Chief Content Marketing Officer

About Us: Highwire is a contemporary strategic communications and digital marketing agency tailored for innovative companies. We collaborate with rapidly growing technology firms and established brands aiming to transform their narratives. At Highwire, we are firm believers that storytelling drives change. The most powerful narratives encompass diverse voices and viewpoints. As a values-oriented agency, we cultivate an inclusive atmosphere where everyone—regardless of age, race/ethnicity, size, shape, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and varying abilities—can feel secure, appreciated, and valued. We ensure that every Highwire Walker receives personalized support to achieve success. Our dedication to diversity, inclusion, and belonging is a permanent and foundational aspect of our business and culture. We aspire to revolutionize our industry and create a brighter future for all. Our people-first culture is anchored by four core values: Inclusion Always, Growth Mindset, Team Empowerment, and Fierce Distinction. We seek individuals with bold ideas, strong convictions, and the enthusiasm to bring them to fruition. If you flourish in an environment that prioritizes personal accountability, high standards, and limitless motivation, this opportunity is for you. Become part of our award-winning culture and contribute to a dynamic and expanding business where you can make a tangible impact.

The Senior Vice President of Content Marketing / Editor in Chief plays a crucial role in Highwire's leadership team, advocating for our content marketing strategies, promoting integration across departments, and enhancing the client value of content through earned media contributions, paid placements, and SEO-driven content marketing. As our departmental leader and Editor in Chief, this position will set a new standard for branded content, expanding reach, relevance, and engaging both new and existing audiences with high-quality outputs that fulfill client requirements, adhere to brand and publication standards, and, importantly, demonstrate value and ROI.

Key Responsibilities

Content Marketing Leadership: Drive new business and organic growth, taking ownership of a new business pipeline, developed in collaboration with practice leads and in response to standalone content marketing growth opportunities. Oversee a team dedicated to crafting and executing innovative content marketing and editorial strategies that promote growth, engagement, and thought leadership for our clients and their executives. Stay informed about industry trends and best practices to ensure our content marketing efforts remain cutting-edge, including the influence of AI on content generation, dissemination, and consumption. Assess and enhance existing programs through strategic direction, strategy, and content development. Position yourself as senior counsel to our most significant clients, assisting them in navigating new challenges and applying content marketing or editorial solutions. Act as the ultimate guardian of content quality, ensuring all 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). Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and performance evaluations for direct reports, utilizing individual OKRs and quarterly targets. Establish departmental OKRs in collaboration with the team and agency leadership. Mentor, coach, and provide feedback for the career development of team members. Cultivate a positive, collaborative culture that enhances 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 client strategy through face-to-face meetings, virtual meetings, email, and IM. Maintain a strong understanding of key clients' businesses, verticals, voice, preferences, and operational nuances. 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. Collaborate closely with CRMs and 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 enhance efficiency or reduce costs through process improvements, 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 adequately resourced for client satisfaction. If this requires additional resources, be prepared to justify the business case leveraging your familiarity with standardized metrics: Revenue, capacity, and utilization. Business Development: Support business development by contributing to the creation of new business pitches, reviewing proposals, and approving new scopes of work (developed 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 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 a more sophisticated understanding and application of our integrated capabilities. Collaborate closely with CRMs, account, and practice leads to ensure clients are consistently presented with content solutions that anticipate needs, enhance their competitive advantage, and deliver tangible, measurable value.

Qualifications

10+ years of experience in content marketing, editorial, or a related field, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role. Proven track record of developing and executing successful content marketing and editorial strategies. Expert knowledge of search engine optimization (SEO) and inbound marketing concepts. Practical experience in-platform across Google Search Console, Ahrefs, or SEMrush is advantageous. Strong understanding of the digital marketing landscape, including paid, earned, and social media. A background or experience in PR is beneficial. Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills, including proficiency in AP style. Experience managing and mentoring teams of 5+ writers, editors, and content marketing strategists. Working knowledge of HubSpot, Salesforce, Adobe Experience Manager, Marketo, WordPress, and Google Analytics. Proficiency in web-based project management software such as Asana, Wrike, Kantata, or similar. Strong understanding of the technology industry, players, and trends, especially in the B2B or healthcare sectors. Experience in change management and organizational development. Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans. Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Marketing, Communications, or a related field. Previous experience within journalism or publishing is beneficial and advantageous.

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. Comfort and confidence in reviewing large volumes of content (3,000-5,000 words per day if necessary). Ability to work in front of a computer screen and type for the majority of the business day. Capable and confident in performing phone or video calls on behalf of the company and at short notice.

Additional Requirements

Available to work Monday through Friday during standard business hours in a timezone (ET or PT preferred). Citizen or permanent resident legally allowed to work in the country.

Highwire Perks

Competitive salary. Merit-based bonuses and promotions. Hybrid work model to suit your schedule and lifestyle. Excellent vacation policy including an extended break for summer and winter holidays. Participate in Empower Hours on Fridays; Team has the ability to log off by 3 pm. 401K Match. Medical and dental benefits/ FSA. Paid Parental Leave. Commuter Benefit. Home office equipment stipend. Growth Mindset Stipend of $100 annually for books, exhibitions, etc. Technology reimbursement. Wellness benefit. Donation Match. Full-time writing Coach. Mentorship. Monthly recognition programs. Employee referral bonus. New business referral bonus. Quarterly Highwire fun events – Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday. Dog-friendly work environment. Extremely supportive, nurturing environment with many opportunities for learning and growth.

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