Audience Development Manager

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW:

This is a full-spectrum audience development role . You will own the grow the subscriber lifecycle: carrier routes, postal mail, and digital membership acquisition and retention. You'll work directly with our Publisher and leadership team to build sustainable audience growth that supports the long-term health of community journalism.

SCHEDULE: 

Monday - Friday: 40-50hrs a week 

Schedule options: 2:00pm-10:00pm or 4:00am - 1:00pm

Requirements

What You'll Do

• Lead all print circulation operations including carrier force management, route optimization, and postal/mail distribution
• Drive digital membership acquisition, retention, and churn reduction across our properties
• Develop and execute subscriber growth strategies for both print and digital audiences
• Manage relationships with distribution contractors and USPS partners
• Analyze circulation data and present actionable reporting to executive leadership
• Collaborate with editorial, advertising, and marketing teams to align content strategy with audience goals
• Build and mentor a small but high-performing circulation and audience team

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of newspaper circulation or audience development experience, ideally at a daily or multi-property operation
• Demonstrated experience managing both a carrier force AND postal/mail distribution
• Hands-on digital subscription and membership experience — you understand acquisition funnels, churn, and lifetime value
• Strong analytical skills; comfortable with circulation audit data (AAM/CAC a plus)
• A leader who can work independently and roll up their sleeves
• Passion for community journalism and local media

About Us

We are a growing, family-owned group of community news properties with roots stretching back over 140+ years. We believe local journalism matters — and we're investing in it. We are growing, stable, and mission-driven. Our properties serve loyal, engaged communities across the Southwest, and we're looking for a leader to grow our audiences across every channel.

To Apply

Send your resume and a brief note about your circulation philosophy to asaccoman@westernnews.com. We respond to every qualified applicant.