Director, Licensing, NYT Wirecutter

The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world‑renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world‑class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for. About the Role Wirecutter is a product review website owned by The New York Times Company that rigorously tests consumer products and then recommends the best items in a range of categories. We’re a group of experts and fanatics who love what we do, and the discerning readers we attract appreciate our integrity and editorial independence. Wirecutter has built a tremendous business on an affiliate model, growing audience and revenue year over year. Wirecutter is looking for a Director of Licensing to build and scale our licensing business, grounded in the strength of our brand, accolades, and journalism. This leader will be responsible for developing Wirecutter’s licensing strategy, managing relationships with partners and vendors, and building new licensing products that help partners tap into Wirecutter’s authority while protecting our editorial independence and standards. They will oversee day‑to‑day licensing operations and work closely with colleagues across Revenue, Editorial, and Legal. As Director of Licensing, you will report to Wirecutter’s Executive Director, Revenue Strategy. This hybrid position is based in the New York office. Responsibilities Set the licensing strategy and roadmap Define the strategy and roadmap for Wirecutter’s licensing business, aligned with Wirecutter’s long‑term growth goals and The New York Times Company’s broader licensing portfolio. Manage licensing operations and partnerships Own day‑to‑day operations of the licensing business. Manage relationships with key licensing vendors, relay Wirecutter strategy so they can operate successfully on our behalf. Develop new licensing products and growth opportunities Design and launch new licensing offerings that deepen partner value and expand Wirecutter’s footprint. Work with internal and external partners to build business cases, set pricing, and evaluate the performance of new products over time. Design and maintain a robust suite of resources so teams across the business have the clarity, context, and tooling they need to work confidently and consistently. Protect the brand and partner with Editorial Partner closely with Wirecutter editorial leadership and Standards & Ethics to ensure all licensing programs respect editorial independence, safeguard reader trust, and use our name, marks, and content appropriately. Measurement, insights, and continuous improvement Establish clear KPIs and reporting for the licensing business and regularly communicate performance, business risks, and opportunities for growth to stakeholders. Use performance data, partner feedback, and market insights to refine our licensing product set, partner mix, and go‑to‑market approach. Lead and develop the licensing function Build and manage a small licensing team and/or vendor relationships; set clear goals/roles, and nurture the team’s professional development, learning and growth. Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and high‑accountability culture that encourages thoughtful experimentation and strong cross‑functional partnership. Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world. Basic Qualifications 10+ years of experience in licensing, brand partnerships, business development, or related fields, ideally within media, consumer brands, technology, or other IP‑driven businesses. Proven track record of growing a licensing or partnerships business through new products, categories, or partners. Experience working closely with cross‑functional teams on contracts, brand guidelines, and complex partner programs. Ability to translate company and brand goals into clear licensing strategies, product roadmaps, and operational plans. Preferred Qualifications Comfort operating in ambiguity, building structure where needed, and balancing long‑term growth bets with near‑term revenue delivery. Strong communicator and relationship builder, with experience influencing senior stakeholders and external partners. Deep curiosity about the evolving media, commerce, and licensing landscape, and how trusted brands can show up in new contexts and formats. A reader‑first mindset: committed to protecting Wirecutter’s editorial independence and reader trust while unlocking ambitious, mutually beneficial commercial opportunities. Commitment to building an inclusive team culture where diverse perspectives are actively welcomed and shape strategy and execution.

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The annual base pay range for this role is between $160,000 – $180,000 USD. For roles in the U.S., dependent on your role, you may be eligible for variable pay, such as an annual bonus and restricted stock. Benefits may include medical, dental and vision benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s), a company‑matching 401(k) plan, paid vacation, paid sick days, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement and professional development programs. For roles outside of the U.S., information on benefits will be provided during the interview process. We’re excited to learn more about you and your experience. To keep our hiring process as fair and authentic as possible, we ask that you submit your own work and not use GenAI tools to generate substantive content during the application and interview process. If you’re an Engineering candidate, we’ll let you know what specific GenAI tools you are permitted to use for your technical assessment. The New York Times Company is committed to being the world’s best source of independent, reliable and quality journalism. To do so, we embrace a diverse workforce that has a broad range of backgrounds and experiences across our ranks, at all levels of the organization. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s Know Your Rights Poster is available here. The New York Times Company will provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Individuals seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process should email View email address on click.appcast.io. Emails sent for unrelated issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response. The Company encourages those with criminal histories to apply, and will consider their applications in a manner consistent with applicable “Fair Chance” laws, including but not limited to the NYC Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act. For information about The New York Times’ privacy practices for job applicants click here. Please beware of fraudulent job postings. Scammers may post fraudulent job opportunities, and they may even make fraudulent employment offers. This is done by bad actors to collect personal information and money from victims. All legitimate job opportunities from The New York Times will be accessible through The New York Times careers site. The New York Times will not ask job applicants for financial information or for payment, and will not refer you to a third party to do so. You should never send money to anyone who suggests they can provide employment with The New York Times. If you see a fake or fraudulent job posting, or if you suspect you have received a fraudulent offer, you can report it to The New York Times at View email address on click.appcast.io. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission or your state attorney general. #J-18808-Ljbffr Thenewyorktimes