Content Strategist, SEO

The Houston Chronicle is seeking a Content Strategist to support the growth of non-subscriber traffic through search. This strategist  will collaborate with teams like breaking news, weather, and sports to optimize content for maximum reach and engagement. This role focuses on implementing strategies to attract and engage new audiences, particularly those who discover the Chronicle through search and social.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist in optimizing content for search engines by conducting keyword research, recommending headlines, and ensuring metadata aligns with SEO best practices. Owns and optimizes the strategy for evergreen content, ensuring high-value stories continue to drive traffic, remain updated, and meet audience demand over time. Work with newsroom teams to identify opportunities for stories that will perform well on search and social platforms, based on audience data and trends. Track non-subscriber traffic performance using analytics tools like Google Analytics, Parse.ly, or Chartbeat, and provide insights to help refine strategies. Support newsroom staff with training and resources on search and social best practices, ensuring reporters and editors stay current on platform changes. Monitor search and social trends to identify topics or coverage areas that align with audience interests and newsroom priorities. Work with editors and reporters to get content assigned, optimized and published. Assist breaking news and other teams in adjusting content strategies in response to developing trends or breaking stories. Partner with the social team to develop engaging posts that attract and retain readers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit. Work closely with the audience team and other newsroom teams to execute initiatives that grow non-subscriber traffic. We’re Looking for Someone Who: Has 2-4 years of experience in content strategy, audience growth, or digital media, with knowledge of SEO best practices. Is comfortable using audience analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Chartbeat, Parse.ly) to assess performance and identify opportunities for improvement. Has experience using Semrush, Google Trends, and Google Keyword Planner to identify content trends, monitor performance on search and adjust strategies Has strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with newsroom teams and provide actionable insights. Is detail-oriented and proactive, eager to learn and adapt in a fast-paced newsroom environment. Demonstrates an interest in audience engagement and a desire to grow skills in search and social optimization. Has a strong work ethic, a collaborative mindset, and a willingness to take direction while contributing ideas. Success is Measured By: Growth in non-subscriber traffic from search and social platforms. Improved implementation of SEO and social best practices across newsroom teams. Positive collaboration with teams like breaking news, weather, and sports to enhance content performance. Effective use of data and analytics to inform content adjustments and recommendations.

 

About the Houston Chronicle:

The Houston Chronicle, recognized for its Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism, serves its 2.3 million residents with content and marketing solutions across two of Houston’s largest websites — HoustonChronicle.com and Chron.com, along with our magazine, television and newspaper brands.  Our mission is to spark conversations that inspire action to create a better Houston.  All our content and the innovative business solutions we provide invite Houstonians to join conversations about a community we’ve been committed to covering and helping prosper for more than 120 years. The community we all call home.

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP encompasses a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate. 

At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories – growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms – to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.  

Be a part of something bigger – your headline awaits.

Recognizing the diverse needs of our candidates, if you are interested in applying for employment and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or regarding the application process, please contact us by email at hnpemployment@hearst.com.  Please do not use this email address to inquire about the status of applications. We will only respond to inquiries concerning requests for a reasonable accommodation through this email address.

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