Summary of the Audience Development Specialist - Mirror (Maternity Cover) job at Reach plc

Company Description

Do you know what makes readers click, scroll, and stay? Can you turn complex newsroom data into quick, sharp editorial wins? We are looking for an Audience Development Specialist to join us at The Mirror.  

You will analyse audience behaviour across the Mirror’s website, newsletters, social and apps, turning data into daily, weekly and long‑term insights that guide editors on story selection, timing and distribution. You’ll lead newsroom audience engagement and digital growth; spot trends and emerging topics early; advising on formats and channels to maximise reach. 

This is a maternity cover role, initially for 10 months, starting ASAP.

This is a hybrid role, linked to our Canary Wharf offices, we are therefore looking for candidates based in or around London. 

About us

Hello, we’re Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live - whether that’s on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.

We're home to more than 120 trusted brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like MyLondon, BelfastLive, and the Manchester Evening News, and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star.

It's our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us the UK and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We reach 70% of the UK's online population and speak to over 100 million social followers around the world. And we’re just getting started…

Your story, with Reach

As a modern media organisation, we're much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do.

We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore.

We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow.

Job Description

What will the role involve?

You will bridge the gap between data and the newsroom, driving audience acquisition and retention by optimising content alongside editors. As the central expert on audience dynamics, you will translate complex analytics into clear, actionable advice, set and track KPIs, and commission dashboards with Content Insights to ensure performance reporting directly fuels growth.

Collaborating directly with editorial teams, Audience Editors, and Engagement Producers, you will refine headlines, visuals, and publishing strategies. Additionally, you will build and regularly report tailored brand strategies to Audience leaders, providing ongoing guidance to ensure data-driven success across the newsroom. This role involves working shifts on a rota basis, including some evenings and weekends, so a flexible approach is required.

Qualifications

Who are we looking for?

You are a proven audience development expert and qualified journalist, adept at translating complex data sets and analytics. You have experience using tools like Chartbeat and Google Analytics, to create clear and compelling narratives for editorial teams. By staying ahead of digital publishing trends, SEO, newsletter best practices, and evolving social media algorithms, you can build strategic initiatives that effectively expand, engage, and retain audiences across multiple platforms.

An exceptional communicator and persuasive influencer, you can support and guide newsrooms in existing and emerging audience engagement tactics. You have strong organisational and time management skills, handling competing priorities and multiple stakeholders with ease. You can pivot swiftly with shifting digital trends, audience demands, and core business priorities.

Additional Information

How we'll look after you

We take good care of our people - and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you'll get a range of benefits, including:

• 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years. We also have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.

• An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.

• Big moment day - an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you - like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!)

• Help saving for your retirement - we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.

• Supportive and progressive people policies - we’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion and progression. We believe you shouldn’t have to wait to join us to know what to expect from us, which is why we share this overview of the policies we have in place to support families and carers. If there's something you want to understand more about, just ask - it won’t make a difference to your application.

• A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor's appointments.

• Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.

• Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.

• Financial Wellbeing – Access Stream, our app for managing your finances, pay, rewards and benefits all in one place

• Access to lots of discounts - including 15% off with Reach's very own online marketplace, Yimbly, where you can buy everything from homewares to beauty products.

• Interest-free loans - including for season tickets and technology.

If you’re excited about this role but don’t tick every single box, please don’t let that stop you from applying.

We know that everyone has their own story to tell, and we value potential, passion and the perspectives that different backgrounds bring to our work.

Diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us better serve our audiences, which is why we’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported. As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

We are committed to a recruitment process that is fair and welcoming to all, without discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.