Senior Director for University Marketing and Communications

The Senior Director for University Marketing and Communications provides marketing oversight and project management leadership in the development and implementation of brand marketing and communications for Mount Mary University. This role will interface regularly with key stakeholders in Recruitment, Development, Alumnae Relations and Academic Deans in crafting effective marketing communications that portray a creative, unified and bold image of the University to internal and external constituencies. This role will also be responsible for Executive Communications for internal and external communications. Reports directly to the President of the University

Primary Responsibilities:

Management

• This position manages the workflow, staff and budget for this department. It supervises a staff of 5: Director of Content Strategy; Senior Graphic Designer; Digital Marketing Specialist; Graphic Designer; and Recruitment Marketing Manager.

Marketing/Social Media

• Oversees the development, implementation and management of a comprehensive integrated communications and marketing program; the strategic program will encompass branding, recruitment marketing, media relations, digital, social media and publications, and will be designed to ensure communication of institutional priorities to key constituencies.
• Directs the development of collateral materials in support of marketing strategies including publications, videos, electronic communications and multimedia presentations.
• Oversees the University’s relationship with the Agency of Record.
• Coordinates with the President the efforts of the University Marketing Committee Communications
• Manages the communication staff responsible for media relations and institutional publications for the campus and oversees the development of plans for the use of electronic and web-based communication for implementation of public relations strategies.
• Develops and implements plans for high visibility speaking engagements and other public relations activities to strategically link the institution and its key leaders with opinion leaders and targeted constituent groups.
• Directs internet communications for the campus to include policy development and compliance, training, coordination of administrative and academic communications, and direct homepage and portal development.

Media Relations

• Manages the public information functions for the campus including developing public information policies and ensuring that the office complies with state and federal laws.
• Maintains the University’s Crisis Communication Plan and provides crisis communication management for leadership during incidents that have potential to negatively impact the University’s reputation.
• Advises University administrators, staff, and faculty in media relations techniques by providing training exercises and materials.
• Proactively seeks national news media coverage and oversees the coordination of media coverage and responses to major news and events.
• Serves as principal spokesperson for the campus or delegates that responsibility to appropriate individuals.

Skills and Experience:

• Strong working knowledge and understanding of established professional codes of ethics and best practices for communications. 
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting inclusiveness and cultural competence; experience working with underrepresented students and students from at-risk backgrounds 
• Experience and understanding of current issues and developments in higher education 
• Exceptional ability to multitask and prioritize projects 
• Excellent oral, written, presentation and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to work with diverse groups, facilitate group processes and foster collaborative decision making 
• Strong working knowledge of publication design, print production, and vendor relationships 
• Skills in use of Microsoft Office programs and knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite software (InDesign and Photoshop) 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism or related discipline required. MBA or Master’s degree a plus. 
• Minimum of seven years of marketing/communications experience that includes working with marketing professionals, social media, editors, graphic and Web designers, clients, and media vendors. 
• Higher Education experience a plus. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each primary duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform primary functions. Expertise in growing social media networks is valued.

We offer a great team environment, competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Dental, Vision, 403B savings plan, 4 weeks of vacation plus 11.5 holidays a year.