Director, Growth - Tentpoles & Digital Franchises

About TEGNA

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) helps people thrive in their local communities by providing the trusted local news and services that matter most. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA reaches more than 100 million people monthly across the web, mobile apps, streaming, and linear television. Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news.

TEGNA is seeking a strategic, creative, and entrepreneurial leader to serve as Director, Growth – Tentpoles & Digital Franchises, a new leadership role focused on building high-impact content strategies for social and digital platforms.

This role is grounded in two core objectives:

1. To own digital distribution strategy on video and emerging platforms for the most high-leverage, high-visibility moments in our editorial calendar—major trials, elections, cultural flashpoints, and other tentpole events that have the potential to deliver asymmetric audience growth when packaged intentionally for platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Newsletters, and SMS.
2. To identify and develop new digital franchises and IP that can grow loyal audiences and unlock monetization opportunities through branded content, sponsorship, and influencer-aligned partnerships.

This is a foundational role at the intersection of content, talent, and revenue. You will be the first hire on a newly formed team, responsible for building a group of social strategists and video editors, developing platform-native content formats, and working with TEGNA talent to grow new digital-first brands. You’ll also collaborate with sales and revenue leaders to ideate and pitch sponsor-backed series, turning great storytelling into scalable business opportunities.

The ideal candidate has deep fluency in social video platforms, sharp editorial instincts, a strong sense of what drives performance, and the confidence to work closely with talent, executives, and advertisers alike.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead High-Impact Distribution Strategy
  Own the digital packaging and distribution strategy for TEGNA’s most momentous editorial opportunities. Design platform-native content approaches around trials, elections, sports, and cultural flashpoints, using audience insights and editorial judgment to drive breakthrough reach and engagement.
• Develop Scalable Social-First IP
  Create and test original video franchises—short-form and episodic—that can scale across platforms and support integrated sponsorships. Work from both creative instincts and market demand to prioritize ideas with long-term brand and revenue potential.
• Build and Manage a Centralized Creative Team
  Assemble and lead a team of video editors and social strategists dedicated to high-quality, high-impact video content. Set workflows, creative guardrails, and performance expectations to operate efficiently and creatively.
• Identify and Elevate Talent into Franchises
  Partner with on-air journalists and anchors across TEGNA to identify talent with digital breakout potential. Support their evolution into recognizable social personalities. When appropriate, scout and partner with off-air influencers to anchor new concepts and negotiate formal agreements.
• Partner on Sponsorship and GTM Strategy
  Collaborate with sales and revenue teams to package, pitch, and bring to market sponsor-backed video series. Serve as the creative and editorial lead for native integrations, helping partners understand the strategic value of our approach.

Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in digital video content, social media strategy, or influencer development—ideally with direct experience leading creative teams at a media, entertainment, or creator-driven environment
• Deep understanding of social platform dynamics, including algorithmic trends, optimization levers, and content formats native to TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram
• Ability to collaborate with and manage cross-functional teams, including production, technology, marketing, news, and sales.
• Proven track record of developing content that drives measurable engagement, audience growth, and monetization
• Experience working with on-air talent, influencers, or public figures—and a natural ability to gain trust and help talent grow their digital presence
• Comfortable collaborating with revenue teams and participating in client-facing sponsorship conversations
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage high-performing creative teams from the ground up
• Expertise in digital and social distribution and publishing workflows as well as video editing tools, such as Adobe Premiere, CapCut, and AI clipping services
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate with autonomy and make decisions that balance creative quality and business value
• A willingness to travel to TEGNA’s stations as needed #LI-MS1

Benefits: 

TEGNA offers comprehensive benefits designed to safeguard the physical, mental and financial health of our employees and their families. TEGNA offers two medical plan options for full and part-time employees through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, as well as access to dental and eye care coverage; fertility, surrogacy and adoption assistance; disability and life insurance.

Our 401(k) program offers full, part-time and temporary employees the opportunity to contribute 1% - 80% of their pay on a pre-tax basis to TEGNA’s 401(k). Contributions made up to the first 4% of pay are eligible for a 100% match from the company and are 100% vested from day one.

Regardless of participation in TEGNA medical plans, ALL employees and their eligible family members receive nine free virtual doctor’s appointments with a physician through Teladoc, and 12 free annual therapy sessions with a licensed clinician through Spring Health.

TEGNA offers a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) benefit as well as nine paid holidays per year. 

* Some jobs are covered by a collective bargaining agreement and thus some or all of the benefits described herein may not apply. For example, some newsroom bargaining unit employees receive health and retirement benefits under plans administered by the union.

EEO statement:

TEGNA Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, hiring and developing individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to add to our collaborative culture. We value and consider applications from all qualified candidates without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, enrollment in college or vocational school, political affiliation, military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. TEGNA will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. If you are in need of an accommodation in order to submit your application, please email askhr@tegna.com 

Recruiting Fraud Alert:

To all candidates: your personal information and online safety are important to us. Only TEGNA Recruiters or Hiring Managers will reach out to you regarding consideration of your application or background.  Communications with TEGNA employees will either come from a TEGNA email address with a domain of tegna.com or one of our affiliate station domains.  

Recruiters or Hiring Managers will never request payments, ask for financial account information or sensitive information such as social security numbers.