Manager of Content Strategy

Manager Of Content Strategy

The Manager of Content Strategy serves as the University of Tampa's institutional narrative and brand content leader. This role is responsible for defining, stewarding, and activating the university's core brand story—ensuring that UTampa's priorities, strengths, and differentiators are communicated with clarity, consistency, and strategic intent across campaigns, platforms, and audiences.

Operating at a strategic level, the Manager of Content Strategy translates institutional vision, market insight, and leadership priorities into message architecture, priority storylines, and content frameworks that guide execution across web, editorial, digital, and campaign communications. The role plays a central part in advancing brand marketing, reputation building, enrollment, and philanthropy through disciplined narrative strategy and high-impact storytelling.

In addition to producing select, high-visibility content, the Manager leads content planning and governance, establishes standards for voice and narrative consistency, and provides strategic direction to writers and content practitioners. The role supervises the Content Strategist and ensures that web and digital content execution aligns with brand strategy, campaign priorities, and institutional goals. Success is measured by brand clarity, narrative coherence, and the effectiveness of storytelling in advancing UTampa's visibility, enrollment outcomes, and philanthropic engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Institutional Narrative and Brand Strategy
• Define and maintain UTampa's institutional narrative, including brand pillars, messaging frameworks, and value propositions.
• Translate institutional priorities, academic strengths, and market positioning into clear, differentiated storylines.
• Ensure consistent brand meaning and message hierarchy across enrollment, advancement, media, and digital communications.
• Identify narrative gaps or misalignment and recommend corrective strategies.
• Content Strategy and Campaign Leadership
• Lead brand-level content strategy for priority initiatives, campaigns, and institutional storytelling efforts.
• Develop narrative briefs, content frameworks, and thematic arcs that guide execution across channels.
• Partner with Enrollment and Advancement leaders to align storytelling with recruitment, yield, and fundraising goals.
• Establish annual and campaign-based content priorities tied to institutional objectives.
• Writing and Editorial Leadership
• Produce select high-impact content, including brand stories, feature narratives, leadership communications, and campaign messaging.
• Conduct interviews and research to develop accurate, compelling, and strategically aligned content.
• Provide editorial direction and strategic review for major initiatives without functioning as a line editor.
• Content Governance and Brand Stewardship
• Establish and maintain standards for voice, tone, narrative alignment, and content quality.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to campus leaders on message clarity and storytelling alignment.
• Develop messaging toolkits, narrative guidance, and best practices to enable campus partners.
• Ensure all content reflects UTampa's mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration
• Supervise and mentor the Content Strategist, setting clear expectations and strategic direction.
• Collaborate closely with the Editorial Director, Director of Digital Strategy and Communications, Director of Creative & Brand Services, and Social Media Manager to ensure integrated storytelling.
• Serve as a strategic partner to Academic Affairs, Enrollment, Advancement, and senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, English, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
• Seven or more years of experience in content strategy, brand storytelling, or strategic communications.
• Demonstrated success developing institutional or brand narratives across diverse audiences.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling ability.
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into actionable frameworks.
• Experience in higher education or mission-driven organizations preferred.

Success Indicators

• Clear articulation and consistent application of UTampa's brand narrative across channels.
• Strong alignment of storytelling with enrollment, advancement, and reputation goals.
• Improved coherence and impact of institutional campaigns and priority initiatives.
• Positive feedback from senior leadership and campus partners regarding message clarity and strategic value.

Submission Guidelines

To receive full consideration for employment with The University of Tampa, please be sure to submit/upload required documents for this position at time of application submission. Required documents should be submitted in the attachment box at the bottom of the "My Experience" page of the application before continuing through the application.

Background Check Requirements

Finalists may be required to submit to a criminal background check. Some positions may also require a motor vehicle report and/or a credit report.

Additional Information

This description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not to determine specific duties and responsibilities for any particular position. Essential functions and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific task assigned to the position.