📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director, Content
🔹 Company: University of Chicago
🔹 Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: June 19, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in-office)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Strategic content creation across various media channels to enhance brand presence
- Team management of internal staff and external contributors
- Collaboration with senior leadership and other teams to align content with core objectives
- Content optimization using AI tools and best practices
- Mentoring and developing junior staff and freelance contributors
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, creativity, and project management skills to ensure effective content delivery and alignment with the school's objectives.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and execute content strategies that align with core objectives and sustain effective editorial workflow processes
✅ Ensure the creation of top-tier content for all marketing channels, including web, email, social, print, and video
✅ Manage projects and timelines for the content team, ensuring accuracy and alignment with strategic objectives
✅ Stay updated on content marketing best practices, trends, and University of Chicago content guidelines
✅ Collaborate with Digital, Social, Search, Marketing, Operations, and Institutional Research teams to improve content processes and align with high-level objectives
✅ Identify content opportunities for Booth marketing channels to develop world-class advertising campaigns
✅ Manage and mentor junior content staff, student workers, and freelance contributors to ensure editorial quality and meet objectives
✅ Lead collaborative projects with outside agencies and partners, supporting brand messaging and platform efforts
✅ Recommend time-saving AI tools to increase efficiency and overall quality for the content team
✅ Demonstrate creative thinking for the execution and direction of best-in-class advertising for the school
✅ Plan, develop, design, and implement strategic and tactical marketing plans for a department or program
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of multitasking, prioritization, and collaboration with various teams to ensure successful content delivery and marketing campaign execution.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree (Master's degree preferred)
Experience: 10+ years of relevant marketing experience
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in content development, ideation, and strategy
- Excellent project management, team management, and leadership skills
- Strong writing, editing, and reviewing skills
- Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
- Knowledge of the SiteCore Content Management System
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with AI tools for content optimization
- Familiarity with the University of Chicago content guidelines
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in content marketing, team management, and strategic planning will be best suited for this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 (USD) per year
Benefits:
- Health, retirement, and paid time off benefits
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Hybrid: 3 days in-office)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on the University of Chicago's good faith estimate and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education, specifically focused on business school marketing and communications
Company Size: Small (11-50 employees) - Expect a close-knit team and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the organization's content strategy
Founded: The University of Chicago was founded in 1892, with the Booth School of Business established in 1898
Company Description:
- Dedicated to producing ideas and leaders that shape the world of business
- Offers degree and open enrollment programs on three continents
- Has a global body of nearly 56,000 accomplished alumni
Company Specialties:
- Economics
- Public Policy
- Research
- Higher Education
Company Website: bfi.uchicago.edu
ASSUMPTION: The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is a prestigious institution with a strong focus on research and innovation, offering applicants the opportunity to work in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level role with significant responsibility for content strategy and team management
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Senior Director, Brand Experience, and collaborates with marketing leadership and other teams
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days in-office) - Offers flexibility and a balance between remote work and on-site collaboration
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance within the marketing department or broader university structure
- Chance to develop and mentor junior staff and freelance contributors
- Opportunity to gain experience in higher education marketing and communications
ASSUMPTION: This role provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a highly respected academic institution.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid - Combines remote work with on-site collaboration at the Charles M. Harper Center in Chicago, IL
Office Location(s): Charles M. Harper Center, Chicago, IL
Geographic Context:
- Chicago, IL - A vibrant city with a rich cultural scene, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong job market
- Close proximity to Lake Michigan and numerous parks and recreational areas
- Easy access to public transportation and major highways
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for hybrid work arrangement)
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers applicants the best of both worlds - the structure and collaboration of an on-site office environment, combined with the flexibility and convenience of remote work.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the University of Chicago's careers portal
- Phone or video screening with the hiring manager or HR representative
- In-depth interview with the Senior Director, Brand Experience, and other marketing team members
- Final interview with the Senior Director, Brand Experience and/or other senior leadership
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Content strategy and development skills
- Team management and leadership abilities
- Cultural fit and alignment with the University of Chicago's values and mission
- Problem-solving and analytical skills
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing experience, content strategy skills, and team management abilities
- Demonstrate your understanding of the University of Chicago's mission and values in your application materials
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your experience with content strategy, team management, and marketing campaign execution
ATS Keywords: Content Strategy, Marketing Campaigns, Team Management, Content Development, Higher Education Marketing, University of Chicago
ASSUMPTION: The University of Chicago's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on identifying the best fit for the role and the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- SiteCore Content Management System
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
- AI tools for content optimization (specific tools not mentioned in the job description)
ASSUMPTION: The University of Chicago provides its employees with the necessary tools and technologies to perform their jobs effectively, with a focus on content management and optimization.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in research and education
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Innovation and continuous learning
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced, with a focus on meeting tight deadlines and delivering high-quality content
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on cross-functional collaboration
- Data-driven and analytical, with a focus on using data to inform content strategy and marketing campaign execution
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy working on multiple projects simultaneously?
- Are you comfortable working independently and managing your own time effectively?
- Do you possess strong analytical skills and enjoy using data to inform your decision-making?
ASSUMPTION: The University of Chicago values candidates who are highly motivated, self-directed, and able to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously may be challenging for some candidates
- Working in a hybrid environment may require additional self-motivation and time management skills
- Balancing the need for creativity and innovation with the University of Chicago's brand guidelines may be challenging
- Collaborating effectively with various teams and stakeholders may require strong communication and interpersonal skills
ASSUMPTION: While this role presents numerous opportunities for professional growth and development, it also comes with its own set of challenges that candidates should be prepared to face.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role differs from related positions in its focus on higher education marketing and communications, specifically for a business school
- Industry-specific context: Higher education marketing and communications roles often require a strong understanding of the institution's mission, values, and brand guidelines
- Career path comparison: This role may serve as a stepping stone to senior marketing leadership positions within the University of Chicago or other higher education institutions
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in higher education marketing and communications, or a strong understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this role, will be best suited for success.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a content strategy for a new marketing campaign to promote an upcoming event or program
- Managing a team of content creators to produce high-quality, on-brand content for various marketing channels, including web, email, social, print, and video
- Collaborating with outside agencies and partners to create brand messaging and platform efforts that align with the University of Chicago's brand guidelines
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects provide a glimpse into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges faced by the Director of Content at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the marketing department?
- How does the University of Chicago approach content strategy and marketing campaign execution for its business school?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in the current higher education landscape, and how can this role help address them?
- What opportunities exist for professional growth and development within the marketing department and broader university structure?
- How does the University of Chicago support work-life balance for its employees, particularly those in hybrid or remote work arrangements?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the organization's mission, values, and culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the University of Chicago's careers portal: https://uchicago.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/External/job/Chicago-IL/Director---Content_JR30689
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing experience, content strategy skills, and team management abilities
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your experience with content strategy, team management, and marketing campaign execution
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the next steps in the interview process
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
