Simplify Logo

Full-Time

Senior Vice President

Content Marketing / Editor in Chief

Posted on 8/15/2024

Highwire

Highwire

51-200 employees

Specialized PR agency for tech companies

Consulting

Senior, Expert

Chicago, IL, USA

Hybrid position based in Chicago, IL.

US Citizenship Required

Category
Content Strategy
Editing & Proofreading
Content & Writing
Required Skills
Communications
Wordpress
SEO
Salesforce
Journalism
Marketing
Asana
Data Analysis
Google Analytics
Requirements
  • 10+ years of experience in content marketing, editorial, or 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 an advantage
  • 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, Monday.com, Wrike, Kantata or similar
  • Strong understanding of technology industry, players, and trends, especially in the B2B or healthcare spaces
  • 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 related field
  • Previous experience within journalism or publishing is beneficial and advantageous
  • Available to work Monday through Friday during standard business hours in a U.S. timezone (ET or PT preferred)
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident legally allowed to work in the U.S.
Responsibilities
  • Lead new business and organic growth, with a responsibility and ownership of a new business pipeline, built in partnership with practice leads and in response to standalone content marketing growth opportunities
  • Oversee a team responsible for the development and execution of innovative content marketing and editorial strategies that drive growth, engagement and thought leadership for our clients and their executives
  • Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices to keep our content marketing efforts cutting-edge. These include the impact of AI on content generation, dissemination and consumption
  • Evaluate and build upon existing programs through strategic direction, strategy, and content development. Establish yourself as senior counsel to our most important clients, helping them navigate new challenges and apply content marketing or editorial solutions
  • Serve as the ultimate guardian of content quality, ensuring all our deliverables meet the highest standards in both writing and strategy
  • Lead and manage the Editorial and Content Marketing teams (including Writers and Editors)
  • Hold regular one-on-one meetings and execute performance evaluations for direct reports, leveraging individual OKRs and quarterly targets
  • Set departmental OKRs in conjunction with the team and agency leadership
  • Mentor, coach, and provide feedback for career path development of team members
  • Foster a positive, collaborative culture that contributes to 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
  • 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 nuance
  • 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
  • Work closely with CRMs and Account Managers on key client relationship development, satisfaction and retention beyond editorial and content marketing
  • 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 improve efficiency or reduce costs via process enhancements, 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 properly resourced for client satisfaction. If this requires additional resource, be prepared to make the business case leveraging your familiarity with standardized metrics: Revenue, capacity and utilization
  • Support business development by contributing to the development of new business pitches, reviewing proposals, and approving new scopes of work (designed 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
  • Spearhead the integration between Content Marketing, Editorial and the wider agency
  • Work particularly 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 more sophisticated understanding and application of our integrated abilities
  • Work closely with CRMs, account and practice leads to ensure clients are consistently presented with content solutions which anticipate need, enhance their competitive advantage and deliver tangible, measurable value

Highwire provides specialized public relations services to disruptive companies, particularly in the technology sector. The agency uses its background in journalism and its location in Silicon Valley to help clients effectively communicate their innovative products and services. Highwire's services include media relations, content creation, crisis communication, and strategic consulting, all tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. This customization allows Highwire to adapt its strategies to the fast-paced and competitive media environment, ensuring that clients' messages reach the right audiences. Unlike many competitors, Highwire focuses specifically on companies that are introducing groundbreaking technologies or business models, positioning itself as a leader in tech communications. The goal of Highwire is to create meaningful business results for its clients through effective communication strategies.

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

$1.2M

Headquarters

San Francisco, California

Founded

2008

Growth & Insights
Headcount

6 month growth

-3%

1 year growth

-3%

2 year growth

-3%
Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Highwire's strategic acquisitions and partnerships, such as with Candor Content, position it for accelerated growth and expanded service offerings.
  • The company's ability to command premium pricing due to its reputation for excellence in the tech industry suggests strong financial health and stability.
  • Highwire's specialized focus on disruptive companies in the tech sector offers employees the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects with high-impact potential.

What critics are saying

  • The highly competitive and fast-paced nature of the tech communications market requires Highwire to continuously innovate to maintain its edge.
  • Integration challenges from recent acquisitions like Candor Content and Wonderscript could pose operational risks and affect service quality.

What makes Highwire unique

  • Highwire leverages its deep roots in journalism and strategic Silicon Valley location to offer tailored PR services, setting it apart from more generalized agencies.
  • The company's focus on disruptive tech companies allows it to specialize in navigating complex media environments, unlike competitors who may not have such a niche focus.
  • Highwire's recent acquisitions of Candor Content and Wonderscript enhance its digital marketing and content creation capabilities, providing a more comprehensive service offering than many traditional PR firms.
INACTIVE