Senior Vice President, Creative Director of Content Greater San Francisco, CA Area

Senior Vice President, Creative Director, Content

The Creative Director, Content is an integral part of Highwire’s leadership team, elevating our content marketing strategies and storytelling quality, fostering integration across departments, and maximizing the client value of content across all marketing channels. We are looking for a special leader that is equal parts right brain and left brain—a strategic thinker and marketer that can inspire unforgettable writing and pixel-perfect visuals.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of highwire’s content marketing team, drive integration and make a significant impact on our business growth in categories such as Enterprise Technology, Cybersecurity, Healthcare, Energy and Sustainability and Financial Services. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, a strong leader, and a skilled collaborator who can navigate complex organizational and interpersonal dynamics while delivering exceptional results for our clients.

You will lead a highly-skilled team of content strategists, designers, writers and editors, partnering with our discipline leads across Social Media, Creative, Insights and Analytics to continually find ways to multiply our impact. We will look to you to establish new benchmarks for branded content, developing reach, relevance and engaging both new and existing audiences with high-quality deliverables that meet client needs, demonstrating value and ROI.

Key Responsibilities:

Content Marketing Leadership:

Oversee the team responsible for the development and execution of innovative content marketing and editorial strategies that drive growth, engagement and thought leadership for our clients and their executives

Lead new business and organic growth, with a responsibility and ownership of a new business pipeline, built in partnership with practice leads and in response to standalone content marketing growth opportunities

Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices to keep our content marketing efforts cutting-edge. These include the impact of AI on content generation, dissemination and consumption.

Evaluate and build upon existing programs through strategic direction, strategy, and content development. Establish yourself as senior counsel to our most important clients, helping them navigate new challenges and apply content marketing or editorial solutions

Serve as the ultimate guardian of content quality, ensuring all our deliverables meet the highest standards in both writing and strategy

Team Management and Development:

Lead and manage the Editorial and Content Marketing teams (including Writers and Editors), Designers,Producers and Motion Graphics.

Hold regular one-on-one meetings and execute performance evaluations for direct reports, leveraging individual OKRs and quarterly targets

Set departmental OKRs in conjunction with the team and agency leadership

Mentor, coach, and provide feedback for career path development of team members

Foster a positive, collaborative culture that contributes to job satisfaction for all teams

In partnership with our Delivery and Operations (project management) teams, ensure effective work distribution, optimized staffing and timely delivery

Establish and monitor freelance and contractor budgets, ensuring additional capacity is deployed where necessary, and justified against the above

Client Strategy and Relationship Management:

Actively consult on cross-channel client storytelling strategies

Maintain a strong understanding of key clients' businesses, verticals, voice, preferences, and operational nuance

Oversee high-profile client relationships, ensuring satisfaction and retention

Identify client growth opportunities and prepare proactive proposals to continually enhance the programs we deliver

Identify clients at risk of churn and create tailored retention strategies

Work closely with Account Managers on key client relationship development, satisfaction and retention beyond editorial and content marketing

Process Improvement and Operational Efficiency:

In collaboration with our Delivery and Operations teams, design, document, and implement processes that improve internal efficiency, ensure quality and elevate the client experience

Identify opportunities to improve efficiency or reduce costs via process enhancements, technology or staffing optimization

Develop and deliver team training (both in person and via on-demand materials), ensuring standardization of approach and scalability of delivery

Ensure that every account is properly resourced for client satisfaction. If this requires additional resource, be prepared to make the business case leveraging your familiarity with standardized metrics: Revenue, capacity and utilization

Business Development:

Support business development by contributing to the development of new business pitches, reviewing proposals, and approving new scopes of work (designed in collaboration with our Delivery and Operations teams)

Establish yourself as a thought leader, and continually contribute to Highwire marketing materials

Collaborate with business development teams to expand our client base through networking, speaking engagements and acting as an ambassador for the agency

Cross-Functional Integration:

Spearhead the integration between Content Marketing, Editorial and the wider agency

Work particularly closely with our Insights and Analytics teams, leveraging analyst input for more sophisticated, cross-channel content marketing strategies and approaches

Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across teams to create more sophisticated understanding and application of our integrated abilities

Work closely with CRMs, account and practice leads to ensure clients are consistently presented with content solutions which anticipate need, enhance their competitive advantage and deliver tangible, measurable value

Success Factors:

15+ years of experience in content marketing, editorial, or related field, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role

Proven track record of developing and executing successful and highly creative campaigns

Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans

Strong understanding of the digital marketing landscape, including paid, earned and social media. A background or experience in PR is beneficial.

