USA TODAY Play, General Manager

Posted Jan 7

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a subscription-led and digitally focused media and marketing solutions company committed to empowering communities to thrive. With an unmatched reach at the national and local level, Gannett touches the lives of millions with our Pulitzer-Prize winning content, consumer experiences and benefits, and advertiser products and services.

Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc., UpCurve, Inc., and WordStream, Inc., which are marketed under the LOCALiQ brand, and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures.

To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.

Gannett is looking for a General Manager to oversee the USA Today Play portfolio of online puzzles and games.

This is a fast-growing and exciting new vertical at Gannett, and we are seeking a growth-minded GM who will be able to further expand audience, ad revenue and subscriptions.

As the GM, you will set and execute on a strategic plan for the business and will manage a dedicated cross-functional team of resources.

You will optimize the game play experience and source or build additional game products.

We are seeking someone who is passionate about crosswords and casual gaming and knows how to create a gaming experience that delights users and encourages engagement, subscriptions, and retention.

This role can be based in NYC and we are also open to it being remote for the right candidate.

Responsibilities:

Define the strategic vision, high-level milestones, and KPIs required to significantly grow the audience, as well as the subscription and advertising revenue, of the USA Today Play product portfolio. Provide insight, direction, and leadership to help the team of product, design, analytics, marketing and developers to execute the USA Today Play strategic vision and create the best user experience possible.
Manage the USA Today Play P&L guiding the business to achieve revenue and profit targets.
Work across the organization to help Gannett sites and apps integrate the USA Today Play experience across multiple user journeys.
Own and execute any build/buy/partnership decisions around what, if any, additional games are needed to expand the appeal of our USA Today Play experience to a broader audience.
Provide input and direction to the branding and marketing of USA Today Play to expand the appeal of the offering. Collaborate closely and openly with other business owners and other internal stakeholders.
Manage relations with third-party partners and consultants supporting USA Today Play and represent the business in discussions with potential partners and other stakeholders.

Requirements:

Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience. (MBA or relevant advanced degree is preferable)
3-5 years of experience in managing the P&L of a digital business ideally in the gaming space.
7+ years of experience in the mobile and web gaming industry (casual gaming experiences preferred.)
Demonstrated successes with defining and executing strategic goals.
The ability to think critically and strategically solve complex business problems, interpret analyses, and present solutions that address business needs.
Experience identifying, analyzing, and using data to independently test theories, confirm assumptions, and measure success via iteration and with attention to detail.
A passion online casual games, especially crosswords!
A bias towards leading others into action, versus doing by yourself.
Excellent written and verbal skills.
Fantastic interpersonal skills. You are a team player, and people love to work with you.
Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment, post-offer background check.

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1. Your resume – one to two pages.

2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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The annualized base salary for this role will range between $90,000 and $213,900. Variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, location, and union representation, if applicable.

Gannett Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where Gannett employs employees. In addition, Gannett Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with Gannett Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact Gannett Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at Recruit@gannett.com.