Job Title:  SVP, Media & Strategy Planning

Summary of Position

The SVP of Media is a seasoned executive responsible for leading the development of comprehensive media strategies for the STARZ brand and its content slate. This role will craft innovative campaigns that grow consideration, awareness, and buzz, and they will be accountable for driving subscription revenue across direct-to-consumer and affiliate partners.

We are seeking an individual with a challenger brand mentality who is deeply knowledgeable about the ever-evolving media landscape and the DTC and OTT streaming platform ecosystem. An empathetic leader and strong cross-functional collaborator, this person will be instrumental in guiding the team with clear vision and direction, while fostering a culture of strategic innovation and a focus on growth.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with the CMO and senior marketing & publicity colleagues to establish overall go-to-market strategy for the STARZ brand & content slate
• Manage and lead the internal media team and external media agency to develop innovative, data-driven media campaigns for consumer and trade audiences. Invest in the media agency relationship and ensure that they are playing their part in delivery. 
• Partner with the Insights & Analytics team to define and measure campaigns against KPIs and to continually test assumptions & improve results.
• Lead paid media campaign strategy for STARZ wholesale partners (Amazon, Hulu, Roku, etc.), including advising on budgets, strategizing placements and allocations, and evaluating and optimizing performance
• Manage the annual media budget and be accountable for fiscally responsible spending. Work with the Finance and Accounting to oversee forecasting, reconciliation, and accruals
• Demonstrate deep understanding of all integrated media channel planning (video, audio, out of home, digital & social, including direct and programmatic media)
• Supervise, develop, and mentor the media team in line with the company’s values including fostering a culture of respect, collaboration, and innovation

Qualifications and Skills

• An experienced, strategic marketer with a minimum of 12+ years of relevant industry experience, preferably within television, entertainment, cable, and/or streaming
• Minimum of 7 years management experience
• Possess strong interpersonal communications skills and an empathetic collaborator 
• Must have the ability to make clear and concise oral and written presentations to all levels of the organization and to a variety of audiences, including external creative talent 
• Proven experience in building and managing multi-tactical media plans and an acumen for testing & data analysis to continually improve results.  
• Possess extensive knowledge of all types of media and related stewardship to ensure media investments are both cost-efficient and target-effective
• Understanding of upper and lower funnel (acquisition-focused) media strategies 
• A strong negotiator with a proven track record in managing the financial and contractual flow of multi-million dollar media campaigns
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing or equivalent field

About STARZ

STARZ (www.starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content, as well as the flagship domestic STARZ® service, including STARZ ENCORE, 17 premium pay TV channels, and the associated on-demand and online services. STARZ is available across digital OTT platforms and multichannel video distributors, including cable operators, satellite television providers, and telecommunications companies. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multi-faceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company.

Business Unit Overview

STARZ
With the Company aligning its studio operations behind the growth of its streaming business, STARZ has become one of the pre-eminent modern premium global streaming platforms. Offering subscribers more than 7.500 television episodes, including STARZ original series and provocative documentaries, along with a broad catalogue of first-run movies, STARZ is taking the lead in delivering relatable premium content that makes it the platform of choice among a wide spectrum of female, African-American and other historically underrepresented audiences. Its focused brand, premium content and freedom from legacy relationships position STARZ at the forefront of the new bundles emerging throughout the media ecosystem, a compelling value proposition to complement virtually every kind of subscription platform.
 
Distinguished by its successful and focused content strategy, top programming, exceptional curation and speed to market, STARZ has quickly scaled its platform to become one of the most widely distributed and fastest-growing OTT services in the world, with OTT subscribers making up more than half of its global subscriber base. The company’s international premium subscription service, LIONSGATE+, offers subscribers access to bold, curated storytelling around the world. LIONGATE+ has a footprint that extends across the globe and continues to expand its network of distribution partners. In addition to its LIONSGATE+ markets, it reaches audiences in the Middle East and North African region through STARZPLAY ARABIA and in South and Southeast Asia with Lionsgate Play. The proprietary and highly-rated STARZ app, a proven hit with U.S. audiences, continues to roll out internationally.  

Our Benefits

• Full Coverage – Medical, Vision, and Dental
• Annual discretionary bonus and merit increase
• Work/Life Balance – generous sick days, vacation days, holidays, and Impact Day
• 401(k) company matching
• Tuition Reimbursement (up to graduate degree)

Compensation

$300,000 - $350,000

EEO Statement

Lionsgate is an equal employment opportunity employer. All employees and applicants are evaluated on the basis of their qualifications, consistent with applicable state and federal laws. In addition, Lionsgate will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Lionsgate will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and federal law.