Operations & Productivity Specialist

Be Part of What's NextHelp shape how Hearst Consumer teams work, collaborate, and deliver. As an Operations & Productivity Specialist, you'll build practical systems, tools, and workflows that simplify execution, improve visibility, and empower teams to focus on their highest-impact work.About Hearst Magazines (Why Us?)Hearst Magazines is home to 30 brands that inspire, inform, and entertain audiences across print, digital, social, video, events, and emerging platforms. Our portfolio includes some of the world's most recognized media brands, powered by award-winning content, innovative storytelling, and data-driven marketing solutions. We collaborate across editorial, sales, creative, and technology teams to deliver meaningful experiences for consumers and impactful business outcomes for our advertising partners.Key Responsibilities (What You Are Doing) * Support the Consumer Initiative Framework from intake through completion by helping teams define outcomes, ownership, dependencies, decisions, and required workstreams. * Serve as the Consumer organization's Asana expert, maintaining Asana as the system of record for initiatives, priorities, ownership, dependencies, and progress. * Build and maintain practical templates, automations, dashboards, and reporting that simplify planning, execution, and visibility across teams. * Improve Creative Operations by optimizing intake, prioritization, capacity planning, workflow visibility, and collaboration across Creative and partner teams. * Support initiative planning and execution by tracking priorities, risks, dependencies, resource needs, and key decisions while helping teams resolve blockers. * Establish lightweight operating standards across initiatives, business-as-usual work, lifecycle programs, and recurring workflows without creating unnecessary process. * Partner with Marketing, Creative, and other shared capabilities to align priorities, clarify ownership, and improve cross-functional coordination. * Identify and implement AI, automation, and no-code solutions that reduce manual work, streamline workflows, and improve operational efficiency.Qualifications (What We're Looking For) * 3+ years of experience in operations, program management, project management, creative operations, or a related field within a media company, agency, or in-house organization. * Advanced experience using Asana, including building workflows, automations, dashboards, reporting, and scalable operating systems. * Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to simplify complex processes and create practical solutions. * Demonstrated ability to improve cross-functional workflows while balancing consistency with flexibility. * Experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive alignment. * Curiosity and enthusiasm for AI, automation, and emerging technologies that improve operational effectiveness. * A proactive, ownership-oriented mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and delivering measurable impact. * Ability to work in our New York City office four days per week as part of our hybrid work model.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 be