Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer

About Atlas Obscura

Atlas Obscura is a community platform for travelers looking to explore the world’s hidden wonders. Through our website, mobile app, books, podcasts and other channels, we celebrate the world's most curious places, extraordinary experiences, and passionate communities. We blend high-quality editorial content with public submissions to create a unique platform that we are building out to feature more planning, memory sharing, and real-time travel tools.

Position Overview

Atlas Obscura is seeking a visionary Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer to lead our marketing functions while serving as a key strategic advisor to the CEO and leadership team. This dual-role position combines hands-on marketing leadership with high-level strategic planning to drive growth, optimize revenue streams, and position Atlas Obscura for continued expansion in the travel community space.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing Leadership

• Develop and execute comprehensive go-to-market strategies across all Atlas Obscura offerings
• As Atlas Obscura grows, be prepared to step into broader performance marketing leadership
• Lead brand positioning and messaging strategy for advertising campaigns and overall brand identity
• Orchestrate the intersection of product marketing, ad sales marketing, and brand marketing to eliminate redundancies and maximize impact
• Optimize marketing function performance through strategic resource allocation and process improvement
• Drive consumer revenue growth through subscription program design and evaluation, subscription optimization, membership community development, and partnership with the chief product and technology officer on product feature unlock evaluations
• Build and scale membership-based community initiatives that enhance user engagement and retention in partnership with the chief community officer

Strategic Planning & Business Development

• Partner directly with the CEO on company-wide strategic initiatives and long-term planning
• Collaborate with the full leadership team to identify and evaluate new market opportunities, including international partnerships, and assist the CEO in setting up partnerships in consistent ways across the business.
• Assist the CEO in business positioning with investors and corporate trajectory planning
• Lead strategic assessment of potential partnerships within the travel ecosystem and create framework for partnerships more broadly with the CEO and leadership team. 
• Assess partnership opportunities for strategic fit, revenue potential, and brand alignment
• Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure successful partnership integration and execution
• Conduct thorough analysis of effort-to-revenue ratios, guiding decisions between low-lift/high-lift initiatives
• Evaluate and guide blended business development and advertising opportunities
• Spearhead direct outreach efforts and partner collaboration initiatives alongside company leaders

• Lead business model development of new creator initiatives in partnership with the CEO and other members of senior leadership team

Required Qualifications

Marketing Expertise

• 10+ years of progressive marketing leadership experience, preferably in consumer-facing companies
• Proven track record in developing successful go-to-market strategies, brand positioning, and performance marketing
• Demonstrated experience managing complex marketing functions with multiple touchpoints (product marketing, ad sales, brand marketing)
• Strong background in consumer revenue optimization, particularly subscription models
• Experience building and scaling membership-based communities or loyalty programs

Strategic Leadership

• Significant experience in strategic planning and business development roles
• Track record of working directly with C-suite executives on company strategy
• Experience in joint ventures and in brand positioning with investors.
• Proven ability to evaluate and prioritize opportunities based on resource requirements and revenue potential
• Experience in partnership development and evaluation, preferably in travel or related industries
• Strong analytical skills with ability to assess trade-offs and make data-driven decisions

Leadership & Collaboration

• Exceptional leadership and team management capabilities
• Proven ability to work collaboratively across functions and influence without direct authority
• Strong communication and presentation skills for both internal strategy sessions and external partnership discussions
• Experience managing and optimizing cross-functional initiatives

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or equivalent advanced degree
• Previous experience in travel, hospitality, media, or content industries
• Background in community building and engagement strategies
• Experience with both B2C and B2B revenue models
• Track record of successful strategic partnerships and business development deals
• Familiarity with digital marketing channels and emerging marketing technologies
• Strong comfort with data and financial analysis

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape strategy at a unique and beloved brand
• Direct collaboration with CEO and leadership team on high-impact decisions
• Role in building the future of travel discovery and community engagement
• Competitive compensation package including equity participation
• Comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities
• Salary: $185,000 with significant part of compensation in performance-based cash bonus, and equity options available.

Atlas Obscura is committed to building a diverse team that reflects the community we serve. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Location

This role is based in our NY headquarters with hybrid work. Occasional travel may be required for company or client meetings.