layiq

/la·yiq/adjective

worthy; deserving; fitting; suitable.

A role, opportunity, or path that merits attention, time, and pursuit.

Director of Vertical Strategy at Yahoo | LAYIQ

Strategic Leadership & Team Development
Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing team of Vertical Strategists, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and strategic excellence.
Set and execute the vertical strategy roadmap, aligning category-specific sales solutions with overall revenue targets and broader corporate goals.
Serve as a senior category advisor to internal sales leadership and key client decision-makers, providing deep expertise on market dynamics and brand opportunities within key industry verticals.
Vertical Product & GTM Strategy
Develop vertical-specific GTM packages, category playbooks, and tentpole sponsorship offerings that address the unique marketing challenges of key industries.
Identify category growth opportunities and whitespace, translating market trends into scalable revenue-generating ad products and content solutions.
Partner with Sales leadership to build proactive category narratives, top-tier account strategies, and multi-market revenue acceleration plans.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Cultivate strong partnerships with key internal stakeholders, including Vertical Sales Leaders, Account Management, Ad Operations, Editorial, and Product/Tech teams.
Act as the primary liaison between Publishers and Sales for vertical-specific content series, custom sponsorships, and editorial integrations.
Collaborate with Product and Yield teams to refine category ad formats, pricing structures, and inventory packaging for optimal monetization.
Support the Agency Sales Team in upfront sales efforts by providing category-specific expertise and strategic partnership.
Brand Storytelling & Insights
Oversee the creation of high-impact pitch narratives, category positioning decks, and bespoke client responses to RFPs.
Leverage first-party data and market intelligence to uncover deep consumer insights and demonstrate ROI for category advertisers.
Drive client discovery workshops and strategy sessions, building trust and credibility with C-level client and agency leaders.

Experience & Expertise: 10+ years of experience in sales strategy, brand strategy, media planning, or category strategy within a digital media, publisher, or agency environment.
6+ years of experience leading and managing teams, with a proven track record of developing talent and driving team performance.
Deep vertical knowledge across core advertising sectors (e.g., Tech, Finance, Retail, Automotive, CPG, Entertainment, or Travel).
Proven track record of partnering with enterprise ad sales teams to achieve ambitious revenue targets through creative brand solutions and GTM playbooks.
Skills & Competencies: Ability to analyze market trends, synthesize complex audience data, and translate industry insights into actionable GTM strategies.
Exceptional presentation, narrative, and relationship-building skills with internal executive leaders and C-suite client prospects.
Proficiency in utilizing first-party data platforms, syndicated research, and performance analytics to validate strategic recommendations.
Strong passion for pushing beyond standard display/video offerings to build immersive, integrated ad experiences.
Demonstrated ability to lead through influence and drive alignment across matrixed organizations.
The material job duties and responsibilities of this role include those listed above as well as adhering to Yahoo policies ; exercising sound judgment ; working effectively, safely and inclusively with others ; exhibiting trustworthiness and meeting expectations ; and safeguarding business operations and brand integrity.
At Yahoo, we offer flexible hybrid work options that our employees love! While most roles don’t require regular office attendance, you may occasionally be asked to attend in-person events or team sessions. You’ll always get notice to make arrangements. Your recruiter will let you know if a specific job requires regular attendance at a Yahoo office or facility. If you have any questions about how this applies to the role, just ask the recruiter!
Yahoo is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against based on age, race, gender, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other protected category. Yahoo will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable law. Yahoo is dedicated to providing an accessible environment for all candidates during the application process and for employees during their employment. If you need accessibility assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, please submit a request via the Accommodation Request Form ( www.yahooinc.com/careers/contact-us.html ) or call +1.866.772.3182 . Requests and calls received for non-disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.
We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace strengthens Yahoo and deepens our relationships. When you support everyone to be their best selves, they spark discovery, innovation and creativity. Among other efforts, our 11 employee resource groups (ERGs) enhance a culture of belonging with programs, events and fellowship that help educate, support and create a workplace where all feel welcome.
The compensation for this position ranges from $163,155.00 - $354,965.00/yr and will vary depending on factors such as your location, skills and experience.The compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of discretionary annual bonus or commissions. Our comprehensive benefits include healthcare, a great 401k, backup childcare, education stipends and much (much) more.
Currently work for Yahoo? Please apply on our internal career site.

Director of Vertical Strategy

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