University of Colorado | Denver
Official Title: Executive Director
Working Title: Executive Director of Creative Strategy and Content
FTE: Full-time
Salary Range: $135,000-$150,000
Position #00783801 – Requisition #40228
About the University of Colorado - Denver
The University of Colorado Denver is the state’s premier public urban research university and equity-serving institution. Globally connected and locally invested, CU Denver partners with future-focused learners and communities to design accessible, relevant, transformative educational experiences for every stage of life and career. Across seven schools and colleges in the heart of downtown Denver, our leading faculty inspires and works alongside students to solve complex challenges through break through innovations and impactful research, and creative work. As part of the state’s largest university system, CU Denver is a major contributor to the Colorado economy, with 2,000 employees and an annual economic impact of $665 million. For more information, visit ucdenver.edu
* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *
University Communications advances the mission of the university and strengthens its reputation and identity,as a leading academic and research institution. We are seeking an experienced, strategic, visionary, and collaborative creative leader to serve as Executive Director of Creative Strategy and Content. This role will lead the university’s integrated creative function across brand strategy, visual storytelling, content development, design, photography, videography, multimedia production, and campaign creative direction. The ideal candidate brings experience leading multidisciplinary creative teams and developing compelling, audience-centered campaign creative and storytelling across digital, print, video, social, web, and experiential platforms.
The successful candidate is equal parts creative strategist, brand steward, collaborator, and people leader capable of guiding creative vision while fostering innovation, consistency, and excellence across all university communications and marketing efforts.
In this role, you willoversee the in-house content and creative team to help develop integrated content,creative campaigns, and assets designed to enhance the University of Colorado Denver’s brand awareness and favorability among target audiences in support of increasing enrollment and other revenue-generating efforts. The candidate will demonstrate a commitment to equity and consistently uphold university values while ensuring that creative content and storytelling efforts reflect and support the university's mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
Creative Leadership and Team Management
Brand Strategy, Brand Management, and Institutional Identity
Content Strategy and Storytelling
Creative Production and Campaign Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Excellent critical thinking and time management skills.
Understanding of integrated creative development processes, from strategic concepting through production, execution, distribution, and performance analysis.
Keen understanding of market research and audience insights to inform creative direction and execution. Ability to write and produce content for various styles, audiences, and mediums, including feature-length stories, profile pieces, and Q&As, news briefs, marketing copy, social media copy, and multimedia assets.
Demonstrated ability to guide compelling storytelling and creative execution across multiple channels and audiences.
Demonstrated understanding of and capacity for multimedia brand storytelling, including digital and social media.
Proven knowledge of audience metrics and analytics to improve content outcomes.
Proficiency in leading teams to define project strategy, establish storytelling approach, develop creative assets, and measure impact to foster success.
Solid understanding of brand voice, storytelling frameworks, visual communication principles, and content standards.
Proficiency in AP style, adoption and use of brand style, and best-in-class proofreading techniques.
Must be an excellent writer and editor with strong storytelling instincts and the ability to guide high-quality creative and content development across mediums.
Must be a blue-sky thinker and a hands-on producer.
Must be a team player with excellent collaborative skills.
Elevated soft skills that inspire creativity and ability to work well with different personality types.
Excellent presenter of ideas, concepts, and proposed creative directions.
Experience in Adobe Creative suite, PowerPoint, and other design and creative programs.
·This position will be required to serve on the emergency communications rotation schedule, which may require some evening and weekend work as needed.
·This position requires an onsite presence on campus 3 days a week.
·This position will be performed on site, and will require the ability to sit for extended periods, stand and walk occasionally, reach with hands and arms, use hands to manipulate a keyboard and mouse, and have good near vision for computer work; often requiring minimal lifting, but may involve bending or reaching to retrieve items from shelves or drawers.
This position may be performed in a hybrid environment, requiring the ability to work effectively in a remote setting. This includes maintaining a dedicated workspace free of excessive noise or distractions, reliable internet connectivity, and the ability to participate in virtual meetings for extended periods. Employees must be able to independently manage time, remain stationary for prolonged computer-based work, and transport necessary equipment (such as a laptop and peripherals) between their remote work location and the office as needed.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu .
The salary range ( or hiring range) for this position has been established at $135,000-$150,000.
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
The above salary range ( or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
This position is/is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Benefits: https://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits
Total Compensation Calculator: http://www.cu.edu/node/153125
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by June 29, 2026. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.
To apply, please visit: http://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:
·A cover letter which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications
·A current CV/resume
·List of three references (we will notify you prior to contacting both on and off-list references)
Questions should be directed to Emilia Covault, emilia.covault@ucdenver.edu
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.
