Senior Director, Content & Editorial

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Senior Director of Content & Editorial will be tasked with bringing Columbia Business School's vision, thought leadership, and strategic priorities to life in a meaningful and engaging way. Serving as the day-to-day lead for content execution, the Senior Director oversees the School's magazine, digital storytelling initiatives, and thought leadership.

In partnership with the Chief Communications Officer, this role ensures editorial execution is fully aligned with CBS's thought leadership and communications strategy. The Senior Director manages the full lifecycle of content development, from concept to execution to measurement, while collaborating with key stakeholders across the School. Combining editorial judgment with data-driven insight, the role delivers high-quality, audience-centric content that strengthens CBS's reputation and advances its institutional priorities. This position sits at the intersection of editorial and brand building, and will develop and lead new and innovative strategies for bringing CBS storytelling to the right audiences.

About Columbia Business School

For over a century, Columbia Business School has helped develop leaders and builders of enterprises who drive value for their stakeholders and society at large through our MBA, MS, PhD, and Executive Education programs. We are equally committed to cultivating new scholars and teachers, and to creating and disseminating pathbreaking knowledge, concepts, and tools which advance the understanding and practice of management through our faculty research and PhD programs.

Our vision is simple : to develop ideas and leaders that transform the world-from the very center of business. Our ever-evolving curriculum - featuring pioneering courses, STEM certification, and immersive experiential learning -prepares students to excel in key areas such as digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and innovation, twenty-first century finance, the intersection of business and society, and climate and sustainability. The CBS administration enables CBS' educational and scholarly mission through strategic and operational guidance and support, optimizing School resources through well-designed, transparent processes with a culture of respect for all.

Responsibilities

Editorial & Content Execution

Develops strategy and roadmap for the creation and distribution of highly engaging and impactful content across mediums and channels, including print, digital (short- and long-form),, audio, and infographics

Serves as the day-to-day content execution lead, overseeing the magazine, digital storytelling initiatives, and thought leadership.

Manages the School's editorial calendar and guides multi-format content development (print, web, video, audio, social) from concept to publication.

Ensures content is high-quality, audience-centric, and aligned with institutional identity and priorities.

Translates complex faculty research and institutional themes into accessible, compelling narratives for internal and external audiences.

Strategic Partnership & Alignment

Partners with the Chief Communications Officer to align editorial execution with CBS's thought leadership and strategic communications priorities.

Collaborates with the Chief Communications Officer and colleagues across Marketing & Communications to integrate content with larger brand campaigns and initiatives.

Leverages analytics and audience insights to inform content decisions, optimize performance, and refine approaches.

Stays up-to-date on trends, industry shifts, and audience behavior, and proactively seek out new opportunities and tactics for content creation and distribution across channels

Cross-School Collaboration & Influence

Works with faculty, administrators, and staff across CBS to surface and shape content opportunities that highlight the School's expertise and impact.

Collaborates with Alumni Relations, Development, Admissions, and Executive Education to ensure content supports key priorities and maintains consistency across channels.

Acts as a trusted resource for translating academic insights and institutional priorities into content that resonates with external and internal audiences.

Resource, Team & Vendor Oversight

Builds and leads an in-house and freelance team of writers, editors, multimedia producers, and social media creators.

Oversees budgets, vendor relationships, and freelance contributors, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and at a high standard.

Manages external creative resources to scale content production and support specialized projects.

Optimizes workflows, processes, and tools to increase operational efficiency and extend the impact of editorial resources.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree required.

Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in content strategy, editorial execution, or related fields.

Demonstrated success in both strategic planning and hands-on content development across multiple formats.

Proven ability to balance competing priorities, execute projects independently, and deliver high-quality results in fast-paced environments.

Strong editorial judgment, innovative thinking, and understanding of audience engagement.

Experience managing vendors, freelancers, and budgets to support large-scale content initiatives.

Excellent collaboration skills and ability to work across complex organizations with senior leaders, faculty, and staff.

Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced degree in journalism, communications, marketing or related field

7+ years of progressively responsible experience in content strategy, editorial leadership, or related fields.

Experience in higher education, academic, or mission-driven institutions

Deep knowledge of digital platforms, multimedia storytelling, and emerging trends in audience engagement.

Strong analytical skills with experience using content performance metrics to drive strategy

Track record of leading creative teams through change and growth, including mentoring staff and fostering professional development

Strong vendor and stakeholder management experience, with the ability to build long-term, trusted partnerships

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.