Description

The Director of Marketing and Communications is responsible for developing and implementing the long-term marketing & communications strategy for the Pfeiffer University brand and overseeing the day-to-day activities of the department. Responsibilities include planning, development and implementation of all Pfeiffer University marketing, communication, and content development strategies, both external and internal. The Director oversees development and implementation of materials and services in the area of marketing and communications and coordinates at the strategic and tactical levels with the other functions of the University.

Full-Time

Key Responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement a paid advertising strategy that aligns with the university’s academic and institutional goals.
• Lead the development of a comprehensive social media strategy that fosters engagement and promotes the university’s people, academic programs, events and achievements. Selected candidate will be responsible for overseeing the work of the multi-media content creator and assisting with social media strategies designed to enhance the university brand, engage target audiences and increase university’s presence.
• Oversee the creation and curation of high-quality, engaging website content that highlights academic achievements, campus life, etc. The selected candidate will create and manage an effective content development and implementation plan and will collaborate with vendors, photographers, etc. to improve SEO/SEM and audience engagement.
• Conduct market research, in collaboration with university partners, to identify target audiences, their educational needs, and preferences. Use this data to inform advertising and content strategies that resonate with current and prospective students, faculty, alumni, and donors.
• Regularly analyze performance metrics for paid advertising and social media campaigns, using data to make informed decisions. Implement A/B testing and other strategies to optimize campaigns and improve engagement.
• Manage the advertising and social media budget, allocating resources efficiently and tracking expenditures to ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with various university departments, such as admissions, academic affairs, and advancement, to align marketing strategies with the broader institutional objectives.
• Lead and inspire the Marketing and Communications staff which currently consists of a Director of Creative Services and a Multi-Channel Content Creator.
• Coordinate media interest in the university and ensure regular contact with target media and appropriate response to media requests.
• The Director of Marketing and Communications will supervise the Director of Creative Services and the Multi-Channel Content Creator

Typical office environment; frequently lifting and carrying items up to 20 lbs.; frequently twisting or bending at the waist or reaching overhead; frequently traveling between buildings on campus, to other campuses or off-campus to meet with vendors and attend events; frequently listening to and talking with students, faculty and other staff members either in person or by telephone; standing or walking over 50% of work time; sitting at a desk or workstation for 50% of work time using a computer display, keyboard, and mouse; some weekend and evening hours; occasionally work in outdoor conditions.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a discipline related to the area of marketing and communications or equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Strong writing and oral skills essential, photography experience preferred.
• Proficient use of web analytics tools, email marketing and campaign platforms and content management systems (CMS).
• Demonstrated ability to responsibly manage a budget.
• Expertise in media relations including proven success pitching stories, messaging development, and providing thought leaders with media training.
• Commitment to the ideals of the Pfeiffer University community.
• Excellent written, oral and presentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Demonstrated success in a senior marketing or content strategy position, emphasizing measurable achievements in paid advertising, social media strategy, and website content strategy, preferably within higher education.
• Proficient use of digital marketing channels and tools, including Sprout Social, Google Analytics, and the paid aspects of social media channels, with measurable results.
• Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing marketing analytics for data-driven decision-making, for evaluating the effectiveness of campaigns, and to optimize future, related strategies.
• Demonstrated ability in applying creative thinking and problem-solving skills to achieve tangible outcomes.
• Proficient in project management with demonstrated skills.