Director of Communications & Marketing

New England Board of Higher Education

Boston, MA

Position Title: Director of Communications & Marketing

Department: Office of the President

Reports To: President and CEO

Salary Range: $65,000 – $80,000

FLSA Status: Exempt

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) seeks a strategic, creative, and collaborative Director of Communications & Marketing to lead the organization's internal and external communications efforts. This leadership role is responsible for developing and implementing integrated communications, marketing, media relations, branding, and digital engagement strategies that strengthen NEBHE's visibility, reputation, and impact across the New England region.

The Director will engage diverse stakeholders, including students and families, higher education leaders, policymakers, business and industry partners, and NEBHE board members. The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing NEBHE's mission through compelling storytelling, strategic marketing initiatives, media engagement, and organizational branding.

NEBHE BACKGROUND

Established in 1955 by six visionary New England governors, the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) is a regional compact that works across New England to help leaders assess, develop, and implement education practices and policies of regional significance; promote regional cooperation that encourages efficient sharing of education resources; and strengthen the relationship between higher education and the regional economy. Based in downtown Boston, NEBHE is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies that elevate awareness of NEBHE’s programs, services, and impact.
• Actively cultivate opportunities for NEBHE leaders and team members to speak and present to media, associations and organizations at events, conferences, meetings, etc.
• Assist in cultivating contacts with education and other reporters at New England media outlets and in developing and disseminating opinion pieces of relevance to the states and region.
• Support effective marketing of NEBHE’s tuition savings and transfer guarantee programs, improving the organization’s ability to reach students, parents, and relevant secondary and postsecondary counselors/advisors.
• Promote and attend events, conferences, meetings and functions.
• Arrange for photography and/or press coverage for special events.
• Promote and report on organizational milestones and activities such as NEBHE’s strategic plan, goals, priorities and projects; new programs, services or initiatives; organizational impact; ROI to member states and program participants; new grants and funders; and new hires, promotions, and retirements.
• Take the lead on key communications-related initiatives, including a rebranding of the organization and its relevant programs and communication vehicles. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Oversee, advise and assist in editing and producing, from concept to completion, a broad array of digital and print promotional and communication materials for the organization in collaboration with NEBHE team members.
• Plan, prepare and distribute original promotional content such as articles, news and press releases, email, blog and social media posts, and other updates on behalf of the organization.
• Design and execute social media plans (including LinkedIn,) in alignment with overall marketing plan to achieve lead generation and growth; cultivate NEBHE’s social media presence to ensure consistent dissemination of its brand across programs and platforms.
• Develop and execute plans to market discounted technology and other purchasing contracts to additional stakeholder groups in the region, supporting revenue generation for NEBHE and other higher education compacts.
• Develop and execute internal communications strategy that promotes staff awareness of NEBHE’s work and impact and helps strengthen sense of belonging.
• Design and lead reporting/analytics dashboards for marketing activities internally leveraging Google Analytics.
• Recruit and supervise undergraduate and graduate student interns who assist with executing key functions.
• Follow company policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable state or federal laws.
• Demonstrate a proactive work ethic and communicate with coworkers and customers in a professional, friendly and courteous manner, especially when dealing with angry or irritated customers.
• Perform other duties or projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of experience in communications, marketing, publications, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience building relationships with local and national media outlets
• A strong commitment to postsecondary education, diversity, equity and inclusion

Preferred

• Master’s degree in a related field
• Experience working in higher education, nonprofit organizations, public policy, or regional organizations

Equal Opportunity & Fair Chance Employment Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We are also committed to fair chance hiring and will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, including those who have been previously incarcerated, consistent with applicable laws.

BENEFITS

• 403(b) retirement contribution
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Hybrid work environment

CONTACT

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume on LinkedIn or via email to careers@nebhe.org using thesubject line: “NEBHE Director of Communications and Marketing.”