Director of News and Content Strategy

Location: This position can be located in our Chicago, IL or Washington, DC offices only.

Position Summary

The Director of News and Content Strategy is responsible for the overall strategic direction of the Content team and Publishing Operation — determining and managing communications mix, mission and brand; identifying new content and channel opportunities (new media channels, collaborations, etc.); adhering to budgeted revenue and expenses; managing outside contracts; and directing the team. This position oversees the editorial and business decisions for the team with shared responsibility (with Sales Director) to meet non‑dues revenue goals and contribute to new opportunities for growth. Liaison with counterparts within Marketing and Communications, and NAR Groups to ensure cross‑organizational alignment with critical Advocacy and Communications priorities, Member Experience and Development.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs the team responsible for the development of authoritative, relevant, and practical editorial content that appeals to our broad community of REALTORS®, Association Executives, Broker/Owners and Commercial Practitioners applying newsroom standards and journalistic principles to ensure accuracy, credibility, and timeliness.
• Lead the editorial, audience and product strategy for NAR’s editorial channels, including our member publications, newsletters, podcasts and more, bringing a journalist's lens to story selection, editorial judgment, and content prioritization.
• Ensures the development of our key content assets help support our strategic objectives and our financial outcomes.
• Financial oversight of the cost centers (budgets) related to the publishing operation and distribution.
• Ensures our content development is informed by diverse voices from all segments of our membership community, and other stakeholders within the organizational eco‑system, leveraging reporting skills to surface compelling stories and perspectives.
• Leads the content development team, establishing, where needed, new standards and practices to guide the production of different content assets, including newsroom‑style editorial workflows, fact‑checking protocols, and style guidelines; focus on advancing our content leadership and expertise in critical subject matter areas.
• Lead the development of new mobile content products to the overall product offering, i.e.: audio/podcasts, recurring educational and short‑form video series, webcasts, blogs, etc., including key contributions in development of topics, format and platform.
• Works closely with the VP, Creative and Content Strategy and relevant leads in Marketing and Communications, Digital Strategy, and IT to ensure that our deep library of digital content assets is readily accessible and easy to consume.
• Aligns the work and analytics derived from NAR’s Data Science, Research and Digital Strategy teams to ensure our content and media offerings are adequately supported/reinforced by unique data‑driven insights.
• Collaborates closely with NAR’s SBIT (Strategic Business, Innovation and Technology) and Sales teams to ensure that we deploy the capabilities, knowledge, and expertise of our Partners, NAR‑funded companies, and sponsors against critical member needs, including the creation and management of thought‑leadership and co‑created content assets.
• Jointly plans annual content development calendar in collaboration with key internal stakeholders and in alignment with NAR strategy.
• Builds and maintains strong departmental processes that enhance productivity, drive continuity, and reduce dependencies on single individuals.
• Gathers feedback from members about the value and applicability of our content assets, building trusted relationships with AEs who represent a cross‑section of our membership.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years’ experience leading a publications and/or content team preferably with significant newsroom or journalism background.
• Proven background in journalism, with experience in editorial leadership, investigative reporting, or newsroom management strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in managing editorial calendars, story assignments, and reporter teams in fast‑paced news environments.
• Strong writing & communication skills with demonstrated ability to write and edit under tight deadlines.
• Experience working across multiple content formats including print, digital, audio/podcasts, and video journalism.
• A solid understanding of how to maintain a consistent style and voice across editorial platforms.
• Results‑oriented mindset with ability to use analytics and audience data to inform editorial strategy.
• Ability to think in innovative ways to find creative solutions to problems.
• Positive attitude, with strong customer relations and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel up to 30%.

Compensation

Compensation: $150,000‑$200,000, depending on office location.

NAR provides comprehensive benefits including health/dental/vision insurance.

Organizational Overview

The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is a team of professionals dedicated to providing world‑class service to approximately 1.5 million REALTORS® working in the United States and around the world. The real estate industry is fast‑paced and fast‑changing—each year, our members participate in the sale, lease, and management of real estate. As in every industry, our members’ value proposition is constantly being challenged by innovation.

It is our mission to empower REALTORS® as they preserve, protect and advance the right to real property for all. We cannot do that without the ideas, passion, and commitment from our talented employees. As our greatest assets, employees are offered their pick of competitive benefits/perks and flexible work options.