Senior Vice President, Creative Director of Content

Highwire•San Francisco, CA

1d•$195,000 - $249,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Creative Director, Content is a member of Highwire’s leadership team, responsible for advancing content marketing strategy and storytelling, integrating work across departments, and maximizing the value of content across marketing channels. The role leads a team of content strategists, designers, writers, editors, producers, and motion graphics professionals, partnering with agency discipline leads to produce high-quality work that reaches and engages audiences and demonstrates client value and ROI. The position shapes the future of Highwire’s content marketing team and supports business growth across areas including enterprise technology, cybersecurity, healthcare, energy and sustainability, and financial services. It combines strategic leadership, creative direction, client counsel, team development, operational management, and business development. The role is responsible for content quality, client relationships and retention, team performance, efficient delivery, and integration of content marketing with the agency’s other capabilities. Highwire offers a flexible hybrid work model, with remote and hybrid options depending on location. Candidates near the New York or San Francisco offices follow a hybrid schedule of three in-office days per week. Fully remote hiring is available in specified states and Washington, D.C. The position has a stated salary range of $195,000 to $249,000, with the final offer based on factors including education, relevant experience, skills, training, internal equity, and local market data.

Requirements

At least 15 years of experience in content marketing, editorial, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in a senior leadership role.
A proven record of developing and executing successful, highly creative campaigns.
Ability to translate strategic vision into actionable plans.
Strong understanding of the digital marketing landscape, including paid, earned, and social media.
Experience managing and mentoring teams of designers, writers, editors, and content marketing strategists.
Strong understanding of the technology industry, its players, and trends, especially in B2B or healthcare.
Experience in change management and organizational development.
Expert knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO) and inbound marketing concepts.
Visionary, personable leadership skills and ability to inspire and motivate teams and clients.
Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, changing, and sometimes ambiguous environment.
Collaborative mindset and strong interpersonal skills.
Results orientation focused on growth and innovation.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
Ability and confidence to represent the company on phone or video calls, including at short notice.
At the time of hire, residence in one of the listed eligible locations: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, or Washington, D.C.

Nice To Haves

Background or experience in public relations (PR).

Responsibilities

Oversee the team responsible for developing and executing innovative content marketing and editorial strategies that drive client growth, engagement, and thought leadership.
Lead new business and organic growth, including ownership of a new business pipeline developed with practice leads and in response to standalone content marketing opportunities.
Stay current on industry trends and best practices, including the effects of AI on content generation, dissemination, and consumption.
Evaluate and improve existing programs through strategic direction, strategy, and content development; serve as senior counsel to key clients.
Ensure content deliverables meet high standards for writing and strategy.
Lead and manage Editorial and Content Marketing teams, including writers, editors, designers, producers, and motion graphics staff.
Hold regular one-on-one meetings, conduct performance evaluations, and use individual OKRs and quarterly targets to support direct reports.
Set departmental OKRs with the team and agency leadership.
Mentor, coach, and provide career-development feedback to team members; foster a positive, collaborative culture.
Partner with Delivery and Operations teams to distribute work effectively, optimize staffing, and deliver work on time.
Set and monitor freelance and contractor budgets and justify additional capacity where needed.
Consult on cross-channel client storytelling strategies and maintain knowledge of key clients’ businesses, industries, voice, preferences, and operating context.
Oversee high-profile client relationships, satisfaction, and retention; identify growth opportunities and develop proactive proposals.
Identify clients at risk of churn and create tailored retention strategies.
Work with Account Managers on client relationship development, satisfaction, and retention beyond editorial and content marketing.
Design, document, and implement processes with Delivery and Operations teams to improve efficiency, quality, and client experience.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency or reduce costs through process, technology, or staffing changes.
Develop and deliver team training, both in person and through on-demand materials, to standardize and scale delivery.
Ensure accounts are appropriately resourced and make the business case for additional resources using revenue, capacity, and utilization metrics.
Contribute to new business pitches, review proposals, and approve new scopes of work in collaboration with Delivery and Operations.
Build thought leadership and contribute to Highwire marketing materials; collaborate with business development teams through networking, speaking engagements, and agency representation.
Lead integration between Content Marketing, Editorial, and the wider agency.
Work closely with Insights and Analytics teams to incorporate analyst input into sophisticated cross-channel content strategies.
Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across teams to strengthen understanding and use of the agency’s integrated capabilities.
Work with CRMs, account leads, and practice leads to present clients with timely content solutions that anticipate needs, enhance competitive advantage, and deliver measurable value.