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