Audience Development Partner Manager (Contract)

Using our expert knowledge of talk audio and video content, partnerships, marketing, data-driven insights, and digital culture, we steer Spotify in its journey to become the leading platform for spoken-word content. We directly impact the way the world experiences podcasts and video podcasts.
We are looking for a hardworking and skilled Audience Development and Partner Manager to join our Japan Podcast team. This person is an experienced curator and strategist, capable of leading Spotify’s efforts in localized podcast and video podcast programming while managing productive B2B partnerships. You will play a meaningful role in defining and implementing Spotify’s editorial and content promotion strategy in your local market, working closely with programming, product, marketing, and data teams.
Our collective mission is to drive growth and discovery for podcasts and video podcasts on and off platform, working hand in hand with creators and partners to expand audiences and increase engagement.
This is a contract position for parental coverage till April 2027.

What You'll Do

• Curate and program collections, playlists, and surfaces to improve the discovery of both audio and video podcasts, tailoring recommendations based on local market trends
• Analyze audience insights and platform data to identify trends, understand user behavior, and optimize content placement for maximum impact
• Develop and implement creative, data-driven programming campaigns that demonstrate both algorithmic and editorial strategies to increase listener/viewer retention
• Monitor, interpret, and report on key performance metrics, translating numbers into actionable programming strategies
• Identify and spotlight rising digital creators whose content aligns with audience interests on Spotify with a collaboration with Partner Managers
• Support the growth of video podcasts by working closely with creators, Partner Managers, and marketing teams to promote new video podcast/episode launches
• Advise local studio teams, creators and partners on content trends, gaps in the market, and audience preferences to inform content investment decisions
• Stay ahead of industry trends in podcasts, video, and digital media, identifying new opportunities to enhance Spotify’s content experience
• Collaborate cross-functionally with teams across multiple markets to align on growth strategies and best practices
• Act as the key liaison for all post-contractual, day-to-day communications with audio content partners (podcast networks, media networks, creators) by building strong relationships that help them achieve their goals on Spotify
• Oversee content ingestion & takedown, placement & promotion, data & insights and more
• Onboard partners with Spotify systems (i.e. contracts, payments etc.). You'll also handle ongoing admin around partnerships business details 

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent holder, with a minimum of 2+ years of experience in the related field
• Experience in programming and optimizing content for engagement on a digital platform, with a strong understanding of both audio and video consumption habits
• Understanding digital/pop culture is essential—you know how audiences find and interact with content on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, X, YouTube, and other popular platforms
• Analytically minded, with the ability to read, interpret, and work with data to inform programming decisions
• A passion for podcasts and video podcasts, with a clear understanding of what drives engagement in Japan
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple projects, collaborating with many team members across different functions
• Strong strategic and creative thinking skills, with experience in developing successful audience growth plans
• A deep understanding of audience segmentation and how to tailor content strategies for different listener and viewer demographics
• Experience working with publishing tools and CMS, preferably in a content-focused role.
• Strong editorial judgment, with a great eye for quality content and emerging talent in the podcast and video space
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling copy for multiple audiences
• Strong awareness of the digital media landscape/pop culture, with a curiosity about developments in online publishing, social media, and video platforms
• Proficient in Japanese and English
• You have knowledge of prospecting, negotiating, contracting, supporting content partners 

Where You'll Be

• This role will be based in Tokyo, Japan
• We offer you the flexibility to work where you work best! There will be some in person meetings, but still allows for flexibility to work from home.