Executive Director of Marketing

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Marketing & Communications Execution

• Implement integrated marketing campaigns across digital, print, and social media channels to support student recruitment, fundraising, and institutional visibility.
• Manage daily marketing operations, project timelines, and production schedules and serve as point of contact with key vendor relationships.
• Develop marketing collateral and promotional content that aligns with the university’s strategic goals.
• Coordinate with Admissions to develop effective lead generation and conversion strategies for undergraduate, transfer, graduate, and online programs.
• Support Advancement and Alumni Relations with creative materials and storytelling for donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Maintain and protect the university’s brand identity, ensuring consistency across all marketing channels.

Creative & Content Development

• Oversee the creation and editing of marketing copy, photography, video, and graphic design.
• Ensure messaging aligns with Graceland’s brand standards and values.
• Maintain a university-wide written style guide and contribute to content planning for major publications and digital platforms.
• Partner with internal departments to provide writing, editing, and design support.

Digital Marketing & Analytics

• Lead social media content strategy and web presence in collaboration with internal teams and vendors.
• Manage digital campaigns, including paid media, email marketing, and SEO/SEM initiatives.
• Track and analyze performance data to assess campaign effectiveness and inform decision-making.

Collaboration & Campus Support

• Work collaboratively across university departments to ensure cohesive marketing support and high-quality customer service.
• Provide guidance to internal partners on marketing best practices and brand alignment.
Support crisis or reputational communications in coordination with university leadership when needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise marketing and creative staff, student workers, or external vendors as assigned.
Foster a collaborative, creative, and goal-oriented team culture.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or related field required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in marketing, preferably in higher education or nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrated success in digital marketing, creative project management, and brand execution.
• Experience supervising staff or managing creative teams preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Creative thinker with attention to detail and commitment to brand standards.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple departments.
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools, analytics platforms, and content management systems.