Director of Marketing and Communications

Founded in 1854, Hamline was the first university in Minnesota and among the first coeducational institutions in the nation. Hamline University provides a world-class education for undergraduate and graduate students. Our faculty, staff, and students cultivate an ethic of civic responsibility, social justice, and inclusive leadership and service.

Hamline University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Hamline University does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion; creed; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity; gender expression; national origin; marital status; familial status; status with regard to public assistance; membership or activity in a local human rights commission; disability; age; protected veteran status; or any other status protected by applicable law in its education or employment programs or activities. The University will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Marketing and Communications is responsible for leading strategic marketing and communications efforts to advance the university's reputation, enhance enrollment, and strengthen alumni and donor engagement. This individual oversees and executes the creation and implementation of integrated marketing strategies, internal and external communications, and branding initiatives. They will serve as the university's lead communications strategist and implementer, collaborating with campus leaders to ensure cohesive messaging that aligns with institutional goals and values.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Marketing and Branding

• Develop and execute integrated marketing plans to support student recruitment, alumni engagement, and donor development.
• Lead efforts to establish and maintain a consistent institutional brand identity across all communication channels.
• Conduct market research and analyze trends to inform strategy and decision-making.

Communications Leadership and Development

• Act as the chief communications professional for the university, overseeing and developing as needed all internal and external messaging.
• Support Hamline and the President’s activity related to public agenda by engaging media opportunities and managing press interviews.
• Provide leadership and consultation to faculty, staff, and students in effective media and communication strategies.
• Develop crisis communication plans and protocols, lead internal discussions regarding communications in critical situations, and serve as the primary spokesperson during critical situations when appropriate.

Creative Direction and Content Management

• Oversee the production of high-quality print and digital materials, including magazines, press releases, brochures, and social media campaigns.
• Direct storytelling initiatives that highlight the university’s achievements and values.
• Ensure all content is consistent with the university's branding and communication standards.

Digital Strategy

• Lead the development and management of the university’s website and social media platforms.
• Implement digital marketing strategies, including search engine optimization (SEO), email campaigns, and targeted advertising.
• Track and analyze the performance of digital campaigns to optimize engagement.

Team and Budget Management

• Recruit, train, and mentor a team of marketing and communications professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.
• Manage departmental budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support strategic priorities.
• Oversee partnerships with external vendors and agencies for specialized projects.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with university leadership to develop messaging that supports institutional goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with local, national, and industry media outlets to enhance visibility.
• Coordinate with alumni relations, advancement, and enrollment management to align communication strategies.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Perform additional work-related duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND KEY COMPETENCIES

• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic marketing and communications plans with measurable outcomes.
• Expertise in digital marketing tools and platforms, including Content Management System (Drupal preferred), Customer Relationship Management System (Slate preferred), and project management systems such as Work Zone and Trello.
• Established media relationships and experience developing and implementing crisis communication plans.
• Demonstrated ability to draft and to direct creation of communication content, including news releases and media alerts, to support initiatives.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including proficiency in AP and Chicago writing styles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to interpret data and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Proven leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire and manage diverse teams.
• In-depth knowledge of branding, public relations, and media engagement strategies.

MINIMUM EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field OR equivalent experience.
• 7 plus years progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, or public relations.
• 5 plus years of progressive experience in marketing and communications leadership roles.
• 5 plus years of experience developing media relationships, including experience as an organizational spokesperson.
• 5+ years of experience creating and implementing branding strategies that align with institutional goals and target audiences.
• 5 plus years of experience drafting, editing, and directing the creation of communication materials (e.g., press releases, speeches, newsletters, annual reports).
• 3 plus years of experience managing direct reports, cross functional teams, and departmental budgets of $500,000 or more.
• 3 plus years hands-on experience with digital marketing tools (i.e. Drupal, Slate, and Google Analytics)

PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or Communications.
• 10 plus years of experience in marketing and/or recruitment
• 10 plus years of experience in higher education or complex institutional environments.
• Expertise in video production and graphic design software.
• PRSA Advance Crisis Communication Certification

WORKING CONDITIONS / EQUIPMENT

Must perform the following essential functions with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Must be able to work on a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to work an on-call schedule.
• Ability to travel on and off campus locations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• This is a full time, 1.0 FTE, exempt position, 12 months a year.
• This position may require overtime and requires an on-call availability to address critical situations.
• Night and or weekend work may be required.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• This position reports to the Vice President for Enrollment Management
• This position supervises 8-10 employees.

Compensation and Benefits:

Pay Range: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 annually  

Full-Time Benefits:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Critical Illness and Hospital Indemnity
• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Paid Time off, including vacation time, paid holidays and safe and sick leave time off
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account (FSA)
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Tuition waiver

All questions marked ‘Required’ need to be answered in order to submit the application. It is important that your application show all of the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. If rejected, you must reapply for the position in order to be considered. A resume or curriculum vitae, a cover letter outlining your qualifications for and interest in the position, contact information for 3 current, professional references, as well as copies of transcripts (if required) must be uploaded with each application.