Director of Marketing & Communications

Description

OUR UNIVERSITY

Ottawa University (established in 1865), one of the oldest private liberal arts universities in the United States, is a multi-campus system serving approximately 4000 students through its campuses in Kansas (Ottawa, Kansas- Residential Campus and Overland Park, Kansas- Adult Programs); Arizona (Surprise Residential Campus and OUAZ Adult Programs); Wisconsin (Brookfield Adult Programs); and our OU ONLINE PROGRAM based out of Overland Park, Kansas.

Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, private university that strives to integrate faith, learning, and life in the academic experiences of students.

JOB SUMMARY

Position is responsible to the OUKS Campus President and the University Vice Chancellor for Advancement for marketing and communications strategies to enhance the visibility of the university, while assisting in the effectiveness of its enrollment management and advancement functions. This role involves overseeing digital marketing, internal and external communications, and the development of marketing materials that effectively communicate the university’s mission, values, and offerings. The Director will work collaboratively with leadership, the advancement and admissions teams, and faculty and staff to ensure consistent messaging and a strong presence in the higher education community. The ideal candidate will have a passion for higher education, strategic thinking, creativity, design and digital marketing skills, an understanding of social media platforms and analytics, and an ability to develop and execute successful marketing strategies and campaigns.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE JOB (provide list of items which are essential to effective outcomes in this role):

General Responsibilities: 

• Effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously, producing the highest caliber work within the time and budget constraints of each project.
• Stay abreast of design trends and current technologies and their impact on creative development.
• Ensure overall brand consistency throughout materials produced.  As directed, work with outside vendors to obtain quotes and coordinate preparation of files for digital and offset print production.
• Be an articulate and persuasive ambassador on behalf of University Advancement and President’s Office and Mission, reaching the University’s many constituencies. Provide by example an appreciation of private, church-related higher education and the values inherent to the University’s mission.
• Manage all marketing communication consistent with University policies. Ensure the University’s policies, procedures, and provisions are understood and implemented at the unit. Encourage collaboration among the faculty and staff and with others.
• Conduct competitive analysis, understand competitive landscape, and monitor product, pricing and promotions in market.
• Build and continuously improve upon marketing communications, messaging and flow from inquiry through enrolled student status.
• Store all creative files and images in the University asset management system in an organized manner and fashion.
• Design external signage and outdoor communication within brand standards and specifications.
• Ensure brand application and maintenance are used effectively throughout the University platforms, including but not limited to the Fan Shop, print materials and athletics.
• Collaborate with marketing staff across the University on internal communications strategy and initiatives.
• Represent the University to external groups, alumni, faculty, staff, and students, so as to enhance and improve the brand image.
• Works with leadership regarding annual marketing budgets with accountability for return on marketing investments.
• Assist campus leadership in public relations matters as directed.
• Other duties as assigned

University Advancement:

• Create, in collaboration, the Advancement annual marketing plan (research, evaluate, compare and implement) in collaboration with the Advancement team and University Marketing.
• Maintain the look and feel for University Advancement marketing / initiatives within University guidelines.
• Create, coordinate the production of direct mail pieces, promotional materials and email blasts for University Advancement.
• Assist with the coordination of University Advancement events to build alumni relations and interactions as directed, including creation of materials, promotion, registration, and communication.
• Manage the Advancement portion of the University website, as well as other Advancement social media and electronic platforms as needed.

Ottawa Residential Campus:

• Coordinate the marketing needed for the implementation of the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan in collaboration with University Marketing and the enrollment management / admissions team.
• Maintain the look and feel for OUKS campus marketing / initiatives within University guidelines, including enrollment management materials, direct mail, and digital pieces.
• Create and post social media content to key social media platforms based on the broader University social media strategies and policies.
• Coordinate and manage campus events in coordination with various groups and individuals on the OUKS campus.
• Manage the campus portion of the University website.
• Manage campus communication and event items within the ERP system in alignment with the enrollment management needs.
• Create and publicize a weekly communication about Campus happenings in coordination with the Office of the Campus President. 8
• Assist with and review marketing across all campus departments, and University institutes and other areas as needed.
• Oversee the marketing design and messaging to provide consistency and accuracy across all marketing materials, while assisting with gaining consensus and buy-in on the marketing strategy and execution.
• Work cooperatively with administration, faculty, staff, and students of the University to gather the necessary information to assure that the best interests of both the University and its units are represented.

STANDARD UNIVERSITY EXPECTATIONS:

• Model and encourage collaboration among University departments assuring effective communication and operations.
• Understand the University’s policies and, procedures, and exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty, and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.
• Be mindful and supportive of the overall Mission of Ottawa University.
• Exercise Inclusivity in your daily actions accruing alignment within expectations of the University’s Mission Statement and Statement of Inclusion, Openness, and Community.

NOTE

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Ottawa University is committed to equal employment opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate in recruitment or employment on the basis of race, age, sex, color, religion, disability, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION: (education based on essential job duties and requirements consistent with business necessity):
Bachelors degree required; major in marketing, communications, public relations, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: (experience based on requirements in role and are consistent with business necessity)
5 or more years of related experience in higher education marketing with particular experience in marketing, communications, or public relations.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: List required and/or preferred certification, industry specific requirements, required or preferred use of equipment, and all necessary job skills, abilities, and knowledge competencies) Provide a list of items below:

• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Proven ability to develop and execute successful marketing strategies and campaigns.
• Familiarity with digital marketing tools, social media platforms, and analytics.
• Digital marketing (SEM)
• Graphic design
• Technical skills in Windows/Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suites (i.e. InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and technology support systems.
• Utilized customer relationship management system, preferably Salesforce.
• Knowledge of Macintoch and PC platforms is helpful.

WORKING CONDITIONS (Physical attributes required to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation - examples: sitting, lifting #, bending, driving, environmental factors or elements, noise level, stairs in a building, or other factors that will affect working conditions). Provide a list of items below:

• Prolonged periods of sitting must be able to lift 5-15 pounds at times.  Office building may require daily use of stairs.
• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling, pushing, and lifting; frequent prolonged and irregular hours, and exposure to varying temperatures.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Yes - Travel Required

• If YES, list type and approximate percentage: As needed for role.
• Responsible for driving students and University vehicles as part of job duties (YES/NO): No