Director, Content & Creative Strategy

DePaul University•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Director, Content & Creative Strategy is a leadership role responsible for providing visionary leadership, strategic direction and tactical execution for the creation and launch of high-impact content and creative initiatives in Enrollment Management. This individual will lead a dynamic team of content creators, ensuring the delivery of innovative admissions narratives that align with organizational goals and engage key audiences. The position demands a proven ability to connect strategy with execution, balancing creative innovation with leadership capabilities to drive results. It will involve collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders, setting content strategy that supports the institutions Master Brand, and mentoring team members to execute at the highest level.

Requirements

Manage full-time staff responsible for recruitment marketing and communications.
Manage budget of approximately $1 Million.
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field; advanced degree, preferred.
5+ years of experience in content strategy, creative leadership, or a similar field, with at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity of full-time staff.
Proven expertise in developing and executing data-driven content strategies tied to business objectives.
Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide diverse teams.
Advanced understanding of sub-brand development and storytelling principles.
Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and adapt to shifting priorities.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Experience managing large-scale content and creative projects, particularly within complex organizational structures.
Knowledge of emerging content platforms, audience engagement strategies, and evolving marketing trends.
Ability to work collaboratively with senior stakeholders to align creative initiatives with overall business strategies.
Occasionally travel domestically for admissions/marketing events.
Travel regularly between DePaul's campuses as needed.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management - Demonstrate strong writing and editing skills by periodically assisting with copy creation for email, web, ads, print materials, and other formats. Oversee and mentor a team of content creator and writers, fostering a culture of creativity and accountability. Provide guidance, feedback, and training to team members to ensure skill enhancement and professional growth. Allocate resources strategically to prioritize key projects while balancing workload across team members to meet critical deadlines. Act as a role model and advocate, promoting collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation within the team and beyond.
Decision-Making and Collaboration - Lead decision-making processes around creative direction, content priorities, and messaging frameworks for campaigns and projects. Serve as a key liaison with University Branding and other college partners among marketing, communication, and creative teams to ensure all initiatives align with organizational branding and messaging guidelines to support new student enrollment and revenue. Manage and resolve challenges related to project scope, timelines, and stakeholder expectations while optimizing workflows.
Conceptualization and Execution - Develop bold, authentic sub-brand narratives that distinguish the organization in a competitive marketplace while ensuring consistency with the overarching brand. Demonstrate strong writing and editing skills by periodically assisting with copy creation for email, web, ads, print materials, and other formats. Creative teams to produce compelling content across multiple formats, including digital, print, social media, and more. Stay at the forefront of industry trends, utilizing innovative storytelling techniques and platforms to amplify content impact.
Strategic Oversight - Develop and implement a forward-thinking content and creative strategy that supports admissions objectives and enhances audience engagement. Lead the conceptualization and articulation of compelling sub-brand narratives that resonate with undergraduate and graduate audiences and reflect the organization’s voice and vision. Establish key performance metrics for content initiatives and ensure consistent alignment with strategic priorities. Partner with senior leadership to translate business goals into actionable, creative content strategies. Leverage modern technology to enhance creativity and support the team's growth.