Features Director, Esquire

Features Director Esquire

Why This Role
Esquire is looking for a visionary Features Director to lead the brands most ambitious and culturally resonant storytelling across digital print and emerging platforms. This is a rare opportunity to shape the voice of a legacy brand through deeply reported narratives tentpole packages and longform features that drive national conversation and define cultural authority.

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us)
Hearst Magazines portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands in the Cosmopolitan ELLE Esquire Good Housekeeping Harpers BAZAAR and Popular Mechanics inspires entertains and builds new and bold experiences for an engaged and growing audience across digital video social and print reaching nearly 130 million readers and site visitors each month. With sophisticated content creation cutting-edge technology and industry-leading data capabilities we make media and products that move people across all platforms. We are a global media company that publishes nearly 200 magazine editions and 175 websites around the worldand together we are shaping whats next.

Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing)

• Commission edit and guide high-profile features cover stories and narrative journalism packages that embody Esquires authority in culture politics style and the arts.
• Develop and execute longform editorial strategy across Esquires digital and print platforms ensuring a balance of ambition creativity and timeliness.
• Cultivate relationships with established writers while discovering and developing new talent that reflects a wide range of perspectives and voices.
• Collaborate with design photography and digital teams to elevate storytelling presentation across formats.
• Partner with audience development SEO and social teams to ensure maximum reach and engagement for Esquires biggest stories.
• Work closely with senior leadership on tentpole editorial projects awards submissions and brand-defining features.
• Identify opportunities to expand storytelling across emerging platforms including podcasts and live events.

Qualifications (What Were Looking For)

• Accomplished editor with 810 years of experience commissioning and editing narrative features and cover stories at a major media brand.
• Strong editorial judgment and journalistic rigor with a sharp eye for cultural trends and storytelling that resonates.
• Experience working with marquee writers and emerging voices providing editorial vision and support throughout the process.
• Adept at managing complex editorial projects from ideation through execution.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work across departments including design digital and audience teams.
• Passion for Esquires mission to define modern culture style and storytelling.
• This role is based in New York City and follows a hybrid schedule: 4 days per week in the office.

What We Offer

• Work with the Best: Collaborate with top-tier professionals across media advertising tech fashion lifestyle and publishing shaping the future of these dynamic industries.
• Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs immersive workshops and exclusive industry events.
• Work-Life Harmony: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.
• Foster Connection & Belonging: Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
• Wellness First: Prioritize your well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical dental and vision insurance from Day 1.
• Plan for Your Financial Future: Enjoy competitive financial perks including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

Compensation
The base salary for this role is between $116000 - $140000. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors such as: transferable skills work experience business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Hearst is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin disability protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.