Summary
Description
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.
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.
Who We Are The Senior Vice Chancellor for Operations (SVCO) oversees CU Boulder's public safety, health and wellness, information technology, human resources, and compliance, ethics and policy efforts.
Vision CU Boulder will be nationally recognized for its inclusive and innovative learning and working environment.
Mission SVCO provides creative and sustainable services that enable the CU Boulder community of faculty, staff and students to meet their educational and professional objectives.
Values Integrity: We commit to acting with honesty, ownership and courage by aligning our words and actions.
Collaboration: We commit to work together to ensure we are all successful. This can be achieved only if we are respectful, inclusive, open to change, and willing to coordinate resources and compromise.
Inclusivity: We commit to creating an environment that values people, honors different perspectives, demonstrates openness and kindness, asks for input, and listens.
Adaptability: We commit to meeting the needs of our campus through continuous improvement and learning, remaining resilient, and being creative and curious.
Accountability: We commit to taking responsibility for our decisions, actions and consequences.
Operations Communication Team Leadership/Management What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be
- 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
- A current resume.
- 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 May 12th, 2026 for consideration.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
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.
