Description

Director of Content and Partnerships for Arkansas Life

Reports to: Vice President of Content and Newsroom Strategy Classification: Full time, Exempt

Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, with a combination of in-office and remote work

Safety-Sensitive Position: Pursuant to Act 593 of the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment
About Arkansas Life

Arkansas Life is a social-first product designed specifically for younger readers (ages 25-44). This new digital venture from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is dedicated to informing, inspiring and empowering the next generation of Arkansans to live their best lives. We provide free, relevant and digestible content - curated guides, insider tips, and events - through a website, newsletter and social channels, aiming to make local life easier, smarter and more fun.

The Arkansas Life brand was established in 2008 as a free high-society and lifestyle magazine for Arkansas Democrat-Gazette subscribers. It evolved over the years and underwent a full redesign in 2017, focusing more on news features and pieces that highlighted the best of what the state had to offer. The magazine ceased publication in 2020 amid financial struggles.

While this new social-first product will use the same name, its focus will be on content and platforms where young people are searching for local information, rather than relying on traditional, legacy news products and systems, and it will operate independently from the Democrat-Gazette newsroom.
The Role

The Director of Content and Partnerships will serve as the editor, lead writer and primary partnership driver for Arkansas Life. This is a critical, hands-on role responsible for establishing the brand's unique voice, producing signature content and developing the community and revenue streams required for sustained growth. The individual in this position will be supported by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's resources throughout the launch and design of the rebrand.
Key Responsibilities
Brand Launch & Editorial Leadership

• Brand Launch: Launch the reimagined Arkansas Life brand. This includes developing its unique voice, tone, content strategy and the structure of the daily email newsletter; Be the face of the brand in the community.
• Lead Writer & Editor: Serve as the lead writer and editor, producing original, high-quality and highly engaging content for all channels.
• Hiring & Leadership: Hire, manage and mentor a team of direct reports - starting with a Brand Ambassador and Producer - to ensure strong execution across all content and partnership initiatives.
• Daily Newsletter Production: Write the daily newsletter, establishing its signature style and deep connection with Arkansas' 20- and 30-something audience.
• Multi-Channel Strategy: Oversee editorial direction and strategy across email, website, Instagram, TikTok and other channels, ensuring consistent brand messaging and maximum engagement.

Partnership & Revenue Generation

• Community Partnerships: Identify, establish and maintain strong relationships with key community organizations, local businesses and influencers to amplify content reach and foster local relevance.
• Monetization Strategy: Collaborate with the business team on revenue generation efforts, including:
  • Launching the paid membership program, creating opportunities for reader engagement and recurring revenue.
  • Securing and executing opportunities for branded content, newsletter sponsorships and events.
• Sponsorship Fulfillment: Ensure all content and partnership deliverables are executed successfully and meet advertiser/sponsor goals.

Growth & Innovation

• Audience Development: Drive subscriber growth for the newsletter and follower growth across all social channels.
• Competitive Analysis: Continuously monitor competitors to identify content gaps and market opportunities.

Qualifications
Required

• 5+ years of experience in digital content creation, editorial leadership and/or partnership development, preferably within a media or lifestyle brand targeting the 25-44
• Exceptional writing and editing skills are The ability to quickly establish a distinct, engaging, and professional brand voice.
• Proven success in building and engaging digital audiences, particularly through newsletters and social platforms (Instagram, TikTok).
• Demonstrated ability to identify and manage revenue-generating partnerships and/or membership programs.

Preferred

• Experience with launching a new digital product or publication and executing a full content and brand strategy.
• Familiarity with the Arkansas media landscape and local
• Experience with audience analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics).

Benefits

• 401K & profit sharing
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid holiday and floating holiday
• Paid personal day
• Paid parental leave
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life, disability, and accident insurance
• Critical illness and hospital indemnity coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Behavior program

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Applicants must pass a drug screening, undergo motor vehicle record checks, and complete a background check.

Interested candidates should send a resume and any writing and/or social media video samples to ashirk@wehco.com.