Sr. Director, Content and Creative Services, Marketing and Communications

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Pennâ™s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Job Profile Title

Job Description Summary

Job Description

The Senior Director of Content and Creative Services contributes to the overall success of the department by driving the activities of the content and creative teams and actively collaborates with the CMCO and department directors (including Business Engagement, Events, Marketing Automation, Media Relations, Operations, Social Media, Web services, Wharton On Business Radio - SiriusXM and Wharton School Press) to continually improve the quality of work, outcomes, processes and culture of creative services.

Personal and Professional Profile/Qualifications

• Proven experience leading creative services teams (design and content) preferably at an agency and/or in-house at a brand and/or in the non-profit or education space.
• Robust experience managing, motivating and mentoring creative teams; successful experience managing resources and budgets for both internal and external relationships as well as an astute ability to work on multiple projects and manage numerous deadlines.
• Open-minded collaborator who can listen, partner across the organization and compromise when needed.
• Demonstrated experience directing a variety of integrated creative projects, including branding, websites, social media, video, print, audio, email, and digital advertising, across both creative and content elements.
• Deep understanding of the full creative process from client introduction to project fulfillment to managing the ongoing relationship.
• Significant experience leading both internal and vendor/external teams in both creative and content expertise, and understand how to lead through influence, consistently delivering excellence with diplomacy, professionalism, and high integrity.
• Exposure to user experience (UX), site structure, site map features and functionality, wireframes and interactive prototypes, functional prioritizations, and usability testing and interface designs for large-scale websites, micro sites and landing pages.
• A strong ability to ask penetrating questions, detect unstated assumptions, resolve conflicts, and develop and manage the execution of creative work
• A âœdoer,❠who understands objectives and KPIs of the projects s/he is leading, and has a strong drive for action.
• Proven track record of bringing transformative ideas to life using state-of-the-art design strategy married with a deep understanding of technology on the latest devices.
• Exemplary presentation and communication skills (for internal and external audiences) with ability to clearly articulate rationale, thinking and story behind ideas and recommendations.
• Fluent in the digital and mobile space, WordPress experience preferred.
• Superior client relationship and management skills; ability to influence at all levels, including senior leaders.
• Culture champion: demonstrates character and action that embodies brand values, actively evolving department culture and driving innovation for best results.
• Exceptional leadership skills to produce breakthrough work in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Demonstrated sense of urgency/ability to proactively make things happen, and the ability to lead, manage and motivate a team of skilled professionals to accomplish objectives.
• Proven ability to be flexible and adaptive to an ever changing media landscape.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends when necessary. Must be able to travel internationally and domestically when needed.
• Bachelor's degree, BFA/MFA preferred; 7 - 10 years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Sense of humor.

Job Location - City, State

Department / School

Pay Range

Affirmative Action Statement 
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements 
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.