VP, Data & AI Products

Overview (Why This Role?)

The VP, Data & AI Products will own and drive the product strategy for leveraging data, analytics, and artificial intelligence across all Hearst Magazines digital properties. This pivotal leadership role is responsible for ensuring our products are intelligent and personalized, deliver uniquely valuable user experiences, provide actionable insights to internal teams (such as editorial, marketing, and advertising), and unlock new pathways for revenue and sustainable business growth. You will build and lead a team of specialized product leaders to champion a data-first and AI-enabled product culture across the organization.

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)

Hearst Magazines’ portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands in the U.S— including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Popular Mechanics— inspires, entertains, and builds new and bold experiences for an engaged and growing audience across digital, video, social and print, reaching nearly 130 million readers and site visitors each month. With sophisticated content creation, cutting-edge technology, and industry-leading data capabilities, we make media and products that move people across all platforms. We are a global media company that publishes nearly 200 magazine editions and 175 websites around the world—and together, we are shaping what’s next.

Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)

• Develop and champion a clear, compelling product vision and strategy for data and AI initiatives, aligned with Hearst Magazines' overall business objectives and product mission.
• Own and manage the product roadmaps for enterprise-wide data and AI product initiatives, including personalization engines, recommendation systems, audience intelligence platforms, AI-powered content/operational tools, and the "product view" of the underlying data platform.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing team of Product Leads focused on specific domains within data and AI (Personalization & Recommendation, AI-Powered Content & Operational Tools, Audience Intelligence & Data Products, Data Platform Product Strategy & Enablement).
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership across Product, Engineering (including Data Engineering and Data Science teams), Design, Editorial, Commercial, and Brand GMs to identify opportunities, define product requirements, and ensure successful execution and adoption of data/AI products.
• Drive the strategy for how data is ethically collected, processed, transformed, and made accessible for product innovation, ensuring user privacy and compliance.
• Champion the development of data literacy and AI understanding within the broader product management organization and across Hearst Magazines.
• Define and monitor key success metrics for data and AI products, ensuring they deliver measurable impact on user engagement, operational efficiency, and revenue.
• Stay at the forefront of advancements in data science, machine learning, AI, and their applications in the media industry, translating these into actionable product strategies.
• Explore and define product strategies for new data and AI-driven monetization opportunities, in partnership with commercial teams.
• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement within the Data & AI Products team and its collaborations.
• This is a hybrid position based in New York City, with an in-office requirement of four days per week.

Qualifications (What We’re Looking For)

• 12+ years of experience in product management, with at least 7+ years specifically focused on data products, analytics platforms, machine learning, or AI-powered products.
• Proven track record of successfully defining, launching, and scaling data-intensive and AI-driven products that deliver significant user and business value.
• 5+ years of experience in a leadership role, managing and mentoring product managers.
• Deep understanding of the data and AI lifecycle, including data collection, processing, model development, deployment, and iteration.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear product strategies and value propositions for non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience working in a large-scale media, publishing, or digital content organization is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (engineering, data science, design, marketing, sales, editorial).
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and align stakeholders at all levels.
• Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field (e.g., Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Economics) or equivalent practical experience.
• Preferred MBA or Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Preferred familiarity with modern data warehousing, data governance, MLOps, and experimentation platforms.
• Preferred experience with agile development methodologies and dual-track discovery/delivery.
• Preferred understanding of ethical AI principles and data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
• Preferred entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation and building for the future.

Benefits (What We Offer)

• Work with the Best: Collaborate with top-tier professionals across media, advertising, tech, fashion, lifestyle, and publishing, shaping the future of these dynamic industries.
• Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs, immersive workshops, and exclusive industry events.
• Work-Life Harmony: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work, empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.
• Foster Connection & Belonging: Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
• Wellness First: Prioritize your well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance from Day 1.
• Plan for Your Financial Future: Enjoy competitive financial perks, including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

The base salary for this role is between $249,000 - $300,000. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Hearst Magazines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.