The Senior Vice President, Content is a senior leadership role responsible for defining and executing the Heisman Trophy Trust’s multiplatform content strategy with a digital and social-first focus. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will steward one of the most iconic brands in sports, driving modern relevance, cultural impact, and audience growth by leveraging innovative and compelling content around the Heisman Trophy Winners, Heisman Hopefuls, and the Trust’s charitable mission.
The SVP, Content will lead end-to-end content development across platforms, ensuring the Heisman Trophy remains a year-round, culturally resonant brand that celebrates excellence, leadership, and service—on and off the field.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and own a comprehensive, multiplatform content strategy that prioritizes digital, social, and emerging platforms while aligning with the Trust’s mission and business objectives.
- Serve as the senior content advisor to the CEO and executive leadership, translating organizational priorities into compelling storytelling and audience engagement.
- Establish clear content pillars that balance football excellence, personal storytelling, cultural relevance, and the Trust’s charitable impact.
Multiplatform Content Development
- Lead the creation, production, and distribution of original content across digital, social, video, audio, live, experiential, and linear partner platforms including ESPN, streaming partners, Meta, X, TikTok, YouTube and others as prioritized.
- Build and manage a year-round content ecosystem extending beyond Heisman Week, including in-season, offseason, and evergreen storytelling.
- Ensure content is optimized for platform-specific formats and audience behaviors, with a strong emphasis on short-form, social-native storytelling along with longer-form content for more traditional distribution channels.
Brand & Storytelling
- Elevate the Heisman Trophy brand by telling authentic, modern stories featuring Heisman Trophy Winners, Heisman Hopefuls, and student-athletes.
- Deepen brand relevance among younger and more diverse audiences while maintaining the legacy and prestige of the Heisman Trophy.
- Integrate the Trust’s charitable work, mission, and values into compelling narratives that highlight leadership, service, and community impact.
Talent & Relationship Management
- Partner closely with Heisman Trophy Winners, Hopefuls, universities, conferences, media partners, and brand partners to develop compelling content opportunities.
- Guide on-camera talent, athletes, and ambassadors to ensure authentic, consistent representation of the Heisman brand.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external production partners to maintain creative excellence and brand consistency.
Team Leadership & Operations
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing content team spanning strategy, creative, production, and distribution.
- Establish efficient workflows, editorial calendars, and production processes that support scale and quality including the Heisman website and owned-and-operated social channels.
- Manage content budgets, vendor relationships, and production resources effectively.
Measurement & Innovation
- Define success metrics and KPIs for content performance, audience growth, engagement, and brand impact.
- Use data and insights to inform strategy, optimize content, and drive continuous improvement.
- Stay ahead of digital, social, and media trends, identifying new platforms, formats, and technologies to keep the Heisman Trophy culturally relevant.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of experience in content strategy, digital media, sports media, entertainment, or brand storytelling, with significant leadership experience.
- Proven track record of building and scaling multiplatform, digital- and social-first content strategies for iconic brands or media properties.
- Deep understanding of sports culture, college football, athlete-driven storytelling, and the evolving media landscape.
- Experience working with high-profile talent and stakeholders, including athletes, executives, and brand partners.
- Strong editorial judgment with the ability to balance innovation with brand legacy and integrity.
- Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and develop creative teams.
- Data-driven mindset with experience using analytics to guide content decisions.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills.
Preferred Experience
- Background in sports leagues, media companies, digital publishers, or culturally relevant consumer brands.
- Experience integrating purpose-driven or charitable storytelling into brand content.
- Familiarity with NIL dynamics, athlete branding, and collegiate athletics ecosystems.
Personal Attributes
- Deep appreciation for sports, leadership, and the values embodied by the Heisman Trophy.
- Collaborative, inspirational leader with a hands-on approach.
- Creative, entrepreneurial mindset balanced with strong operational discipline.
- High integrity, sound judgment, and ability to manage brand risk.
- Comfortable operating in both high-profile, public-facing moments and behind-the-scenes strategy.
Work Environment & Travel
- Hybrid in-office environment, as applicable
- National travel required for content production and creative partner engagement
Compensation
- Salary Range - $240,000 - $260,000 plus bonus
- Comprehensive benefits package
Additional Information
- The Heisman Trophy Trust's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
Heisman Staff Shared Values:
- Drive Growth & Impact - Focus our efforts on growth, relevance and mission impact while respecting the brand’s traditions
- Every Winner Matters - Enhance the lives and legends of the Heisman Winners
- Team-First Mindset - Build and empower a sustainable, collaborative and grateful team to fulfill the mission
- Start with Clarity - Align and operate against a board-approved annual plan and budget while embracing continuous improvement
