Position Title: Senior Director for University Marketing and Communications

Department: University Marketing and Communications Department

Summary:

The Senior Director for University Marketing and Communications (AVP) will lead the University Marketing and Communications Department and is charged with developing and implementing a strategic communications and marketing program to build the University’s image regionally. The Senior Director will provide project management leadership in the development and implementation of brand imaging/voice and overall 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, including advising President and other senior administrators on public relations implications and devising strategies and content for internal and external communications.
 

Reports to: Executive Vice President for Administrative Services

Primary Duties: Includes, but is not limited to:
 

Marketing

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.
 
Has oversight for the development and implementation of programs (i.e. advertising, direct marketing, digital/social media) to effectively market the University to various communities.
 
Works with the team to develop themes and/or messages to promote University priorities for use by all campus offices engaged in student, community, alumni, and development outreach.
 
Oversees the development of unified campus-wide comprehensive marketing plan as well as marketing theme and design, including logos, and other creative designs.
 
Directs the development of collateral materials in support of marketing strategies including publications, vides, electronic communications and multimedia presentations.
 
Identifies target groups for campus outreach and dissemination of marketing materials and develops and implements plans for conducting market research of target groups.
 
 
 

 
Communications

Manages the communication staff responsible for media relations and institutional publications for the campus. Including, the development and implementation of a comprehensive integrated communications plan for the campus, in consultation with the President, VP’s, Deans, and campus administration.
 
Oversees the development of plans for the use of electronic and web-based communication for implementation of public relations strategies.
 
Provides editorial leadership for the University magazine, and for various campus brochures and newsletters.
 
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.
 
 

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.
 
Drafts and maintains a 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 in concert with campus communication objectives.
 
Oversees the coordination of media coverage and responses to major news and events by consulting with appropriate administrators to determine the campus responses and development of position statements.
 
Serves as principal spokesperson for the campus or delegates that responsibility to appropriate individuals.

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 experience that includes working with marketing professional, editors, graphic and Web designer, clients and media vendors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with keen attention to detail.
• Strong working knowledge of publication design, print production and vendor relationships.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Intermediate to expert knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite and Microsoft Project and knowledge of adobe Creative Suite software (InDesign and Photoshop).
• Demonstrated ability to build professional rapport, effectively lead a team and positively influence diverse groups