Head of Talent

Overview (Why This Role?)
Are you a connector, tastemaker, and team leader all in one? As the Head of Talent, Casting, and Influencer Partnerships at HearstMade—Hearst Magazines’ award-winning branded content studio—you’ll lead the charge in identifying and securing the right talent to power our storytelling. From celebrities and influencers to real people and models, your ability to align talent with brand goals will directly shape the success of high-impact content across platforms.

About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)
Hearst Magazines’ portfolio of more than 30 iconic brands in the U.S.—including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Harper’s BAZAAR, and Popular Mechanics — inspires, entertains, and builds new and bold experiences for an engaged and growing audience across digital, video, social and print, reaching nearly 130 million readers and site visitors each month. With sophisticated content creation, cutting-edge technology, and industry-leading data capabilities, we make media and products that move people across all platforms. We are a global media company that publishes nearly 200 magazine editions and 175 websites around the world—and together, we are shaping what’s next.

Key Responsibilities (What You’re Doing)

• Lead the HearstMade talent casting team, owning end-to-end strategy, operations, and execution.
• Source, book, and manage talent—including influencers, editors, models, celebrities, and real people—for branded and editorial campaigns.
• Develop strategic partnerships with talent agencies and reps to ensure a robust pipeline of diverse, relevant talent.
• Partner with sales, marketing, and content teams to contribute talent strategy and creative solutions to RFPs and campaign pitches.
• Negotiate talent contracts, manage deliverables, and ensure compliance with legal and brand requirements.
• Conduct in-person and virtual casting sessions as needed.
• Oversee production-related talent logistics, including onsite coordination and social content execution.
• Collaborate with finance and pricing teams to forecast, track, and manage talent budgets.
• Monitor entertainment and digital media trends to inform casting decisions and campaign strategy.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team, refining workflows and ensuring operational excellence.

Qualifications (What We’re Looking For)

• Minimum 10+ years of professional experience in talent booking, casting, influencer partnerships, or a related field.
• At least 3+ years in a leadership or director-level role, managing teams and driving strategic decision-making.
• Extensive relationships across celebrity, influencer, talent management, and modeling networks.
• Proven ability to match the right talent to the right brand or story, with strong cultural awareness.
• Deep expertise in managing celebrity and influencer programs across platforms and formats.
• Strong knowledge of media, entertainment, social platforms, and branded content ecosystems.
• Confident negotiator with a deep understanding of usage rights, contracts, and deliverables.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects with shifting priorities.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills.
• Hybrid schedule based in New York City (3 days/week in-office).

Benefits (What We Offer)

• Work with the Best: Collaborate with top-tier professionals across media, advertising, tech, fashion, lifestyle, and publishing, shaping the future of these dynamic industries.
• Grow Your Skills: Unlock your potential with access to innovative training programs, immersive workshops, and exclusive industry events.
• Work-Life Harmony: Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid work, empowering you to balance professional success with personal priorities.
• Foster Connection & Belonging: Join our Employee Resource Groups and help create a welcoming workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered.
• Wellness First: Prioritize your well-being with a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance from Day 1.
• Plan for Your Financial Future: Enjoy competitive financial perks, including a 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

The base salary for this role is between $190,000 - $230,000. The actual base pay offered is dependent upon many factors, such as: transferable skills, work experience, business needs and market demands. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.

Hearst is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.