Global Video Programming & Strategy Director, GQ

Global Video Programming & Strategy Director, GQ

GQ is looking for a seasoned editorial leader to oversee its award-winning digital video programming for GQ globally. The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of overseeing development and production in digital video (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, FAST, etc.) and excellent storytelling and editorial skills, including ideas for key celebrity and on-air talent partnerships. In addition, this individual will have a keen eye for ambitious projects, generating ideas that nurture and grow GQ's culture-defining presence holistically.

The ideal candidate has experience handling both sides of a video program: delivering on business-critical KPIs while leading creative development and architecting fresh programming that goes beyond what GQ's done until now. They can see the opportunities in leveraging GQ's unmatched access to celebrity, while also launching ideas that focus a spotlight on the brand's in-house voices.

The right candidate will be excited by GQ's broadest mission to reach men who want to live their best, most stylish lives and not only bring it to bear on all video initiatives, but contribute to the mission by identifying and reaching new audiences.

The position will report directly to the Executive Editor.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead, shape, and execute the programming strategy and vision for all of GQ's global digital video channels, with a special focus on GQ US and British GQ's multi-faceted video slates, using a combination of strong data analysis and excellent editorial judgement.
• Expand GQ's audience by developing meaningful additions to existing video programming, with an immediate focus on developing high-cadence, "podcast"-type shows that lean into host talent utilizing GQ in-house staff and potential talent partnerships.
• Maintain an on-brand, cohesive look and feel for video content across platforms and markets
• Work closely with internal teams including GQ's Global Director of Content Strategy, as well as central Content Planning and Analysis, Creative Optimization, and Audience Development teams to manage and monitor video channel health, understand and engage existing audiences, deliver on key KPIs, and support development of content that appeals to new viewers and advertisers.
• Uphold GQ sensibilities, quality standards, and values, as well as shepherd key talent relationships and innovation in service of building a robust content pipeline across existing and new platforms.
• Oversee the programming planning process from start to finish, including establishing a video editorial calendar and forecasting the video programming slate to meet or exceed established KPIs and yield strong audience engagement, while driving cultural relevance.
• Lead the development team in brainstorming sessions to generate ideas for new pilots and preexisting series, and create profitable IP from pre-production to post production; ideate video strategy around live events to drive audience and revenue as needed
• Serve as the primary video liaison across Editorial, Commercial, Consumer, and Business Affairs departments
• Manage the GQ video staff by providing guidance, coaching, and leadership.
• Work closely with global video teams to share video best practices, expand successful franchises and build monetizable opportunities across global network. Work closely with editorial, commercial, and consumer stakeholders to drive revenue growth through video opportunities; partner with commercial teams to establish workflows for programming plan reviews and creative collaboration, with the goal of creating commercial packages to maximise revenue opportunities.
• Establish and upkeep processes that ensure creative excellence, including working closely with centralised video production and operations teams to establish workflows that deliver quality and exceptional storytelling, consistent communication, swift decision-making, efficient budgeting, scheduling, and deadline enforcement
• Review, edit, and approve preliminary and final treatments, outlines, shooting scripts, casting, production schedules, budgets, selects, graphics, music, rough cuts, fine cuts, final narration, and final versions of all applicable new programming.
• Ensure the pipeline of new content is well-maintained and that archival content is effectively resurfaced.

Desired Skills and Qualifications:

• A minimum of 8+ years experience in multiplatform storytelling, including producing, developing, and programming video content on various platforms including, digital, linear, etc.
• Established creative sensibility with a deep enthusiasm for GQ's core content areas (fashion, sports, music, film, TV, grooming, wellness, etc.)
• Excellent track record of growing audience, overseeing creative execution, developing brand-appropriate digital content for programming and sustained critical success
• Demonstrated experience in building a culture of trust and inclusion
• Entrepreneurial, strategic, and holistic mindset, eagerness to learn and build, and a reputation as an innovative, adaptable, and proactive "doer" with desire to differentiate GQ and Cond Nast from the competition
• Proven ability to balance long-term value with near-term business goals, with the ability to manage heavy workload and prioritise appropriately
• Knowledge of internet culture and digital video landscape (e.g. YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, FAST), the unique elements of each video platform, and what makes particular videos successful on those platforms
• Demonstrated ability to generate multiple revenue streams driven from content
• Proven ability to proactively identify and implement effective solutions to problems and to create infrastructure
• Proven experience managing a creative team and juggling multiple-projects at once
• Strong organisational skills and ability to prioritise and meet deadlines
• Successful experience navigating matrixed organisations
• Creative and strategic executive who is genuinely collaborative and ready to lead
• Strong creative with tactical skills; expert level knowledge around multi-platform distribution and deep knowledge of all stages of the production and distribution process
• Strong interpersonal communication skills (written and oral) with an emotionally intelligent communication style
• Demonstrated aptitude to work closely with both internal and external producers to represent the channel needs
• Exhibit and set a culture of professionalism and results-oriented purpose
• Familiarity with the brands and businesses of Cond Nast

About Cond Nast

Cond Nast is a global media company producing premium content across print, digital, video, and social platforms, with brands including GQ, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and The New Yorker. The company reaches hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide through its trusted editorial brands and innovative storytelling.

The expected base salary range for this position is from $180,000 - $210,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including but not limited to relevant skills, training, experience, and education.

In addition to salary and a generous employee benefits package, successful candidates may also be eligible to receive discretionary bonus compensation.