Director of Market Intelligence and Planning

Franklin University, a private, independent, accredited, nonprofit university located in Columbus, Ohio, invites applications for the position of Director of Market Intelligence and Planning.

Founded in 1902, Franklin University has built its reputation on removing barriers to higher education for ambitious adults balancing educational goals with work, family, and other commitments. Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin is recognized as an innovator in online education and serves students through applied undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs designed to support career advancement and lifelong learning. More than 50,000 Franklin alumni live and work around the world, making meaningful contributions to their professions and communities. 

Position Summary

The Director leads a cross-functional Marketing Insights Team, represents Marketing in strategic planning and implementation meetings, and facilitates the development of integrated marketing plans in partnership with Franklin’s CSGI (Center for Strategic Growth & Innovation), university stakeholders and marketing channel owners. Leading the Integrated Marketing area, the role is responsible for research and program marketing functions and oversees marketing initiatives related to new-program launches and high-growth programs.

Key Responsibilities 

• Represent Marketing in CSGI planning and facilitate integrated marketing plans for approved growth priorities in partnership with CSGI, university stakeholders and channel owners.
• Oversee the market research function and cross-functional Marketing Insights Team to identify program and market opportunities and secure leadership input on their potential.
• Operate market research tools and platforms to assess markets, analyze competitive conditions and uncover insights that support program and growth decisions.
• Translate approved opportunities into recommendations for business development and areas where the University should concentrate effort and resources.
• Oversee program marketing, including new-program launches, program-level market expertise and strategies to maximize high-growth programs.
• Prepare decision-ready recommendations regarding market priorities, program positioning, portfolio opportunities and launch readiness.
• Evaluate program, audience and market performance with channel owners and use the findings to refine future plans.
• Lead execution of high-level marketing plans and establish clear planning milestones and handoffs to Digital Strategy and Marketing Operations, and Brand Communications.
• Supervise the Program Marketing Manager, provide direction to the part-time Marketing Coordinator, and build alignment across CSGI leadership, academic, enrollment and business development teams.

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, research or a related field.
• Seven years of progressively responsible experience in integrated marketing, market planning, program or product marketing, market research or marketing strategy.
• Experience working with business development teams and tools to inform decisions on market development and viability.
• At least three years of experience leading employees, major initiatives or cross-functional teams.
• Experience overseeing market research projects and managing external research partners.
• Demonstrated ability to apply research and performance data, translate complex information and produce clear recommendations.
• Strong planning, communication, presentation and relationship-management skills, with experience coordinating work across multiple departments.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Master of Business Administration.
• Experience with program, product or portfolio marketing and new-program or new-product launches.
• Higher education, enrollment marketing or adult-learner marketing experience.
• Experience working with business development, academic or institutional planning teams.

Additional Information

This position follows an on-site hybrid work schedule and requires flexibility to meet departmental and university needs. Evening and weekend events may be required, and some travel is expected.

Franklin offers a competitive benefits package, incentive program, and free parking. In addition, Franklin provides free undergraduate tuition for employees and eligible family members, graduate tuition assistance for full-time employees and eligible family members, and a discount on doctoral tuition for employees.

Franklin University is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive educational and workplace environment. Franklin does not discriminate on the basis of age, religion, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, disability, or veteran or military status.