Director, Campaign Initiatives Lab

Description

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Director of the Campaign Initiatives Lab leads a strategic innovation function focused on designing, testing, and deploying public-facing campaigns that shift narratives, influence behavior, and mobilize communities toward impact. This role oversees multiple high-profile initiatives, translating strategic priorities into creative experimentation and real-world implementation.

The Director is responsible for setting the Lab’s vision, managing project teams, cultivating partnerships, and ensuring campaigns are grounded in community insight and evidence-based practices. This position plays a critical leadership role in how GCV shapes public conversations and catalyzes action around Colorado’s most pressing issues.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Strategic Leadership (30%)

Set the long-term vision, priorities, and strategy for the Campaign Initiatives Lab.

Translate organizational priorities into actionable campaign roadmaps and innovation portfolios.

Develop near-term and annual plans, allocating resources to meet operating and strategic objectives.

Establish processes and criteria for campaign selection, experimentation, and evaluation.

Campaign Innovation, Design and Execution (30%)

Ensure adherence to investment policies, guidelines, and regulatory requirements.

Maintain accurate records, prepare performance and compliance reports, and support audits and the due diligence process. 

Implements and enforces approved policies and procedures

Partnership Development and Stakeholder Engagement (10%)

Build and maintain relationships with community organizations, creatives, policy partners, researchers, and other collaborators.

Represent GCV in external convenings, coalitions, advisory groups, and cross-sector networks.

Work with partners to advance bold, community-informed solutions and messages.

Team Leadership and Operational Management (15%)

Supervise, mentor, and develop team members; contribute to hiring decisions and team structure.

Create a culture of learning, experimentation, accountability, and equity.

Manage unit budgets, contracts, operations, and reporting.

Organizational Learning and Integration (5%)

Supervise, mentor, and develop team members; contribute to hiring decisions and team structure.

Create a culture of learning, experimentation, accountability, and equity.

Manage unit budgets, contracts, operations, and reporting.

Requirements

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We’re looking for a strategic, collaborative leader who can design and lead bold campaign initiatives that drive narrative change, community engagement, and measurable impact for children and families in Colorado. The ideal candidate brings strong strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and operational discipline, with the ability to move between vision-setting and execution. They are comfortable leading through ambiguity, committed to centering equity and community voice, and skilled at building relationships across sectors to translate complex issues into compelling, action-oriented campaigns.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Deep understanding of campaign strategy, public engagement, or narrative change approaches.
• Familiarity with community-centered design, behavioral science, and/or creative development cycles.
• Knowledge of equity principles, anti-racist practice, and community power-building.
• Understanding Colorado’s civic, policy, and community landscapes (or ability to learn quickly).
• Strategic planning, systems thinking, and the ability to balance long-term vision with near-term execution.
• Exceptional communication: written, verbal, and visual, with the ability to distill complex issues into compelling narratives.
• Facilitation skills, especially in cross-sector, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong organizational, project management, and resource management skills.
• Ability to build trust and work collaboratively across diverse teams and communities.
• Ability to lead through ambiguity, adapt to emerging opportunities, and guide teams in experimentation.
• Ability to manage multiple high-profile initiatives simultaneously.
• Ability to integrate equity into all aspects of strategy, decision-making, and practice.

Education and Experience

· Typically requires a master’s degree or above in public affairs, communications, public policy, social innovation, community engagement, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

· 7+ years of related experience, including at least 3–5 years of management experience.

· Demonstrated success leading complex campaigns, initiatives, or innovation projects.

· Experience cultivating partnerships across community, creative, policy, and/or research sectors.

· Experience supervising staff and leading teams toward shared outcomes.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position is based in our downtown Denver office at Union Station and operates within a professional business setting. The role frequently involves computer-based work, including the use of voice and video conferencing tools. It requires extended periods of sitting, computer use, and virtual communication

This position will be staffed through the 33rd Talent Corporation, which is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We treat all employees and job applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent, and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.