YouTube Growth Lead

Location: Remote
Department: Digital / Podcast Network

Role Summary 

Salem Podcast Network, a division of Salem Media, offers an exceptional opportunity for a YouTube Growth Lead. 

We are building a high-output, video-first podcast network and are looking for a YouTube Growth Lead to own the strategy and performance of our channels. This role is responsible for turning long-form podcasts and video content into a scalable YouTube growth engine.  

You will oversee channel strategy, titles and thumbnails, clip distribution, and analytics to maximize views, subscribers, and revenue. The right candidate understands how the YouTube algorithm works in practice and can translate content into high-performing formats that reach millions of viewers. 

This is a hands-on role that blends creative instincts, analytics, and operational leadership.

What You’ll Own

YouTube Channel Growth

• Develop and execute the overall YouTube growth strategy for multiple shows and channels.
• Identify content formats and packaging that drive views, retention, and subscriber growth.
• Optimize channel structure, playlists, and publishing cadence.

Video Packaging

• Lead the strategy for titles, thumbnails, and metadata.
• Run A/B testing and iteration to improve click-through rates and watch time.
• Collaborate with designers to develop consistent thumbnail systems across shows.

Content Distribution

• Build and manage the pipeline for long-form videos, clips, and Shorts.
• Identify the most compelling moments from episodes and turn them into viral-ready clips.
• Ensure each episode generates multiple pieces of distributed content.

Analytics and Optimization

• Track and report on key metrics including CTR, retention, watch time, and subscriber conversion.
• Use YouTube analytics and third-party tools to identify growth opportunities.
• Continuously refine publishing strategy based on performance data.

Team Leadership

• Manage a small team of channel managers, editors, and thumbnail designers.
• Build repeatable workflows for publishing and clip production.
• Coordinate with production and editorial teams to ensure content is optimized for YouTube.

Experience

• 3–7+ years working in YouTube growth, digital media, or video publishing.
• Demonstrated success growing one or more YouTube channels to significant scale.
• Experience with long-form video, podcast clips, and YouTube Shorts.

Technical Knowledge

• Deep familiarity with YouTube Studio analytics.
• Understanding of YouTube’s recommendation system and growth mechanics.
• Experience with title optimization, thumbnail design strategy, and metadata.

Content Instincts

• Strong editorial judgment and ability to identify compelling video moments.
• Ability to translate conversations or interviews into high-performing clips.
• Understanding of audience behavior on YouTube.

Operational Skills

• Ability to manage multiple channels and publishing schedules simultaneously.
• Experience building and managing creative teams.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-output content environment.

Tools
Experience with many of the following:

• YouTube Studio and analytics tools
• Premiere Pro, Final Cut, or similar editing software
• Thumbnail design workflows (Photoshop or similar)
• Content management systems and publishing workflows

What Success Looks Like

Within the first year, the YouTube Growth Lead will help:

• Significantly increase monthly YouTube views across the network.
• Improve average click-through rate and watch time on long-form videos.
• Build a scalable system for producing and publishing clips and Shorts.
• Establish a repeatable growth playbook that can be applied across multiple shows.

Why This Role Matters

YouTube is the most important distribution platform for modern media. This role will directly shape how millions of viewers discover and engage with our content.

The YouTube Growth Lead will play a central role in building a network that reaches a national audience and becomes a major force in digital media.

Why Salem?

• Comprehensive multi-platform solutions portfolio
• Uncapped earning potential: competitive base + commission
• Research and pre-sales support team
• Career advancement opportunities
• Award-winning "Great Place to Work" culture
• Full benefits: health, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO

Come see how Salem is DIFFERENT and why we’ve been certified as a “Great Place to Work” and as a “Best and Brightest” equal opportunity employer.