Program Manager, Communications, Brand & Design

Job Summary:

The Program Manager, Communications, Brand & Design is responsible for shaping and communicating the voice, identity, and impact of the Institute for Healthcare Quality, Safety & Efficiency (IHQSE) and its partnerships. This position serves as the Institute's lead storyteller, content strategist, and creative lead, transforming program outcomes, participant achievements, faculty accomplishments, and organizational priorities into compelling communications and visual experiences.

Working closely with institute leadership, this position develops communication strategies that strengthen awareness, engagement, and reputation while ensuring consistency across organizational messaging, branding, and design.

Key Responsibilities:

Communications Strategy and Content Leadership (25%)

• Develop and implement integrated communications strategies that align with organizational goals and priorities.

• Create and manage annual communications and editorial calendars.

• Develop audience-specific messaging for participants, alumni, faculty, organizational partners, donors, and prospective customers.

• Ensure consistency of messaging, voice, and positioning across all communications materials.

• Provide communications guidance and consultation to institute leadership.

Storytelling and Content Development (25%)

• Develop stories that highlight program outcomes, participant successes, faculty accomplishments, organizational achievements, and partnership impact.

• Conduct interviews and gather information from stakeholders, alumni, customers, faculty, and learners.

• Write feature stories, annual reports, newsletters, impact reports, case studies, and executive communications.

• Translate program outcomes and performance data into meaningful narratives that demonstrate organizational value.

• Support thought leadership initiatives and strategic communications efforts.

Brand Management and Creative Direction (25%)

• Maintain and strengthen the IHQSE brand.

• Develop messaging frameworks and visual standards for organizational initiatives and programs.

• Ensure all communications materials align with established brand guidelines.

• Provide creative direction and execution for program materials, promotional materials, reports, presentations, and digital assets.

• Support multimedia production including photography, videos, and podcasts.

• Develop visual storytelling approaches that support organizational goals.

Website and Content Management (15%)

• Lead website content strategy and user experience planning.

• Lead search engine optimization and artificial intelligence engine optimization.

• Design and organize website content to improve accessibility, engagement, and storytelling.

• Ensure website content remains accurate, current, and aligned with organizational priorities.

Analytics & Measurement (5%)

• Develop dashboards and reports that measure communication effectiveness.

• Use data and analytics to recommend improvements and optimization strategies.

• Communicate performance to leadership and program teams.

Leadership and Collaboration (5%)

• Collaborate with program leaders and institute leadership to identify content opportunities.

• Partner with the Program Manager, Impact & Strategic Initiatives to communicate customer successes and organizational impact.

• Work closely with the Marketing Strategy & Growth Program Manager to support coordinated campaign execution.

Work Location:

Hybrid - this role is eligible for a hybrid schedule of three (3) days per week on campus and as needed for in-person meetings.

Why Join Us:

The Institute for Healthcare Quality, Safety and Efficiency's (IHQSE) overarching goal is to fundamentally improve the care we provide our patients.

Since our founding in 2012, we have experienced tremendous growth and expansion guided by our mission of transforming through discovery, improvement and spreading the people and processes that serve our patients.

The core foundation of the IHQSE is our team. Comprised of dedicated and gifted faculty, our team not only teaches the fundamentals of leadership, how to initiate change, and how to improve healthcare outcomes, but also guides and inspires participants to become better leaders and more effective catalysts of sustainable change. Our formula for success combines expert training, intensive, tailored coaching, and a deep catalog of successful projects to tap into.

Why work for the University?

We have AMAZING benefits and offer exceptional amounts of holiday, vacation, and sick leave! The University of Colorado offers an excellent benefits package including:

• Medical: Multiple plan options

• Dental: Multiple plan options

• Additional Insurance: Disability, Life, Vision

• Retirement 401(a) Plan: Employer contributes 10% of your gross pay

• Paid Time Off: Accruals over the year

• Vacation Days: 22/year (maximum accrual 352 hours)

• Sick Days: 15/year (unlimited maximum accrual)

• Holiday Days: 15/year

• Tuition Benefit: Employees have access to this benefit on all CU campuses

• ECO Pass: Reduced-rate RTD Bus and light rail service

There are many additional perks & programs with the CU Advantage.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, journalism, public relations, communications, business administration, business, or a directly related field from an accredited institution.

  • Substitution: A combination of education and related technical/military/paraprofessional experience may be substituted for a bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.

• At least four (4) years of experience working in communications, public relations, social media, or marketing field(s).

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional experience in communications, journalism, public relations, content strategy, marketing communications, or a related field.

• Experience developing organizational communications strategies.

• Demonstrated excellence in interviewing, writing, editing, and storytelling.

• Experience in graphic design and visual communications.

• Experience designing websites, digital experiences, and user-centered content (Sitefinity).

• Experience with graphic design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite).

• Experience working in healthcare, higher education, nonprofit, or professional association environments.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship. We are unable to provide work visa sponsorship or employment authorization for this position now or in the future.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Well-developed professional skills in the areas of program planning, management, and data-driven decision-making.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, fellows, residents, students, alumni, and administrative personnel at all levels, including outside organizations and the public.

• A demonstrated ability to independently manage and respond to support customer needs and requests in a professional, timely manner.

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, and handle a fast-paced environment.

How to Apply:

For full consideration, please submit the following document(s):

1. A letter of interest describing relevant job experiences as they relate to listed job qualifications and interest in the position

2. Curriculum vitae / Resume

3. Three to five professional references, including name, address, phone number (mobile number if appropriate), and email address

4. Two samples of your communications work, including but not limited to: feature stories, annual reports, newsletters, impact reports, infographics, blog posts, or other relevant content.

Questions should be directed to: Anne Kercsmar (anne.kercsmar@cuanschutz.edu).

Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until the position is filled. For best consideration, apply by November 2^nd, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range:

The starting salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established as $65,105 to $87,241.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. This position may be eligible for overtime compensation, depending on the level.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Total Compensation Calculator

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

ADA Statement:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at hr.adacoordinator@cuanschutz.edu.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Colorado Anschutz is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

Vaccination Statement:

CU Anschutz strongly encourages vaccination against the COVID-19 virus and other vaccine preventable diseases. If you work, visit, or volunteer in healthcare facilities or clinics operated by our affiliated hospital or clinical partners or by CU Anschutz, you will be required to comply with the vaccination and medical surveillance policies of the facilities or clinics where you work, visit, or volunteer, respectively. In addition, if you work in certain research areas or perform certain safety-sensitive job duties, you must enroll in the occupational health medical surveillance program.