Director of Digital and Web Strategy

Kenyon College is conducting a search for a qualified candidate to fill the position of Director of Digital and Web Strategy. The director of digital and web strategy provides strategic direction for Kenyon’s public websites and the digital tools that drive traffic and engagement. The director oversees the overall development and design of Kenyon.edu and related web initiatives, providing governance, direction, planning and digital implementation that is integrated into a unified communications plan. An editorial and strategic partner, the director works closely with colleagues in the Communications Office and across the College to ensure that the website supports strategic communications goals and expresses Kenyon’s brand visually and editorially. This includes promoting best practices in web design and content to provide Kenyon audiences with an effective, satisfying and accessible user experience. The director partners with staff who develop and manage digital marketing campaigns, providing strategic guidance and insight reports that support data-driven decision-making and enhance performance.

Primary Responsibilities

Web strategy

• Ensure that Kenyon.edu and related web initiatives meet the vision set forth by the Office of Communications.
• Promote best practices in web design and development, including information architecture, user experience design, search engine optimization and accessibility.
• Serve as an editorial and strategic partner to colleagues in the Communications Office and across the College in crafting web content that supports communications goals, expresses Kenyon’s character and distinctions, and provides an effective and satisfying user experience.
• Work with College offices and departments to ensure the consistency, maintenance, and editorial and visual integrity of web content.
• Manage new institutional web initiatives associated with Kenyon.edu, including site redesigns, and determine the appropriate use and selection process of outside web consultants.
• Oversee Kenyon’s content management system, working in collaboration with outside vendors and Kenyon’s information technology team to ensure web functionality.
• Oversee efforts to ensure Kenyon.edu complies with best practices and standards for accessibility as defined by level AA of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).
• Oversee Kenyon’s emergency website and implement the College’s emergency web communication plan as needed.

Digital marketing analytics and guidance

• Develop and implement an analytics strategy for Kenyon’s main website and other digital initiatives to effectively measure and align Kenyon’s digital presence with institutional goals and objectives.
• Offer strategic guidance to enhance the performance of digital marketing campaigns that drive visitors to the website, such as search engine marketing, organic and paid social media, display advertising, and email marketing.
• Create insightful reporting dashboards that support data-driven decision-making.
• Use SEO data to drive content priorities and inform technical updates for improved visibility and user experience.
• Identify emerging trends and insights within the digital landscape, optimizing budgets and strategies.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Oversee the associate director whose primary responsibilities include: maintaining web pages; training and supporting content providers in the use of Kenyon’s web content management system; supporting the production of recruitment and fundraising email communications; advising and assisting in the use of web platforms to support event registration, online giving and other transactions; and maintaining Kenyon’s events calendar.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing or a related subject.
• At least five years relevant work experience managing websites or other web-based marketing platforms.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to write or edit for the web.
• Excellent project management skills, including extensive experience leading a large-scale website redesign and managing a site post-launch.
• Strong understanding of current trends and best practices in web design, including web accessibility standards.
• Strong command of a variety of content management systems.
• Ability to generate, analyze and interpret web and digital marketing metrics to inform strategic decision-making.
• Digital marketing fluency, including in search engine marketing, organic and paid social media, display advertising, and email marketing.
• Ability to manage effective relationships with vendors on behalf of the College.
• Experience with HTML, CSS and Adobe Creative Suite.

About Kenyon College

Kenyon College is a nationally prominent, private liberal arts college where academic excellence goes hand in hand with a strong sense of community and close relationships among students and professors.

Compensation and Benefits

Salaries at Kenyon are competitive and commensurate with experience. In addition to an attractive salary, Kenyon offers benefits for employees and their family members. Children of employees are eligible for 100% tuition waivers at Kenyon, and through the Great Lakes Colleges Association, children of employees are eligible for 90% tuition waivers at nineteen other of the nation's finest liberal arts colleges.

We also offer health, dental and vision insurance, TIAA retirement, and many other benefits, including provisions for a spouse, families, and domestic partners. Details about benefits as well as conditions of employment are described more fully in our Staff Handbook.

Kenyon College is an equal opportunity employer and applications from members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged. It is the College's policy to evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical and/or mental disability, age, religion, medical condition, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by institutional policy or state, local, or federal law. Kenyon College has a strong commitment to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. Please visit our Diversity at Kenyon website.