Executive Director of Marketing & Communications

Job Summary

The Executive Director of Marketing & Communication reports directly to both the President and the Chief Enrollment Management Officer in a dual reporting structure. The Executive Director leads all external and internal marketing and communications, including branding, enrollment marketing, content management across all university platforms, website branding and content, planning and implementation of prospective student digital strategies and campaigns, and public relations activities. The Executive Director stays up to date with the digital landscape while managing the changing demands of higher education and its stakeholders. The Executive Director supports the President, alumni, athletics, academics, and relevant stakeholders across campus in communications strategies that elevate and expand the ULM brand.
The Executive Director is responsible for content management, digital media marketing, brand stewardship, campaign development, agency management, and communications services such as content for the website, photography, graphic design, collateral fulfillment, and services to support recruitment, academics, and advancement. The Executive Director is also accountable for providing the vision and direction for strategic, collaborative marketing/communications campaigns that further ULM’s reputation as a leading higher education institution among diverse audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees the integration of marketing and communications strategies with the admissions funnel. Works in alignment with Admissions Offices for the recruitment of students across all types, undergraduate and graduate.
• Serves as the brand steward, updating and refreshing the brand vision and positioning while integrating into marketing and communications strategies.
• Utilizes a data-driven approach to develop marketing strategies and plans for the admissions offices and academic units that supports the growth and sustainability of the ULM student body.
• Leads website branding, content, and overall management, working in collaboration with Information Technology.
• Manage a creative team that supports all marketing/communications projects for ULM, including media relations, graphic design, digital marketing, social media, photography, and videography.
• Discover and develop content from all corners of ULM that support the university's vision and bring to life its breakthrough academic contributions.
• Develop a high-level messaging framework for college and departmental communications teams to utilize successfully.
• Assist senior university leaders to shape and communicate key messages to support ULM's vision and mission.
• Collaborate with key personnel to develop strategies aimed at informing and influencing ULM's key audiences and stakeholders (e.g., College Deans, Government Relations, Recruitment, Enrollment Management, Foundation, Alumni Relations, and Athletics).
• Make data-driven decisions when crafting marketing strategies.
• Take full responsibility for all communications released by the university in an effort to protect the brand.
• Hire, train, and develop a well-rounded team, and manage the department budget.
• Collaborate with university athletics to develop a consistent image
• Build marketing priorities to include student recruitment, faculty advancement, university recognition, etc.

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters preferred;
• Years of experience in the field, preferably 5 – 8;
• Experience as a senior communications and marketing professional in a large, complex, and dynamic organization;
• Experience managing highly productive and collaborative teams;
• Experience developing and leveraging research and data analytics to inform and evaluate programs, campaigns, and resource deployment;
• A track record of leading innovation in digital communications and marketing technologies;
• Expertise in directing media strategy across local, regional, national, and international markets;
• Experience in crisis communications and internal communications;
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud software desired;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills;
• Ability to work with a team as well as independently with minimal supervision.