Job Summary

The Senior Director of Operations Marketing and Communication serves as the senior communication and marketing leader for the Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Operations (SVC-Ops) at the University of Colorado Boulder. This role provides strategic communication leadership across the Operations portfolio, which includes Employee Health and Well-Being (EHWB), Human Resources, the Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Office of Information Technology (OIT), and the Office of Compliance, Ethics and Policy (OCEP).

With the employee experience as a central and unifying priority, the Senior Director develops and implements integrated communication strategies that advance operational excellence, enhance employee well-being, and support CU Boulder's reputation as an employer of choice. The position advises senior leadership, leads executive and internal communication for the SVC-Ops and their team, and coordinates messaging across complex, high-impact operational units, ensuring clarity, alignment, and consistency with institutional priorities and brand standards.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Operations Communication Team Leadership/Management:

• Build and manage a marcom team for the Operations division, including strategy, project management, marketing, graphic design, and strategic/executive communication in support of Operations division goals and outcomes.
• Provide direction and mentorship to MarCom staff.
• Oversee editorial calendars, workflows, and content production.
• Provide supervision of the marcom team and its operations, including performance management, professional development, and other HR/team needs, as well as budget and fiscal management, in compliance with university and campus policies and standards.

Executive and Leadership Communication:

• Serve as the principal communication advisor to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Operations, with a strategic focus on how Operations units and initiatives, with Employee Health and Well-Being in a centering role, enhance the faculty and staff experience to enable CU Boulder's mission.
• Develop and implement an executive communication strategy, including speeches, talking points, presentations, town hall scripts, written statements, and campus-wide messages.
• Provide strategic counsel on narrative development, issues management, and internal messaging across the Operations portfolio.
• Serve as the primary communication liaison between the SVC-Ops office and Strategic Relations and Communications (SRC), representing Operations on the campus Executive Leadership Communications Board.

Operations Marketing and Brand Strategy:

• Lead integrated marketing and communication strategies that elevate the Operations portfolio, with the employee experience and partner units centered in the overall expression of CU Boulder's commitment to its people.
• Ensure alignment with CU Boulder's mission, vision, values, priorities, and institutional brand and messaging platform.
• Lead all aspects of development of promotional content, social media, newsletters, digital storytelling, and web updates that articulate operational priorities, services, and investments.
• Guide message consistency across Operations units (EHWB, HR, DPS, OIT, OCEP) to ensure clarity and strategic coherence.
• Track and report on communication performance and engagement metrics; benchmark against peer institutions to inform strategy.

Digital and Social Media Leadership:

• Direct strategy, growth, and performance for social channels, including Instagram and LinkedIn, as part of a broader Operations communication ecosystem.
• Establish goals, analyze engagement metrics, and refine content strategies to increase awareness, trust, and participation.
• Coordinate multi-channel amplification efforts with campus communication teams and Operations partners, including newsletters, web integrations, onboarding materials, social campaigns, and event promotions.

Internal Communication and Employee Engagement:

• Lead internal communication that enhances understanding of Operations initiatives, employee well-being resources, and institutional investments in faculty and staff.
• Partner with EHWB, Human Resources, OIT, DPS and OCEP to promote programs, services, and events that support the overall faculty and staff experience at CU Boulder.
• Support communication for major Operations initiatives and campus-wide change efforts.
• Coordinate communication across Operations units and with colleges, schools, and major campus partners.

What You Should Know

• This is a hybrid work opportunity.
• Availability to work outside regular work hours for special events may be needed.

What We Can Offer

• The annual salary range for this position is $115,400-$135,000.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder , we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be ambitious. Be inspired. Be Boulder.

What We Require

• Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in executive communication, strategic marketing, internal communication, or related roles.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior leaders and developing high-impact executive and organizational communication.
• Experience managing integrated communication strategies across multiple channels (digital, social, internal, and executive).

What You Will Need

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex operational and organizational topics into clear, compelling, and accessible messages.
• Strong strategic judgment, attention to detail, and ability to handle sensitive or high-visibility communication.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across large, complex organizations with diverse constituencies while exhibiting cultural competence and attention to context.
• Experience using analytics and insights to inform communication strategy and decision-making.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Master's degree in communication, marketing, organizational communication, public administration, or a related field.
• 8-10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in executive communication, strategic marketing, internal communication, or related roles.
• Experience in higher education, public sector, or similarly complex organizations.
• Experience leading employee-focused communication, social media strategy, and digital engagement initiatives.
• Demonstrated commitment to strengthening organizational culture and employee well-being through communication.

Special Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by August 5th, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.

Essential Services

This position is designated "essential/critical services." The incumbent is required to respond to requests for work during campus emergencies (snow, wind, rain, flood and any other natural or man-made event) and report to work for regularly assigned shifts during emergency campus closures.