VP Strategic Operations/Business Development
We're seeking a Strategic Operations Lead who can drive executional excellence while navigating the complexities of operating across a larger holding company structure. This unique role requires someone who understands the advertising ecosystem deeply—from how agencies and marketers make buying decisions to the economic levers that drive performance marketing and branded content success. You'll be the operational backbone of our organization, ensuring seamless execution across functions while maintaining strong alignment with the strategic and business development business plan.
***The anticipated base pay range for this position is between 200k and 250k annually. Individual base pay may vary within that range, depending on job\-related knowledge, skills, experience, relevant education, departmental equity, training, geography, and local wage and hour laws.*** ***Variable Pay is available as well.***
**What You'll Do**
**Industry \& Economic Understanding**
* Apply deep knowledge of advertising decision\-making processes to inform operational priorities and resource allocation
* Understand the economics of performance marketing including margin structures, attribution models, and ROI calculations
* Navigate the branded content ecosystem including content creation economics, distribution strategies, and measurement frameworks
* Stay ahead of the advertising technology landscape including DSPs, SSPs, DMPs, CDPs, and measurement solutions
* Anticipate how industry shifts (privacy regulations, platform changes, measurement evolution) impact operations
* Translate market dynamics into operational strategies that position the company for success
**Strategic Planning \& Execution**
* Partner with leadership to develop annual and quarterly operating plans aligned with company and holding company objectives
* Lead strategic initiatives including new market entry, product launches, partnership integrations, and organizational changes
* Conduct business analysis to identify growth opportunities, efficiency gains, and competitive advantages
* Build business cases for investments in technology, talent, and infrastructure
* Take leadership of preparation for business reviews and strategic planning sessions
**Operational Excellence \& Business Management**
* Utilizing knowledge and relationships created by deep industry awareness and consistent outreach, event attendance, and industry networking:
* Develop and implement operational frameworks, workflows, and systems that scale with company growth
* Create and maintain operational dashboards and KPIs to track business health and performance
* Establish cross\-functional processes that ensure efficient collaboration between sales, marketing, product, and customer success
* Identify operational bottlenecks and implement solutions that improve efficiency and effectiveness
* Manage budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes in coordination with finance teams
* Keep an intense focus on the entrepreneurial pace of this new division and brand
**Team Leadership \& Development**
* Build and lead a high\-performing operations team as the organization scales
* Foster a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement
* Develop talent through coaching, mentorship, and growth opportunities
* Work cross\-functionally to align teams around shared goals and priorities
**What You Bring**
**Operations \& Business Management Experience**
* 7\-10 years of progressive operations, business management, or strategy experience
* Proven track record managing complex operations in fast\-paced, growth\-oriented environments
* Experience implementing processes, systems, and frameworks that enable scalability
* Strong project management capabilities with ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
* Proficiency with business intelligence tools, financial modeling, and operational analytics
* Experience with enterprise systems including CRM (Hubspot) and project management platforms
**Advertising \& AdTech Knowledge**
* Deep understanding of how advertising decisions are made at brands and agencies, including stakeholder dynamics, evaluation criteria, and procurement processes
* Knowledge of performance marketing economics
* Familiarity with branded content ecosystem
* Understanding of advertising technology stack and how different platforms interconnect
* Deep awareness of industry trends
* Experience working with or within advertising agencies, brands, or martech/adtech companies preferred
* Ability to navigate matrix organizations and build productive relationships across organizational boundaries
**Skills \& Competencies**
* Strategic thinking combined with exceptional attention to operational detail
* Financial acumen with ability to manage P\&Ls, budgets, and financial forecasts
* Outstanding communication skills with ability to influence across all organizational levels
* Problem\-solving mindset with bias toward action and results
* Ability to thrive in ambiguity, own outcomes, and adapt to changing circumstances
* Strong analytical skills with comfort working with data and metrics
+ You excel at:
- Driving entrepreneurial speed
- Translating complex advertising concepts into operational requirements
- Translating complex advertiser needs into business opportunities
- Building processes that enable growth without creating bureaucracy
- Seeing around corners to anticipate operational challenges and opportunities before they arise
**Application Process:**
**To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and interest in this role.**
**About McClatchy:**
Our impact is growing every day. 30 growing markets. Over 65 million monthly readers. 56 Pulitzer Prizes. A strong portfolio of dynamic partnerships and smart investments. Our award\-winning journalism, digital reach, and commitment to innovative growth have never been stronger.
As a member of the McClatchy family, you are part of a flexible, empowering, and exciting culture dedicated to creating a work/life balance and consistent opportunities for growth—a place where you have a voice and the ability to impact our future. It’s an exciting time to be here. Our company is experiencing the most transformative period in its history. We’re growing rapidly in the digital space and delivering award\-winning journalism in innovative ways.
McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package is made with this goal in mind. With a focus on well\-being and daily life, our package options include healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no\-cost wellness resources and even coverage for four\-legged friends.
Our comprehensive benefits package also includes a 401(k) plan with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, as well as a range of mental health benefits. For more information on McClatchy's benefit plan, please visit McClatchyLivewell.com.
\#LI\-TH1
\#LI\-Remote