What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Marketing and Communications position at Syracuse University?
Job #
041863
Department Code
Enter Dept Code
Department
D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF)
Job Title
Director of Marketing and Communications
Location
Syracuse, NY
Pay Range
$98,000 - 145,000
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level
S6
FLSA Status
Exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours.
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type
Full-time
Campus
Syracuse, NY
Unionized Position Code
Not Applicable
Job Description
Reporting to the Deputy Executive Director of the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), the Director of Marketing & Communications is responsible for leading and executing the IVMF’s and the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (OVMA) strategic communications and marketing efforts to advance their respective missions, amplify their impact, and elevate the visibility of their respective programs, research, and/or thought leadership. This includes oversight of internal and external communications, brand management, media relations, digital strategy, content development, and creative direction.
The Director serves as the chief architect of the storytelling strategy, ensuring consistency of voice, message, and brand across all platforms and audiences including veterans and military families, the University, funders, partners, policymakers, media, and the broader public. Working in close collaboration with IVMF’s and OVMA’s leadership and programmatic teams, as well as Syracuse University’s central communications offices, the Director develops integrated marketing and communication strategies that align with organizational priorities and strategic initiatives.
As a member of the leadership team, the Director of Marketing & Communications contributes to shaping the Institute’s and OVMA’s overall strategic direction, ensuring that communications and outreach efforts are cohesive, innovative, and results-driven. The Director will also supervise a team of marketing and communication professionals, and external vendors as needed to ensure timely, high-quality execution of campaigns, materials, and initiatives.
The Director serves as the chief architect of the storytelling strategy, ensuring consistency of voice, message, and brand across all platforms and audiences including veterans and military families, the University, funders, partners, policymakers, media, and the broader public. Working in close collaboration with IVMF’s and OVMA’s leadership and programmatic teams, as well as Syracuse University’s central communications offices, the Director develops integrated marketing and communication strategies that align with organizational priorities and strategic initiatives.
As a member of the leadership team, the Director of Marketing & Communications contributes to shaping the Institute’s and OVMA’s overall strategic direction, ensuring that communications and outreach efforts are cohesive, innovative, and results-driven. The Director will also supervise a team of marketing and communication professionals, and external vendors as needed to ensure timely, high-quality execution of campaigns, materials, and initiatives.
The role requires strong strategic planning, storytelling, and project management skills, as well as the ability to navigate a dynamic, high-profile nonprofit environment with a national footprint. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative leader and experienced communicator who understands both the art and science of mission-driven marketing and who can position the IVMF and OVMA as a leading national voice in their respective spaces.
Education and Experience
- Master’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, business, or a related field required; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Seven (7) plus years of progressively responsible experience in strategic marketing, communications, or brand management, including at least three years in a leadership or supervisory role.
- Proven experience developing and implementing comprehensive marketing and communications strategies across digital, print, and earned media platforms.
- Demonstrated success in managing teams, budgets, vendors, and complex project workflows in a mission-driven or nonprofit environment.
- Experience with audience segmentation, digital marketing tools, web analytics, and content management systems; familiarity with CRM systems and marketing automation platforms a plus.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into accessible and compelling narratives.
- Strong understanding of media relations, public affairs, and reputation management.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional collaborations and cultivate productive relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience supporting fundraising, advancement, and donor communications efforts in coordination with development professionals preferred.
- Knowledge of veterans and military family issues is a plus.
- Strategic thinker with strong judgment, creative instincts, and a data-informed approach to communications and marketing.
Skills and Knowledge
- Strong leadership, creative vision, and strategic planning capabilities with a proven track record of building and executing successful marketing and communications campaigns.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, mission-focused environment with strong organizational and multitasking skills, high attention to detail, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
- Demonstrated excellence in storytelling, brand management, and content strategy across multiple platforms (web, social, print, video, earned media).
- Proven ability to lead and manage teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills with a clear, engaging, and adaptive communication style.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage, influence, and build relationships with stakeholders across diverse audiences, including senior leaders, media, funders, and community partners.
- Knowledge of digital marketing tools, analytics platforms, and content management systems; ability to leverage data for strategic decision-making.
- Commitment to inclusive and equitable communications practices that reflect and serve diverse veteran and military-connected populations.
- Strong alignment with the IVMF and Syracuse University missions and values, with a demonstrated passion for public service and social impact.
Responsibilities
Communications Strategy & Content Development
- Develop and manage an integrated communications strategy aligned with IVMF’s and OVMA’s mission, goals, and stakeholder engagement priorities.
- Direct the creation, curation, and distribution of original content (e.g., newsletters, impact reports, media pitches, blogs, video, and social content).
- Establish and track Key Performance Indicators to track success across communication functions.
- Oversee digital presence, including website strategy and updates, email marketing, and organic and paid social media.
- Cultivate media relationships and manage proactive outreach and rapid response communications.
- Ensure internal communication efforts support organizational cohesion, morale, and clarity around initiatives.
Strategic Marketing & Brand Management
- Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive marketing strategy that elevates the IVMF and OVMA brand and supports long-term organizational goals.
- Establish and track Key Performance Indicators to track success across marketing functions.
- Oversee brand management efforts to ensure consistent voice, messaging, and visual identity across all platforms and communications.
- Identify opportunities to expand awareness of IVMF and OVMA programs, initiatives, and research among key audiences, including veterans, military families, funders, partners, and the public.
- Collaborate with program leads and research teams to translate complex ideas and data into compelling narratives and materials.
- Utilize data and market insights to assess effectiveness and make informed adjustments to marketing plans and priorities.
- Represent the IVMF and OVMA brands in cross-campus, partner, and public-facing settings.
Team Leadership & Operational Oversight
- Lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of marketing and communications professionals and vendors.
- Develop clear goals, expectations, and development pathways for team members.
- Oversee project workflows, resourcing, and timelines to ensure quality, timely delivery, and alignment with IVMF priorities.
- Steward and monitor the marketing and communications budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and ROI analysis.
- Foster a collaborative, creative, and mission-driven work culture.
Stakeholder Collaboration & Institutional Alignment
- Serve as the primary liaison to Syracuse University’s central marketing and communications offices.
- Partner with IVMF leadership, program, and research leads to align messaging and support cross-functional initiatives.
- Support donor relations, event promotion, and advancement activities through strategic communications and storytelling.
- Engage key partners, advisory board members, and funders through tailored communication and brand engagement strategies.
- Other Duties as Assigned.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Salary : $98,000 - $145,000
