Manager, Content Merchandising and Audience Engagement

Company Description VERSANT (Nasdaq: VSNT) is an industry‑changing media and entertainment business and home to trusted brands that shape culture, inform audiences, and build lasting connections. It operates across four core markets: political news and opinion, business news and personal finance, golf, and sports and genre entertainment. These markets are served through a powerful portfolio of iconic and innovative brands, including CNBC, MS NOW, USA Network, Golf Channel, Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Versant's sports division USA Sports, along with complementary digital assets including Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow and GolfPass. Job Description The Manager, Content Merchandising and Audience Engagement is responsible for developing and executing content merchandising strategies that maximize audience engagement, content discoverability, and viewership across Fandango's Free‑to‑Watch platform. This role combines data‑driven decision making, editorial judgment, and operational excellence to create compelling customer experiences that support audience growth and advertising revenue objectives. In addition to content programming responsibilities, this role oversees the creative asset strategy and production workflow for site merchandising. The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable analyzing performance metrics, collaborating with internal and external content partners, managing creative priorities, and driving execution across multiple stakeholders. This position is based in Los Angeles, CA and requires regular onsite presence to support collaboration with cross‑functional teams and business partners. Key Responsibilities Develop, execute, and optimize merchandising strategies that increase content discoverability, audience engagement, and viewership across the Free‑to‑Watch platform Curate featured collections, thematic programming, seasonal campaigns, and promotional experiences that drive content consumption and retention. Leverage audience insights, performance data, and market trends to inform merchandising decisions and improve business outcomes. Monitor and analyze key performance indicators including viewership, watch time, engagement, content performance, and monetization metrics. Develop and maintain merchandising calendars aligned with content releases, seasonal opportunities, marketing initiatives, and business priorities. Partner with Content Acquisition, Programming, Marketing, Product, Analytics, and external content providers to support content launches and promotional campaigns. Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and external content partners. Oversee the creative asset strategy for site merchandising, including hero placements, promotional artwork, collection imagery, and seasonal campaigns. Manage and prioritize creative production requests, ensuring timely delivery of high‑quality assets that support merchandising and business objectives. Collaborate with Product, Design, and Marketing teams to continually improve the customer experience and content discoverability. Analyze the effectiveness of merchandising placements and creative assets, using insights and testing results to optimize future campaigns. Prepare and present business reviews, presentations, and performance reports, communicating key insights and recommendations to leadership and cross‑functional teams. Balance editorial judgment, business priorities, audience insights, and partner objectives to deliver exceptional content experiences. Qualifications Required Qualifications 3+ years of experience in merchandising, programming, content strategy, digital media, streaming, entertainment, or a related field. Experience working with AVOD, FAST, streaming, digital publishing, or media platforms preferred. Strong analytical skills with experience using data and audience insights to drive business decisions. Experience with analytics, reporting, and business intelligence tools. Understanding of content merchandising, audience engagement strategies, and digital consumer behavior. Experience managing creative workflows to deliver customer‑facing assets. Strong understanding of visual merchandising principles and content presentation best practices. Ability to translate business objectives into effective creative direction. Exceptional organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously. Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills. Experience with content management systems (CMS), publishing tools, and digital workflows. Proven ability to build collaborative relationships across internal teams and external partners. Results‑oriented mindset with a strong sense of ownership and accountability. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Media, or a related field. Passion for film, television, streaming, and entertainment. Strong knowledge of the AVOD, FAST, and broader digital video ecosystem. Understanding of advertising‑supported business models and content monetization strategies. Strong business acumen with the ability to balance strategic thinking and hands‑on execution. Excellent editorial instincts combined with a data‑driven approach to decision making. Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within highly collaborative teams. Additional Requirements Hybrid: This position has been designated as hybrid, generally contributing from the Los Angeles office, a minimum of three days per week. Salary Range $105,000 – $115,000 Benefits Position is eligible for company‑sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Additional Information As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in‑person interview with a VERSANT Media employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. VERSANT Media's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. For LA County and City Residents Only: VERSANT Media will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to View email address on click.appcast.io. VERSANT Media is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. We include a good faith pay range for each position to comply with applicable state and local pay transparency laws and to promote equity across our organization. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and location and may include additional forms of compensation and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc. #J-18808-Ljbffr Versant Media