Columbia University

Compensation

Full Description

Position Summary The Director of Communications & Creative Services, in partnership with the Senior Executive Director (SED), leads the school’s comprehensive communications strategy to strengthen institutional identity and elevate national and international visibility. The Director drives integrated campaigns, content development, media strategy, social engagement, and Decanal communications ensuring high-quality, data-driven, and audience-centered messaging across all channels. The Director manages cross-functional teams and collaborates with university-wide partners, program leadership, and external media to amplify the school’s mission, academic programs, and strategic priorities. Responsibilities Leadership and Strategic Management • Manage all communications staff in the creation and distribution of content across all communication media • Build strong partnerships with the Events, Media Production, Design, Web, and Marketing teams to support content creation and distribution across media, including the website, newsletter, social media platforms, email, and print materials, among others, particularly as it relates to academic program promotion to deliver integrated, high-impact campaigns. • Design and execute publicity, promotional and brand campaigns that are aligned with School priorities and integrate insights from market research, sentiment analysis, competitor research, Power BI benchmarks, and performance metrics. • Develop campaigns with clear work plans, baselines, audience segmentation goals, and performance metrics. Content Management • Develop, proof, and edit multi-channel content—including news, publications, and media materials—to enhance visibility for the school, its initiatives, and events. • Manage and coordinate timely content distribution across platforms using analytics, A / B testing and reporting to monitor and evaluate campaign impact to guide improvements. • Collaborate with degree and non-degree programs to develop program-specific content to advance visibility, engagement, and recruitment. • Drive processes with stakeholders within the school and across the University to strategize on and align content distribution across all media channels. • Collaborate with external media and public relations firms to align and amplify the School's messaging. • Draft and edit all Decanal and Alumni, and Development communications, including correspondence, speeches, graduation messaging, and event remarks. • Maintain up-to-date expertise in communications technologies and effectively integrate AI tools into content development, monitoring, analytics, and reporting. • Strategize and implement responsible AI use in content creation, monitoring, and reporting, in alignment with university policies. Social Media Strategy • Direct and execute School-wide social media campaigns in collaboration with program teams to build engagement and visibility. • Direct social media strategy, content production, and governance across School-owned channels (LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, Facebook, and emerging international platforms); monitor sentiment, trends, and platform performance. • Maintain listening tools, t • Actively monitor and engage across social platforms by observing conversations, tracking sentiments in real time, and maintaining an ongoing awareness of how the school is being discussed, ensuring a responsive and informed content strategy. • Engage collaboratively with stakeholders to align on messaging cadence and content priorities, lead the planning and development of social media across all School platforms. Performs other duties and projects as assigned or requested Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree is desirable. • 5 years of related experience. • A resume and cover letter with salary requirements must be submitted for this position. Preferred Qualifications • Proven expertise in developing and executing communication strategies, with proficiency across traditional and emerging social media, web, and email platforms • 8-10 years of related experience • Demonstrable experience leading teams and executing campaigns • Experience in a supervisory role, including the training and development of staff, is strongly preferred