Substack is building a new economic engine for culture, giving the brightest, most interesting, and most creative people on the internet the power of their own publishing platform. Substack empowers independent writers, artists, videographers, podcasters, and creators of all types to create, share, and make a living off their work through subscriptions, while offering them creative freedom, ownership, and a direct connection to their audiences.
We're looking for a Senior Communications Manager, Sponsorships to lead B2B communications and storytelling around Substack's sponsorships program. Serving as a dedicated communications partner to the Sponsorships team, this individual will develop and execute communications strategies that support business priorities and marketing initiatives, build relationships with industry media, and elevate Substack's presence in the advertising industry.
The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer and creative thinker with deep knowledge of the advertising industry, established relationships across the ecosystem, and strong media relations experience. They understand Substack's subscription-first model and are excited to tell the story of sponsorships as an optional, additional revenue opportunity for creators. They know how to turn business developments, product launches, industry trends, and creator success stories into compelling press and speaking opportunities, and are just as comfortable developing a strategy as they are executing it.
This position will sit on the Brand & Communications team and will report directly to the Communications Lead.
Core responsibilities
Own sponsorships communications. Develop and execute an ongoing B2B communications strategy that builds Substack's visibility and reputation in the advertising industry through earned media, editorial storytelling, executive visibility, industry speaking opportunities, and other communications channels, reaching brands, agencies, advertisers, and creators.
Drive sponsorships product and creator storytelling. Partner with product and sponsorships teams to develop compelling narratives around sponsorships-related features, product launches, and successful brand-creator partnerships, translating them into press announcements, media pitches, and interviews.
Build industry visibility through media relations. Leverage existing relationships with advertising and marketing trade press to proactively pitch compelling stories, secure coverage, and establish Substack's voice in the advertising industry. Own reporter outreach, briefings, interview preparation, and press engagement.
Lead executive visibility and thought leadership. Identify and secure opportunities for Substack's sponsorship leaders to participate in industry conversations, including podcasts, interviews, panels, and speaking engagements. Develop executive messaging, talking points, and briefing materials, and help leaders communicate Substack's perspective on the evolving advertising and creator economy.
Identify industry opportunities. Stay close to the advertising landscape, including competitor platforms, emerging trends, and industry conversations, to proactively identify opportunities for Substack and bring insights back to the sponsorships and product teams.
Amplify our presence at industry events. Partner closely with the Sponsorships Marketing Lead on communications for major industry gatherings, including Cannes Lions, Advertising Week, CES, and Davos. Own the communications strategy and execution surrounding these moments, including earned speaking opportunities, media outreach, reporter attendance, executive preparation, and relevant announcements.
Travel as needed. Attend key industry gatherings and oversee on-site communications execution when needed.
About You
8+ years of communications experience. Experience leading B2B communications strategies, particularly in advertising, technology, media, or the creator economy, with a strong track record in media relations and executive communications.
Exceptional writer and editor. Sharp editorial judgment and the ability to identify compelling stories, develop strong angles, and write clear, engaging content for different audiences. Comfortable drafting press materials, including media pitches, executive talking points, and briefing materials.
Advertising industry expertise. Deep understanding of the advertising ecosystem, including brands, agencies, publishers, and major industry gatherings.
Strong media and industry relationships. An established network across the advertising and marketing industries, including journalists and editors at relevant trade publications, brands, agencies, and industry leaders.
Strategic and hands-on. Able to independently develop a communications plan, identify priorities, manage multiple workstreams, and execute the details, from pitching reporters to preparing executives for interviews. You know when to seek input and when to move work forward independently.
Substack fluency. Familiar with the platform and excited about helping creators build sustainable businesses through subscriptions and optional sponsorships.
Engage with all voices. Willing to collaborate with any writer or creator on the platform regardless of their views.
Location. Based in New York City (preferred) or San Francisco.
Substack offers a competitive compensation package that includes salary, equity, and exceptional benefits. The salary range for this role is $150,000 -$180,000 with final offers based on experience and expertise.
Substack is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or transgender status), age, national origin, veteran or disability status. We’re seeking people passionate about enabling independent expression and building a better business model for creators. If you want to see what media, communities, and content can become when unmoored from advertising models, and you have the skills and experience to contribute, we’d love to meet you.
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Skills Required
- 8+ years of communications experience
- Experience leading B2B communications strategies
- Experience in advertising, technology, media, or the creator economy
- Strong media relations and executive communications experience
- Exceptional writing and editing skills
- Deep understanding of the advertising ecosystem, including brands, agencies, publishers, and industry gatherings
- Established relationships with advertising and marketing journalists, editors, brands, agencies, and industry leaders
- Ability to independently develop communications plans, prioritize work, manage multiple workstreams, and execute communications initiatives
- Familiarity with the Substack platform and its subscription and sponsorship models
- Willingness to collaborate with writers and creators regardless of their views
- Based in New York City or San Francisco
What We Do
Substack lets writers connect with their audience on their own terms and earn money doing it. We make it simple for writers to publish to an email list that they own, get discovered on the web, and charge for subscriptions. More than 500,000 people pay to subscribe to writers across the Substack network, and the top writers make millions of dollars a year. Substack’s model depends on the success of writers using Substack – we only make money when they do. “Substack makes it dead simple to start a newsletter and get paid for it.” – Judd Legum, author of Popular Information "Substack gives me a way to connect with my audience on my own terms.” – Lyz Lenz, author of God Land and Men Yell At Me Make something that matters Great writing is valuable. It respects readers' time, their intelligence, and their trust. It helps us make sense of and change the culture we live in. At Substack, we're building a business model that enables great writing to thrive. Learn more about our opportunity and mission. We are a small but growing team, and there is more to build than we could ever imagine. That’s why we need you. We aim to take pragmatic approaches to problem solving while shipping high-quality products that allow the writing on Substack to take the spotlight. Every person at the company participates in customer support. We do this to build empathy with our users and enable us to build better products. We believe that a diverse team will help us build a product that best serves the needs of a wildly diverse ecosystem of writers. So whatever your background or perspective, we’d welcome your input to help build the best possible version of Substack.
