Director of Marketing and Communications

Are you a visionary marketing leader ready to shape the future of higher education? Viterbo University is seeking a full-time 12-month dynamic Director of Marketing and Communications to drive our brand, reputation, and enrollment goals. In this pivotal role, you will collaborate closely with key stakeholders across admissions, advancement, academic departments, and student services to craft and amplify the Viterbo story. Reporting to the Vice President for Marketing, Communications, and Enrollment, you'll oversee all aspects of our marketing and communications strategy, ensuring a consistent and compelling brand presence across multiple channels. Join us in making an impact and engaging diverse audiences in meaningful ways!

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and communications plan that aligns with Viterbo's mission, strategic goals, and enrollment priorities.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to identify target audiences, define key messages, and measure outcomes for ongoing improvement.
• Provide guidance and oversight for major marketing initiatives, brand campaigns, and institutional communications.

Brand Management

• Uphold and strengthen Viterbo's brand identity across print, digital, and experiential touchpoints.
• Ensure consistency in brand messaging, visual design, and voice throughout all university channels and materials.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of brand standards, including style guides and multimedia assets.

Communications & Content Strategy

• Direct the creation and dissemination of high-quality content for internal and external communications, including digital content, print publications, press releases, and media pitches.
• Manage crisis communication plans and coordinate timely responses with relevant stakeholders.
• Provide editorial leadership for flagship publications, university news, and storytelling initiatives that highlight student, faculty, and alumni achievements.

Digital Marketing & Analytics

• Oversee integrated marketing efforts spanning the university website, social media, email marketing, and digital advertising.
• Leverage data analytics and performance metrics to refine marketing strategies and demonstrate return on investment (ROI).
• Stay current with emerging digital trends, tools, and platforms to enhance the university's online presence and outreach.

Media & Public Relations

• Cultivate relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets to elevate Viterbo's visibility and thought leadership.
• Serve as a primary media contact or spokesperson when necessary, working closely with the Vice President for Marketing, Communications, and Enrollment on messaging.
• Develop press releases, advisories, and public statements that reflect the university's values and interests.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise a team of marketing, design, and communication professionals, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.
• Establish performance goals and professional development plans to nurture staff growth and retention.
• Partner with admissions, advancement, academic departments, and student services to align marketing and communications efforts with institutional needs.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage the annual marketing and communications budget, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
• Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with external agencies, consultants, and vendors.
• Continually seek cost-effective strategies and innovative approaches to maximize budget impact.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field required. A master's degree is strongly preferred.

Experience

• A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in marketing, communications, or a related field, with at least 3 years in a management or leadership role.
• Demonstrated success leading multifaceted marketing or communications strategies, preferably in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with marketing automation platforms, content management systems, analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics), and social media management platforms.
• Familiarity with design and production processes for print, digital, and multimedia content.
• Knowledge of SEO/SEM strategies and digital advertising best practices.

Soft Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, with a strong aptitude for brand storytelling and public relations.
• Strategic thinker with the capacity to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative leader with excellent organizational, interpersonal, and team-building skills.

To Apply: Please complete the online employment application form and upload a letter of interest, CV/resume, and three references.

Review of Application: The review of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.

About the University: Viterbo University is a Catholic, Franciscan, liberal arts institution located in scenic La Crosse, Wisconsin, which has been rated as one of the top places to live in the US. The region features an attractive cost of living, beautiful bluffs and coulees, three major rivers including the Mississippi River, world-class health care and education systems, and easy access to major cities in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois.

Diversity and Inclusion Statement: At Viterbo University, we value our inclusive climate and understand that diversity in experiences and perspectives is vital to advancing innovation, critical thinking, solving complex problems, and creating an inclusive academic community. We translate these values into action by seeking individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues, constituencies, and those who will help us advance our diversity and inclusion initiatives aimed at creating a university that values student, staff, and faculty engagement in addressing issues of diversity and inclusiveness.

Viterbo University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, encourages nominations and candidacy of historically underrepresented groups, and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Viterbo University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages nominations and candidacy of historically underrepresented groups.