Job Details

Senior Director of Communications for Sustainability and Engagement

Position Number: 6384172
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Public Relations, Marketing and Communications

Senior Director of Communications for Sustainability and Engagement

Requisition Number: 65979
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: University Staff
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date: 29-Jul-2025
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The Department of Strategic Relations and Communication is encouraging applications for the Senior Director of Communications for Sustainability and Engagement! CU Boulder is looking for a collaborative and energetic leader experienced in sustainability communications, marketing, and digital content strategy to lead communications across the campus. The Senior Director of Communications for Sustainability and Engagement will work with senior leadership and University partners to develop and implement communications strategies for CU Boulder's external sustainability initiatives. The Senior Director will communicate and promote the impact and value of sustainability to audiences to increase support for the University's mission.The Senior Director of Communication for Sustainability and Engagement is a full-time position in the Office of Strategic Relations and Communications (SRC). He/She/They report to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications and work closely with the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Sustainability. The position is responsible for communications to internal and external audiences. 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

As the university's central marketing and communications team, Strategic Relations and Communications advances CU Boulder's mission, vision, and reputation through an integrated communications approach supporting a campus-wide experience that inspires greater affinity and engagement.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

The senior director serves as the strategic communication adviser to the Vice Chancellor for Sustainability (VCS) and coordinates with SRC staff and the VCS to deliver the campus messaging regarding sustainability. The senior director consults with the VCS and SRC team to develop a communications strategy that can be driven collaboratively to:

Enhance the overall reputation of CU Boulder in a consistent, coordinated, and organized manner.

Enhance the exposure gained for sustainability, outlining successes:

Develop and work with the SRC team on social media and events strategies, focusing on CU Boulder sustainability and efforts
The senior director and designees effectively manage and coordinate media-related issues emanating from operational units with the campus media relations team, providing facts, supportive data, background information, and talking points as appropriate.
Other duties as assigned by the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications. All SRC employees are expected to complete other duties outside of their job description as needed. This can include, but is not limited to, participating in news and media relations efforts, marketing and other paid efforts, strategic event support, supporting crisis communications, and participating in other strategic efforts for Strategic Relations and Communications.

Strategic Messaging and Planning:

Develop and implement strategic messaging and a communications plan for CU Boulder's sustainability initiatives, education, and research efforts
Create and lead the implementation of communications strategies and plans for major projects, events, high-profile or politically sensitive work, including flagship reports and global campaigns.

Digital Marketing and Content Management

Oversee digital marketing efforts, including internal for sustainability and external newsletters, social media presence, website design and content, brand alignment, maintenance, and efficacy.
Manage the production of digital content, including social media cards, posters, videos, invitations, simple infographics, presentations, and other conference or workshop materials.

Content Creation and Media Opportunities:

Write and edit content, including effectively translating sustainability content into articles, blog posts, etc., for the average reader to understand.
Coordinate production of a wide array of communications materials, including press releases, articles, social media posts, newsletters, and other outputs.
Bring expertise to inform content and marketing and media opportunities to highlight sustainability efforts to reach key audiences.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Management:

Collaborate with communications personnel across the university to ensure stories featuring sustainability initiatives are routinely shared internally and externally.
Manage relationships with key collaborators, liaising when appropriate with senior leadership, funding partners, peer organizations, and members of the media.
Initiate and support speaking engagements and other opportunities in support of the vice chancellor's external influence and partnership development.

Evaluation and Reporting:

Evaluate the effectiveness of the communications strategy with regular reports to the Vice Chancellor of Communications and the Vice Chancellor of Sustainability.
Conduct media monitoring regularly for assigned areas of work and provide reports on media coverage and digital performance.

Newsletters, Events, and Social Media:

Regarding sustainability, maintain and update lists of newsletter subscribers within platforms. Draft, edit, and distribute newsletters. Help to inform and implement an email outreach strategy.
Regarding sustainability, conduct event-related outreach and oversee post-event follow-up.
Inform social media strategy and contribute content for all applicable social media accounts, ensuring posts are relevant, timely, engaging, and targeted to the needs and interests of key audiences.

Website Management:

Proactively update program-relevant pages on university sites as needed.
Ensure brand coherence and compliance with existing university communications practices.

What You Should Know

This is a hybrid work opportunity.

What We Can Offer

The starting salary for this position is $125,000-$145,000.

Benefits

The University of Colorado offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO Pass. The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the largest employers in Boulder County and offers an inspiring higher education environment. Learn more about the University of Colorado Boulder.

Be Statements

Be dynamic. Be game-changing. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field (e.g. communications, journalism, political science, English, economics, environmental or development studies, etc.).
10-15 years of relevant work experience in journalism, communications, or media relations.
Extensive experience in climate, sustainability, and research-related communications will be considered a strong asset.
Demonstrated experience in the development and execution of communications plans, including internal or external news releases and news packages, talking points and speeches for senior leadership, email messages, and social media posts.
Experience with strategic communications planning, project management, and the execution of communications across multiple media (print, web, multimedia, advertising, events, social media, public relations, etc.).

What You Will Need

Excellent organizational, planning, and project management skills.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
Strong record of excellence in clear, cogent, and concise writing.
Proven ability to clearly and persuasively articulate the themes and issues associated with a major research institution.
Mastery of modern stylistic conventions, especially Associated Press style.
Familiarity with or mastery of a wide range of software, including content-management systems, Adobe Creative Cloud, broadcast-email software, and other tools.
Strong organizational, prioritization, and time management skills.
Ability to handle confidential information in an appropriate manner.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and complex.

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 July 29, 2025 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.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Senior-Director-of-Communications-for-Sustainability-and-Engagement/65979