Publications & Research Writing Manager

The Division of Marketing & Communications (MarComm) aims to strengthen DU’s strategic position locally, regionally, and nationally through data-driven and authentic storytelling across multiple channels with focused support on the university’s value drivers: academics and research; enrollment and admissions, athletics, and advancement. Whether through public or media relations, digital strategies, social media, print, podcast, issues or crisis management, community relations or thought leadership and training, MarComm drives results through narratives that involve words, pictures, and design. With true understanding of and connection with our diverse audiences, we aim to foster collaborative problem solving, creativity and innovation. MarComm strives to speak with a unified, authentic, and resonant voice to strategically advance the University of Denver’s brand by focusing on the following priorities:

1. Promoting and protecting DUs reputation.
2. Inspiring students to enroll and engage.
3. Increasing equity and inclusion.
4. Strengthening the University.

MarComm’s mission, vision and values make it imperative that everyone in our community feels safe and included. The participation and input of all members should be valued and respected, while every voice should have the opportunity to be heard. The division’s community-created, shared sense of belonging definition is, “a shared sense of belonging in MarComm means building a collaborative, trusting community where we feel and are safe, valued, and appreciated being ourselves as we contribute to something meaningful.” Our collective achievements are enhanced by the open exchange of ideas—particularly when diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences are embraced.

Position Summary

The Publications Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping the University’s storytelling, with a primary focus on managing the University of Denver Magazine. As managing editor, this position leads the magazine’s editorial vision and production, ensuring it reflects the institution’s brand and strategic priorities. In addition to the magazine, the manager oversees the DU Newsroom and RadioEd podcast, supporting the University’s broader communication goals and enhancing its reputation among diverse audiences.

Essential Functions

• Lead the strategic direction, editorial vision, and production of the University of Denver Magazine, DU Newsroom, and RadioEd podcast, ensuring content aligns with the university’s brand and engagement strategies.
• Serve as managing editor, overseeing the full content lifecycle of each publication.
• Consult with the campus community on publication best practices, offering guidance and periodic storytelling training for university-wide communications professionals.
• Develop, maintain, and execute a comprehensive content calendar in collaboration with the UR team and other teams throughout the university.
• Manage audience engagement, including optimizing headlines, subheadings, photos, and content for target audiences. Support audience behavior and trend analysis.
• Coordinate with Art Director, designers, web team, photographers, and social media/marketing teams to deliver cohesive editorial and visual content and effective story distribution strategies.
• Oversee content publication, inventory management, archiving, and vendor relationships for both print and electronic formats.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of content contributors to ensure high-quality output and professional growth. This team should include student employees.
• Act as an additional writer and copy editor as needed, ensuring consistency across all channels.
• Regularly evaluate publication efforts, providing reports and actionable insights to unit leadership in partnership with marketing analytics specialists.
• Provide immediate support for crisis communications and issues management under the direction of the AVC of Communications & Issues Management.
• Establish and nurture partnerships across and beyond the university to enhance the impact and visibility of storytelling initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated integrity, trustworthiness, and creative problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound decisions independently.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, mastery of the English language, and the ability to adapt tone and voice for different platforms and audiences.
• Advanced knowledge of AP Style guidelines and strong presentation skills for creative concepts and proposals.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within integrated, team-oriented environments, taking initiative with minimal supervision.
• Exceptional project management skills, including prioriti