University of Colorado

The Assistant Director of Executive Social Media & Communications (assistant director) supports the communications efforts and strategy of CU Denver’s executive team, with a specific emphasis on managing the Chancellor’s presence on social media channels.

In this role, the assistant director supports the director of executive communications in developing and delivering content that aligns with the university’s brand, the Chancellor’s executive communications platforms, and the communication needs of the broader executive team. 

What You Will Do

Social Media

• Support the director of executive communications and the executive director of integrated marketing and communications in setting the strategy for the Chancellor’s social media presence.
• In partnership with the director of executive communications, develop and implement social media strategies, campaigns, and content calendars that build engagement and support reputational objectives relating to the Chancellor’s communications goals.
• With the oversight of the director of executive communications, develop and implement a dynamic content calendar that aligns with the Chancellor’s platform, broader communications strategies, and overarching goals.
• Ideate, write, and post all executive social media content, including channel-specific post content, multimedia content (videos/photos) and channel-appropriate longform thought leadership pieces.
• Serve as the day-to-day community manager on all Chancellor social media accounts.
• Monitor and report-out on executive social media progress using industry-standard analytic tools.
• Incorporate optimization strategies, analyze data, identify trends, and adhere to best practices for executive social media accounts.
• Identify and build relationships with appropriate community and industry thought leaders to build visibility, followers, and engagement.
• Under the direction of the director of the executive communications, research and analyze new media platforms, trends, and industry opportunities, as well as changes in platform management/algorithms. Write briefs/POVs on recommendations and/or impact of opportunities and changes.

Executive Communications

• Under the supervision of the director of executive communications, develop executive briefings, conduct background research, and develop initial draft and talking points for Chancellor speeches and appearances.
• Under the supervision of the director of executive communications, support the implementation of the Chancellor’s annual communications strategy in alignment with the Chancellor’s broader thought leadership platform.
• Proactively identify opportunities for Chancellor thought leadership based on broader industry trends, Chancellor goals, and university priorities.
• Support the development and production of photo/video assets to be leveraged by the Chancellor. Examples include Chats with the Chancellor video series, student-facing videos, Chancellor photoshoots, etc.

Executive Engagement

• Support the senior director of events in developing Chancellor event briefing packets, Chancellor event-related invitations, event staffing and associated communications support, as needed.
• Support the University Events team as communications partner for internal events associated with the executive team, such as Chancellor’s Distinguished Lecture, Staff Years of Service Luncheon, etc.
• Coordinate with external partners on Chancellor speaking engagement logistics.
• Support the implementation and execution of the Chancellor’s holistic engagement strategy, both internally and externally.

Integrated Marketing & Communications

• Support the development of communications plans, email communications, and general communications support.
• Act as a content producer within University Communications, supporting broader content development efforts from stories, testimonials, market research, and general brand marketing.
• Under the supervision of the executive director of integrated marketing and communications, support brand and enrollment marketing efforts on an as-needed basis.

Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in digital media, marketing, journalism, communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Five years of professional-level experience in social media, digital marketing, digital content, communications, journalism, or related field.
• Experience must include:
  • Three years of hands-on experience developing content for social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, among others, in a professional or business environment.
  • Two years of experience supporting event promotion and logistics or two years of executive or strategic communications experience.

Required: Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Conditions of Employment: This position will be required to report to campus a minimum of 4 days a week. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two years of hands-on experience developing executive social media content.
• Two years of hands-on experience in photography and videography storyboarding, scripting, and location scouting for content creation.
• Two years of experience supporting executives and their associated communications (speeches, talking point development, photography and videography).
• Two years of experience developing integrated marketing and communications campaigns.
• Two years of experience supporting event promotion and logistics.
• Three years of hands-on experience using social/digital media management tools, i.e., Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Brandwatch or related tools.
• Experience with content management systems, i.e., Sitefinity, Drupal, WordPress, Campus Bird, Brandfolder (or similar digital asset management systems).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understands the role and value of executive social media and communications
• Capable of creatively translating strategies and insights into executable plans in the executive thought leadership space.
• Able to tell a story with words and visuals, with excellent writing and grammar skills.
• Excellent executive social media listening skills and judgement to identify and monitor crisis situations and/or university reputational issues; ability to apply conflict resolution principles to mitigate.
• Able to determine how each piece of content will strategically support executive thought leadership and/or influence campus perception among external audiences.
• Able to manage diverse workload under deadline pressure, skilled at handing multiple priorities in a shifting social media landscape.
• Self-starter who can work independently as well as part of a larger team.
• Strong consultative skills and ability to interface with colleagues at all levels of the organization.
• Capable of measuring the impact of executive social media and communication activities using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Strong analytical mindset with a creative mind to approach challenges in unique ways.
• Working knowledge of principles of SEO including keyword research and Google Analytics.
• Skilled in photography and videography content capture and editing.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.

Salary and Benefits:

• The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $74,815 to $77,000.   
• 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 not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Apply Now