Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications

Director of Marketing and Strategic Communications

Wesleyan College is seeking a visionary marketing and communications leader for an exceptional opportunity to drive our next decade of accelerated growth in enrollment and influence. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications, the Director will be responsible for marketing as well as communication with multiple constituent groups to include prospective and current students; prospective and current parents and families; alumnae; faculty and staff; advancement, including individuals and industry partners; diverse community leaders and supporters; local and national media; higher education innovators; and elected officials, etc. Such work will require intentional collaboration with highly varied internal and external stakeholders. The director will be expected to develop and implement creative and measurable communications and marketing plans that encompass advertising, public relations, market research, publications, digital/social media, events, media relations and other aspects of strategic marketing.

The campus seeks a leader who is highly collaborative, providing strategic consultation to their team, internal customers, and Wesleyan College as a whole. This leader is expected to serve as a visible representation of the campus vision and values, in concert with the president and aligned with the long-range strategic vision and mission of Wesleyan College.

• Develop, implement, evaluate and refine a comprehensive marketing strategy designed to help Wesleyan College advance and achieve key institutional goals.
• Use innovative marketing strategies to build relationships, enhance institutional reputation, and strengthen the Wesleyan College brand.
• Develop and assess measurable goals and objectives that advance the Strategic Framework as well as marketing objectives.
• Plan and conduct market research.
• Create and strategically execute a plan to increase Wesleyan’s public profile, visibility, and brand–recognition at the regional and national level using media relations, marketing and creative services, web and social media communication, targeted print and electronic communication, leadership communication, and other activities.

• Direct the daily activities of the Marketing and Communications Department.
• Develop and manage a communications strategy to promote the College and its programs
• Build a culture of collaboration with internal partners.
• Provide editorial direction and supervise the design, production, and distribution of all Wesleyan College’s marketing and communication publications and printed material working in close collaboration with relevant colleagues. Oversee and ensure editing for the highest level of professionalism in all written communication that represents the campus.
• Ensure stories featuring students, alumni, faculty, and staff are routinely shared internally and externally.
• Provide expertise and advice to campus leadership regarding internal and external public relations matters.
• Work with colleagues across Wesleyan College to advance the system-wide communication and marketing management strategies.
• Professionalism appropriate to represent the campus with internal and external audiences, including major industry partners.
• Experience working in highly collaborative environments requiring interpersonal communication competence, initiative, listening, and emotional intelligence.

This position reports to the Vice President of Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications and exercises direct supervision over employees in the Marketing and Communications Department.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, public relations, marketing or related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in strategic marketing and communications
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in marketing and communications strategy

1. Master’s degree
2. Directly related work experience in higher education, policy and advocacy
3. Outstanding project management skills
4. Excellent writing skills; innovative approach and creative execution
5. Demonstrated ability to responsibly manage a budget
6. Demonstrated success in managing, supporting and motivating staff
7. Creative and strategic application of digital and social media technologies
8. Experience and expertise in marketing, media relations, public affairs, crisis communications, issues management, social media and public relations

Wesleyan College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The College supports equal employment opportunities for all persons without regard to race, color, creed, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, gender, national origin, status as a war veteran, age, disability, or any other status protected by law. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States, individuals will be required to provide proof of identity and eligibility for employment in the United States upon acceptance of an employment offer.

Wesleyan College is a certified drug-free workplace employer. All applicants being considered for employment are required to submit to substance screening and must pass a criminal background check as a condition of employment.

To apply for this position, you must upload a letter of interest, resume, and three references. This position is subject to close once a satisfactory candidate pool has been identified.