Experience managing and mentoring teams of designers, writers, editors, and content marketing strategists

Strong understanding of technology industry, players, and trends, especially in the B2B or healthcare spaces

Experience in change management and organizational development

Expert knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO) and inbound marketing concepts.

Personal Attributes:

Visionary and personable leader with the ability to inspire and motivate teams and clients alike

Adaptable and resilient, able to thrive in a fast-paced, changing environment and structure which at times may seem ambiguous, even if our ambitions and aspirations are not

Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills

Results-oriented with a focus on driving growth and innovation

Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Capable and confident in performing phone or video calls on behalf of the company and at short notice

The salary range for this position is $195,000 to $249,000, with the final offer based on a combination of factors, including education, relevant experience, skills, prior training, internal equity, and local geographic market data. This role also includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, generous paid time off, and additional perks designed to support your overall well-being and growth. #LI-Hybrid

About Highwire

Highwire is a strategic marketing communications agency at the intersection of innovation and industry. We partner with ambitious companies and established brands to navigate complexity, lead markets, and grow with purpose. With integrated expertise in strategic marketing and communications, corporate reputation, creative, and insights, we cut through the noise to deliver bold ideas and measurable impact across B2B technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, energy, professional and financial services, and more.

At Highwire, we believe that storytelling fuels transformation. We know that the most impactful stories represent all voices and perspectives. As a values-driven agency, we foster an inclusive environment where everyone—regardless of age, race/ethnicity, size, shape, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and different abilities–can feel safe, celebrated and worthy.

We ensure that every Highwire Walker has the requisite support to soar in their careers. Our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging is foundational and embedded in our business and culture. We aspire to change our industry and build a better future for all.

Our people-first culture is driven by four core values:

Team Empowerment

Growth Mindset

Inclusion Always

Fierce Distinction

We’re looking for individuals with big ideas, strong opinions, and the energy to bring them to life. If you thrive in an environment that values personal accountability, high standards, and boundless motivation, this is the opportunity for you. Be part of our award-winning culture and contribute to an exciting and growing business where you can make a real impact.

Highwire. Above all.

Our people-first culture is reflected in the meaningful benefits, flexibility, and support we offer:

Competitive salary with merit-based opportunities for growth

Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle

Generous vacation policy, including extended summer and winter breaks

Early log-off on Fridays through our Empower Hours program

401(k) plan with employer matching

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus FSA options

Paid parental leave benefits

Commuter benefits

Annual Growth Mindset stipend for books, events, or learning experiences

Monthly technology reimbursement

Wellness benefit program for mental and physical health

501c3 donation matching program

Mentorship and ongoing professional development opportunities

Monthly recognition and team celebrations

Employee referral and new business referral bonuses

Quarterly Highwire events and team gatherings

Dog-friendly office environment

A supportive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace where you can grow and do your best work

Location & Work Environment

Highwire offers both remote and hybrid work options, depending on where you live.

Hybrid: Candidates located within commuting distance of our New York, NY or San Francisco, CA offices follow a hybrid schedule, with three in-office days per week.

Remote: We hire for fully remote roles in the following states: 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, and Washington, D.C..

Please note: We are only able to consider candidates who reside in one of the locations listed above at the time of hire.

Join the Highwire team

If you’re inspired by the opportunity to shape meaningful stories and grow alongside a team that values innovation, accountability, and inclusion, apply below to start the conversation.

Please note: This posting may be used to build our talent pipeline, connect with top professionals in the industry, or extend reach across multiple locations. We welcome all interested candidates to apply and explore opportunities at Highwire!