Personal Finance Writer, AOL

AOL is a global media and technology company, representing the best of premium content and innovative platforms. Originally known as America Online, we once connected over 35 million people to the internet, becoming a cultural icon and business behemoth. We recognized digital as the future of media and set out to build a network to enable our company—and our users and partners—to capitalize on this new world. We've always had the drive and innovative thinking to mobilize the future. Now, we have the tools, the reach, and the resources to make this future a reality. We just need YOU!

About us:

AOL is a global media and technology company that represents the best of premium content and platforms. Originally known as America Online, we continue to be one of the largest and most recognizable digital media and technology companies in the world, with millions of highly engaged and loyal users. AOL is a critical pillar in our parent company, Yahoo Inc.’s, long-term growth strategy and you’ll be joining a team that is critical to our success. We strive to deliver the best consumer experience to our readers. 

About the role:

AOL is looking for a creative, experienced personal finance journalist to join our growing team focused on building the personal finance channel into a trusted, authoritative destination for content that helps readers make unfamiliar decisions and take control of their finances. As our personal finance writer, you’ll collaborate with lead editors in shaping our approach to content in the personal finance space for the 55+ audience planning for, newly entering or fully enjoying retirement. 

We seek a skilled, forward-thinking journalist with at least five years of experience who can research, write and refine compelling, reader-first content within banking and lending, home equity and mortgages, retirement planning, investments and paying down debt. Our ideal candidate understands personal finance trends and can empathize with readers, translating complicated topics into actionable steps toward smarter financial decisions. You’re as comfortable producing highly researched best lists backed by rigorous rubrics as you are covering timely financial topics or finding the story in data that can help people navigate financial pain points. Familiarity with SEO best practices and affiliate marketing is a plus.

What you’ll do

• Collaborate with lead editor to establish and evolve brand voice and content strategy for personal finance at AOL.

• Pitch, write, edit and optimize trending and evergreen explainers, best roundups, how-tos and trending stories within banking, budgeting, lending, retirement and other areas of personal finance

• Create rubrics and scoring methodologies to evaluate and rank personal finance products, brands and services

• Collaborate with SEO, design and product teams to execute strategy, monitor performance, optimize content and improve processes, where needed. 

• Develop a deep understanding of the AOL audience and its consumption habits through testing, learning and iterating on topics, article formats and other optimizations.

• Curate quality first- and third-party content for the homepage and personal finance content channel

What we’re looking for

• 5+ years of professional experience in journalism, communications or copywriting with proven bylines in personal finance

• Rigorous research, sourcing, reporting and writing skills to ensure in-depth, high-quality and reader-focused content in plain, accessible language

• An empathetic ear for the financial challenges Americans ages 55+ face and an eye that looks out for our most vulnerable readers, anticipating questions our audience hasn’t yet thought of

• Understanding of SEO, reader intent, affiliate marketing and editorial best practices, including experience with style, voice and tone guidelines

• Experience with editorial style, voice and tone as well as the principles of editorial independence

• Excellent communication and time-management skills that help move business goals forward

• Team player who can collaborate with and take direction from colleagues

• Innovative mindset with a keen eye for identifying audience trends and consumption preferences

If you’re interested in the role, we encourage you to apply — even if you don’t meet every bullet in our list. You just might be the right candidate for this role or another with AOL. 

Yahoo is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against based on age, race, gender, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, v