Senior Vice President, Creative Director of Content

Highwire; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Hybrid work model

Remote work options

Learning stipend

Tech reimbursement

Dog-friendly office

Job summary

Highwire is seeking a Senior Vice President and Creative Director of Content to lead content marketing and editorial strategy across the organization. This role drives storytelling quality, client value, and growth through retention and new business initiatives.

The candidate will guide teams, set standards, and advance integrated content programs while incorporating AI-driven insights and cross‑department collaboration. Hybrid work options are available in a dynamic agency setting.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in content marketing, editorial, or related field.
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record developing and executing campaigns.
• Strategic thinker able to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Strong understanding of the digital marketing landscape (paid, earned, social).
• Experience mentoring teams of designers, writers, editors, and strategists.
• Expert knowledge of SEO and inbound marketing concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead content marketing and editorial strategies to drive growth, engagement, and thought leadership for clients.
• Set standards for content quality across writing and strategy to meet Highwire's benchmarks.
• Stay current on industry trends and AI impacts on content generation, distribution, and consumption.
• Own new business growth and a pipeline in partnership with practice leads; shape opportunities.
• Counsel senior clients and manage high‑profile relationships to ensure satisfaction and retention.
• Direct Editorial and Content Marketing teams (Writers, Editors, Designers, Producers, Motion Graphics); manage OKRs and staffing.

Skills

Content marketing

Editorial leadership

Strategic thinking

Digital marketing

Team leadership

Communication

SEO knowledge

Job description

Highwire is seeking a Senior Vice President and Creative Director of Content to lead content marketing and editorial strategy across the organization. This role drives higher-quality storytelling, strengthens cross-department integration, and supports growth through client value, retention, and new business initiatives.

Content Leadership and Strategy

Lead the teams responsible for developing and executing innovative content marketing and editorial strategies that drive growth, engagement, and thought leadership for clients and their executives. Set the standards for content quality across writing and strategy, ensuring deliverables consistently meet Highwire’s highest benchmarks.

Stay current on industry trends and best practices, including the impact of AI on content generation, dissemination, and consumption. Evaluate existing programs and build on them through strategic direction, strategy refinement, and content development.

Growth, New Business, and Client Outcomes

Own and guide new business and organic growth, including responsibility for a new business pipeline developed in partnership with practice leads. Shape this pipeline in response to standalone content marketing growth opportunities.

Provide senior-level counsel to Highwire’s most important clients. Support client navigation of new challenges through content marketing or editorial solutions, and oversee high-profile client relationships to ensure satisfaction and retention. Identify opportunities for client growth and prepare proactive proposals to continually improve the programs delivered.

Spot accounts at risk of churn and develop tailored retention strategies. Work closely with Account Managers to strengthen key client relationships beyond editorial and content marketing.

Team Management and Operational Excellence

Direct and manage the Editorial and Content Marketing teams, including Writers and Editors, as well as Designers, Producers, and Motion Graphics. Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and execute performance evaluations for direct reports using individual OKRs and quarterly targets. Set departmental OKRs in conjunction with the team and agency leadership.

Mentor, coach, and provide feedback to support career path development. Foster a positive, collaborative culture that contributes to job satisfaction across teams.

In partnership with Delivery and Operations (project management), ensure effective work distribution, optimized staffing, and timely delivery. Establish and monitor freelance and contractor budgets to deploy additional capacity where necessary, with justification aligned to existing budgets and capacity considerations.

Process Improvement, Training, and Integration

Design, document, and implement processes that improve internal efficiency, ensure quality, and elevate client experience. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency or reduce costs through process enhancements, technology, or staffing optimization.

Develop and deliver team training in person and via on-demand materials to standardize approach and enable scalable delivery. Spearhead integration between Content Marketing, Editorial, and the wider agency.

Collaborate with Insights and Analytics teams, using analyst input to support more sophisticated, cross-channel content marketing strategies. Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across teams to deepen understanding and application of integrated capabilities.

Required Experience

• 15+ years of experience in content marketing, editorial, or a related field
• At least 5 years in a senior leadership role
• Proven track record developing and executing successful, highly creative campaigns
• Strategic thinker able to translate vision into actionable plans
• Strong understanding of the digital marketing landscape, including paid, earned, and social media
• PR background or experience is beneficial
• Experience managing and mentoring teams including designers, writers, editors, and content marketing strategists
• Strong understanding of the technology industry, players, and trends, especially in B2B or healthcare spaces
• Experience in change management and organizational development
• Expert knowledge of SEO and inbound marketing concepts
• Visionary, personable leader with ability to inspire and motivate teams and clients
• Adaptable and resilient in fast-paced, changing conditions
• Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills
• Results-oriented approach focused on growth and innovation
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Capable and confident in performing phone or video calls on behalf of the company on short notice

Compensation

USD 175,000 - 225,000 per year.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) matching
• Generous paid time off
• Flexible hybrid work model tailored to your schedule and lifestyle
• Remote work options depending on where you live
• Early log-off on Fridays through Empower Hours
• 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

Location and Work Environment

Highwire is based in Pittsburgh, PA, with remote and hybrid options depending on where you live.

• Hybrid: Candidates located within commuting distance of Highwire offices in New York, NY or San Francisco, CA work on a hybrid schedule with three in-office days per week.
• Remote: Fully remote roles are available in: 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.

Note: Highwire can only consider candidates who reside in one of the listed locations at the time of hire.