The Nashville Banner is a nonprofit newsroom delivering community-informed journalism that engages and empowers people across Middle Tennessee. As the Banner embarks on a three-year initiative to double the size of our news organization, we’re seeking a Director of Audience to lead how people discover, engage with and build lasting relationships with our journalism.
This is a senior leadership role at a pivotal moment. The Director of Audience will own top-of-funnel growth, experiment with new ways to connect with the community across platforms, and help define how our journalism shows up in people’s daily lives — with an emphasis on building direct relationships with a growing, diverse audience.
Location: Nashville, TN (Remote within the Nashville area)
Reports to: President & Editor
Salary: $75,000-$85,000
Benefits: Medical, dental and vision insurance; unlimited paid time off; paid holidays; remote work flexibility; supportive, collaborative team culture with room for growth
About the role
The Director of Audience is responsible for building and executing a comprehensive audience growth strategy for the Nashville Banner. This includes expanding our reach to new readers, growing and refining our newsletter portfolio, increasing engagement and loyalty, and using data to inform content and distribution decisions.
You will lead audience development efforts across channels — including newsletters, search, social and emerging platforms — while partnering closely with editors, reporters and development. This role blends strategic vision, data fluency and hands-on leadership, and will play a central role in the Banner’s long-term sustainability.
As the Banner grows, this leader will help establish systems, workflows and metrics that ensure audience-first thinking is embedded across the newsroom.
What you’ll do
Lead top-of-funnel growth efforts, including search, social, platform distribution and referral strategies that feed newsletters and other products
Own newsletter strategy, including growth, engagement, performance and experimentation across the Banner’s email products
Manage and set goals for social media strategy with a focus on brand discovery
Oversee audience engagement for podcasts, partnering with editorial teams on audience development, distribution and listener growth strategies
Identify and launch new audience products, from new newsletters to video content targeting younger audiences
Work with staff across departments to design and promote live and virtual events to help build trust and loyalty among readers
Partner with editors and reporters to inform content strategy, packaging and distribution based on audience needs and behaviors
Develop and oversee audience KPI’s, translating data into actionable insights for editorial and development teams
Lead and mentor audience-focused staff, fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration and experimentation
Stay ahead of industry trends in newsletters, podcasts and audience engagement to inform new initiatives
You’ll thrive in this role if you
Believe direct relationships with audience — especially through newsletters and podcasts — are essential to local journalism
Are energized by growing an audience from the ground up through experimentation and trial and error
Are comfortable using data to guide decisions without losing sight of editorial judgment and mission
Enjoy collaborating across teams and translating audience insights into action
Are ready to lead, coach and build systems in a fast-growing newsroom
Care deeply about strengthening local news and civic life in Middle Tennessee
Preferred qualifications
At least five years of experience in audience development, engagement, analytics or related roles
Demonstrated success growing and managing newsletters, podcasts, social media or other direct-to-audience products
Strong analytical skills and experience translating metrics into action
Excellent written, digital and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work across editorial, product and revenue teams
Enthusiasm for the Nashville Banner’s mission and a full grasp of our community-first approach
Compensation and benefits
Salary: $75,000-$85,000
Benefits: Medical, dental and vision insurance; unlimited paid time off; paid holidays; remote work flexibility
Professional growth: This senior role offers a significant opportunity to shape the Banner’s audience strategy and product evolution as the newsroom grows
To apply
Send your cover letter and resume to jobs@nashvillepublicmedia.com with “Director of Audience” in the subject line. The deadline to apply is March 4.
Inclusivity statement
The Nashville Banner is committed to building a newsroom that reflects the diversity of its community. The organization encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from historically underrepresented communities such as people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities.