Executive Director, Business Development – NYT Wirecutter
New York, NY
Mission : The New York Times mission is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. Independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company, with a world‑renowned newsroom that reports from nearly 160 countries. We focus deeply on how our readers experience journalism, from print and audio to a world‑class digital and app destination, and our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for.
About the Role
Wirecutter is a product review website owned by The New York Times Company that rigorously tests consumer products and recommends the best in a range of categories. It has built a tremendous business on an affiliate model, growing audience and revenue year over year.
We are looking for an Executive Director of Business Development to lead a high‑impact function that unlocks the next generation of deals, partnerships, and revenue streams for Wirecutter. This executive director is a builder and operator: you will define strategy, originate and close deals, and create structures that allow the team to consistently surface, evaluate, and execute net‑new opportunities across our revenue lines and new models within existing businesses.
You will report to the Vice President, Revenue, NYT Wirecutter and be a member of Wirecutter’s revenue leadership team, working with colleagues across the company.
This hybrid position is based in the New York office.
Responsibilities
- Set the business development vision and strategy; ensure accountability.
- Define the strategy, scope, and success measures for Wirecutter’s Business Development function across affiliate, advertising, licensing, ecommerce, and emerging businesses.
- Build a clear framework and opportunity pipeline that prioritizes opportunities by revenue impact, strategic value, audience impact, and operational complexity.
- Define, track, and communicate clear KPIs and performance metrics that quantify the impact of business development activities on revenue and strategic goals.
- Build and own senior‑level relationships that generate qualified leads and unlock net‑new, strategically important opportunities and deal flow for Wirecutter.
- Act as a visible commercial ambassador for Wirecutter, using external forums, partner meetings, and industry conversations to strengthen relationships, expand the network, and maintain an opportunity pipeline.
- Lead a diverse, high‑performing team directly accountable for ambitious revenue, profitability, and strategic impact goals across Wirecutter’s business.
- Foster an inclusive, mission‑driven culture where people are supported and challenged to do the best work of their careers, with clear feedback, development, and recognition practices.
- Oversee the full deal lifecycle, from sourcing, negotiation, contracting, and hand‑off to operating teams.
- Maintain a high‑quality pipeline of partners.
- Collaborate with product, design, engineering, legal, finance and analytics to unlock new commercial models; advocate for business development priorities with internal groups.
- Partner with broader NYT teams on integrated enterprise partnerships where Wirecutter is a key driver.
- Protect editorial independence and reader trust while shaping compelling business opportunities.
Basic Qualifications
- 12+ years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, corporate development, or related fields, with significant experience in digital media, commerce, platforms, or technology‑driven businesses.
- Deep existing industry relationships and the ability to build and manage external relationships that unlock new opportunities.
- 5+ years leading and developing high‑performing BD or partnerships teams, managing people, including managers and senior individual contributors, ideally in matrixed or multi‑business environments.
- Demonstrated track record of sourcing, structuring, and closing complex, multi‑party deals that drive meaningful revenue and strategic value — including hybrid or multi‑line partnerships (e.g., combinations of affiliate, advertising, licensing, and/or ecommerce).
- Experience launching new revenue streams or business lines from concept through pilot to scale, ideally in environments where business models are evolving or diversifying.
- Strong fluency in deal economics and financial modeling (e.g., P&L impact, scenario analysis, unit economics, risk/return considerations), and comfort partnering with Finance on multi‑year business cases.
- Comfort operating in ambiguity and building structure where none exists; able to balance long‑term vision with near‑term execution and revenue delivery.
- Exceptional relationship builder and communicator, with experience earning trust and influencing at the C‑suite level, both internally and externally.
- You care deeply about protecting Wirecutter’s editorial independence and reader trust while unlocking ambitious, mutually beneficial commercial opportunities.
Preferred Qualifications
- A creative visionary who can identify and ideate opportunities that will create shared value for Wirecutter, our partners and our readers alike.
- A strategic thinker who can see the full Wirecutter and NYT portfolio, identify leverage points across affiliate, advertising, licensing, and ecommerce, and design partnerships that unlock value at their intersections.
- Strong cross‑functional collaborator who has successfully partnered with editorial/content, product, engineering, marketing, analytics, and finance teams in mission‑driven organizations.
- Deep curiosity about the evolving commerce, media, and content landscape, and a track record of staying ahead of market shifts and emerging models (e.g., retail media, creator and platform ecosystems, AI‑driven discovery and shopping).
- Commitment to building an inclusive team culture where diverse perspectives are sought out and can meaningfully influence strategy and execution.
Compensation and Benefits
The annual base pay range for this role is between $180,000 - $220,000 USD . For roles in the U.S., you may be eligible for variable pay, such as an annual bonus and restricted stock. Benefits may include medical, dental and vision benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s), a company‑matching 401(k) plan, paid vacation, paid sick days, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement and professional development programs.
Equal Opportunity Employer
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