Freelance Sign Writer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Founded in 1893, CEAS at CU Boulder is the second largest of seven schools and colleges at one of the nation's top public research institutions. As Colorado's flagship university, CU Boulder has selective admissions standards and a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs.

The college's mission is to generate new knowledge in engineering and related fields, and to equip students from a diverse set of backgrounds to become leaders and citizens responsible for the betterment of individuals and society. Our vision is to be a recognized world leader for excellence and innovation in engineering research and education, with an emphasis on inclusive excellence, active learning and global society.

Content Strategy & Planning:

• Develop and lead a content strategy that supports the CEAS and CU Integrated Marketing & Communications (IMC) Plans.
• Write clear, concise, and persuasive marketing copy for various digital platforms, including websites, web navigation, landing pages, email campaigns, social media posts, digital signage, newsletters, and advertisements.
• Create audience-centric content plans that support awareness, consideration, conversion, retention, and advocacy goals.
• Build and manage editorial calendars across multiple channels and campaigns.
• Identify new storytelling opportunities through audience research, market trends, competitive analysis, and performance data.

Paid Media Content:

• Write advertising copy for paid campaigns (E.g., master's programs, ASEE First Bell ad placements, and similar initiatives), working in tandem with designers to deliver high-quality outputs.
• Partner with academic and administrative units to develop content and messaging that is authentic and differentiating.
• Co-create and optimize content and multimedia assets covering search, social, display, video.
• Test and refine messaging, creative concepts, and content formats to improve campaign performance and return on investment.

Owned Media Content:

• Write effective, keyword-focused web copy optimized for SEO, AEO, and AI-powered search algorithms.
• Work alongside website manager to continuously refresh and optimize website content to improve discoverability and engagement in an evolving landscape driven by AI search.
• Bring a sound understand of UX/UI principles and work alongside the Website Manager to improve online experiences across diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with communications and creative team members, to develop compelling asset packages for websites, email, newsletters, and social platforms.
• Ensure content aligns with brand voice and SEO practices.
• Collaborate with the CEAS creative team and external freelancers to script and produce long- and short-form videos.
• Maintain governance standards for content quality, consistency, and brand compliance.

Earned Media & Thought Leadership:

• Collaborate with CEAS peers and the Office of Strategic Relations & Communications to identify research articles and science writing that can be repurposed into other formats (E.g., social posts, illustrations, graphics, videos, events, etc.) and distributed through a full complement of channels.
• Partner with unit communicators and writers to optimize headlines and article summaries to boost engagement, SEO, and AEO.
• Work with subject matter experts and internal partners to showcase thought leadership, customer stories, and educational content.
• Develop shareable material that enhances the college's influence, media coverage, audience engagement, and organic brand advocacy.
• Produce assets that showcase faculty achievements, student success, research innovation, alumni accomplishments, and industry partnerships.

Performance & Optimization:

• Leverage research and analytics-including web analytics, Slate CRM data, social media metrics, and user feedback-to evaluate effectiveness and refine content strategies.
• Define content key performance indicators and measurement frameworks across paid, owned, and earned channels.
• Analyze performance and implement changes to improve outcomes.
• Provide regular reports to the college and key collaborators on key performance indicators to improve decision making.

Other:

• Deliver on objectives by working across the entire Marcom team, including communications, creative, marketing, web, earned media.
• Coordinate with internal and external contributors, agencies, freelancers, and vendors as needed.
• Contribute to campaign planning, messaging frameworks, and brand voice consistency across channels.
• Participate in weekly full team and project meetings.
• Pursue professional development opportunities to stay on top of current marketing and communications trends.

This position may be eligible for a hybrid work modality, consistent with the College of Engineering and Applied Science Hybrid Work Policy.

The annual hiring range for this position is $72,000-$80,000. Relocation is available for eligible candidates. 

• Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of experience as a copywriter, content creator, brand strategist, or related role, with a strong portfolio of samples including digital, print, and social media content.
• A combination of education and/or experience may substitute.

• Strong understanding of SEO practices and experience with keyword research tools (E.g., Google Analytics, Semrush).
• Ability to adapt writing style to different audiences and maintain brand voice consistency.
• Creative storytelling ability with a strong understanding of digital marketing.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills; familiarity with AP style.
• Knowledge of the creative process and experience working side-by-side with graphic designers and web developers to ensure copy aligns with design goals and user needs.
• Strong analytical, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a collaborative, team-first environment.
• Sound understanding of UX and UI principles and their application to websites and other digital media.
• Comfortable understanding and working with technical information.
• Knowledge of social media platforms such as Facebook, Reddit, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.
• Strong interpersonal, collaboration and communications skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Robust organizational, prioritization and time-management skills for an often fast-paced environment.
• Capable of working independently under pressure and managing multiple priorities simultaneously to meet timelines.
• Comfortable with project management software such as Asana.

• 5+ years of experience as a copywriter, content writer, brand strategist, or related role, with a strong portfolio of writing samples including digital, print, and social media content.
• Experience working in higher education, especially with engineers or engineering students.
• Advertising or marketing agency experience.
• Experience with A/B testing and data-driven decision-making.

To apply, please submit the following materials:

1. A current resume.
2. A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
3. PDF sample of work or portfolio.

We may request references at a later time.

Please apply by August 27, 2026 for consideration.

Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.