Execute a post-sale production workflow that adheres to strict deadlines, while exercising the patience and flexibility to adjust to changing client needs.
Monitor multiple, concurrent campaigns with an attention to optimizing client performance/KPIs.
Collaborate with international sales teams to ensure content is cohesive and well-packaged for its intended audience(s).
Assist in sourcing, vetting and onboarding freelance talent (writers, designers, etc.) according to each project’s specific needs.
Prepare production timelines that account for each client’s unique needs, adequate editorial reviews and revisions, as well as any final medical, legal and regulatory (MLR) reviews necessary.
Work directly with freelance talent to execute on assigned stories, from scheduling and proctoring story interviews to providing intensive editorial review and mentorship during production.
Ghostwrite articles, script videos and edit content where needed and assigned.
Fact-check content, leaning only on trusted sources and timely information.
Provide best-in-class editorial consultation (edits made using “tracked changes” in Word) to advertising partners providing ready-made content.
Draft paid social media posts that balance client messaging needs with AP’s standards and best practices.
Work within CMS to stage out previews of content for advertiser review prior to publication.

Requirements:

5+ years’ experience — in both writing and editing content (pure editorial or branded content)
Mastery of English language
A detail-obsessed grammarian
A quick thinker with a positive, can-do attitude in the face of shifting priorities
A natural diplomat who keeps a cool head when navigating unique challenges
Skilled at presenting both in-person and online (Zoom/Teams)
Comfort pitching ideas in client-facing environments
Excellent interpersonal skills for collaboration across multiple departments and levels of management, as well as with clients and external stakeholders
Highly motivated, independent and organized (note-takers and reminder-setters to the front, please)
Proficient in Microsoft Office (particularly Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel)
Voracious appetite for news, current events and popular culture
Keeps up with the trends and innovations impacting the media/ad industry
Familiarity with content management systems (CMS)
Familiarity with AP style
B.A. or B.S. degree or equivalent
Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English language is required
Authorization to work in the US for any employer is mandatory.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $70,000 - $85,000, contingent on experience and other job-related factors. Employees are eligible to participate, according to the terms of the official plan documents, in a 401(k) plan, employer-sponsored health insurance plan, and are eligible for paid time off and holidays in accordance with AP policy.

The application period will expire at 11:59pm on November 17, 2023.