Executive Director of Marketing

DORDT UNIVERSITY

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Executive Director of Marketing

DEPARTMENT: Marketing

REPORTS TO: Vice President for Advancement & Marketing

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Executive Director of Marketing champions a culture of collaboration, creativity, and joy-filled work, aligning a team to achieve mission-driven results through innovative strategies and life-giving relationships. This role provides strategic leadership for Dordt University’s comprehensive marketing efforts, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and fostering an environment where team members flourish in their calling. The Executive Director oversees brand governance, digital marketing, creative development, social media strategy, alumni and parent engagement, and reputation management to advance enrollment, enhance visibility, and strengthen Dordt’s institutional reputation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPOSIBILITIES:

• Strategic Leadership and Planning

  • Curate a culture of operational excellence rooted in Dordt University’s mission and values.
  • Develop and implement integrated marketing strategies that support institutional goals and growth objectives across undergraduate, graduate, and online programs.
  • Champion innovation by exploring emerging platforms, technologies, and storytelling methods to keep Dordt competitive and relevant.
  • Establish systems for prioritizing marketing requests and allocation resources to maximize impact and efficiency.
  • Lead data-informed marketing plans and oversee performance metrics for campaigns across all channels.

• Brand Governance & Creative Oversight

  • Provide overarching leadership for Dordt University’s brand architecture, ensuring consistency of voice, visual identity, and messaging across all platforms.
  • Direct and mentor creative leaders, including the Director of Brand Strategy, fostering collaboration and excellence in design, content, and digital engagement.
  • Oversee production of creative assets, including video, photography, digital content, and print materials.
  • Enhance campus branding and guest experience through environmental branding and wayfinding.

• Digital Marketing & Web Strategy

  • Develop and execute digital marketing initiatives such as paid social, digital advertising, SEO/SEM, email marketing, and marketing automation.
  • Partner with Enrollment leadership to integrate brand strategy into recruitment campaigns for all programs.
  • Ensure an optimized, accessible, and user-focused web presence.

• Campaign & Project Management

  • Lead cross-channel marketing campaigns supporting admissions, advancement, academic programs, and institutional events.
  • Manage budgets, timelines, and vendor relationships to ensure on-time, high-quality execution.

• Team Leadership & Collaboration

  • Foster a life-giving environment filled with gratitude, collaboration, and creativity.
  • Equip and mentor staff to share Dordt’s mission with passion and purpose, ensuring alignment across departments and encouraging innovative approaches to storytelling and engagement.
  • Provide strategic oversight and mentorship for the Directors of Brand Strategy, Public Relations, and Alumni & Parent Relations, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and integrated marketing objectives.
  • Work closely with Admissions, Academic Affairs, Advancement, University Centers, Student Success, and the President’s Office to achieve strategic goals.

• Social Media & Reputation Management

  • Lead the university’s social media strategy across owned, paid, and earned channels.
  • Monitor trends and platform updates to ensure Dordt remains contemporary and competitive.
  • Train and support campus partners managing affiliated accounts.
  • Serve as the senior leader for reputation management and crisis communication, guiding PR strategy and advising university leadership.
    

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• A clear understanding and commitment to the Reformed perspective and mission of Dordt University and ability to clearly articulate and communicate the mission effectively.

• Ability to express an active Christian commitment, which shall include identification with a local organized church that holds to beliefs that are consistent with the mission of the university.

• Prospective members of the Dordt University community are expected to agree with its sexuality, gender identity, and sexual conduct policy which can be found on the DU website (contact the HR Office if you need additional information).

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or related field; Master’s preferred.

• 7 years of marketing experience with leadership in social media strategy and digital campaigns.

• Strong writing, storytelling, and content development skills.

• Leadership experience with cross-functional teams and/or direct reports.

• Experience with analytics tools, CRM/marketing automation systems, and social media management platforms.

• Demonstrated ability to lead with joy, cultivate a collaborative culture, and inspire innovation while maintaining alignment with Dordt University’s mission and Reformed perspective.

• Strategic thinker with excellent judgement in high-visibility or sensitive situations.

• Data-driven decision-making and performance tracking.

• Ability to balance creative vision with operational execution.