Director Communications & Marketing - McKelvey School of Engineering

Position Summary
This position leads the development of integrated marketing and communications that enhance the school’s visibility and reputation and engage internal and external constituents. This position manages the division of the school’s marketing and communications team responsible for print, digital, multimedia, brand identity, and creative services.

Job Description

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads the print, digital, multimedia, brand identity, and creative services division of the school’s marketing and communications team.
  • Manages graphic designer; oversees creative services and all other creative aspects in developing publications/print materials; digital communications; advertising; and other communications.
  • Manages digital marketing manager and the senior web developer; guides the work of the web group and oversees the school’s websites, also oversees the school’s social media channels.
  • Manages the multimedia manager; oversees all photography, videography, and other multimedia.
  • Manages the integrated marketing manager.
  • Collaborates closely with the school’s news and media relations team to ensure cohesive, integrated messaging/content and the delivery of news to constituents.
  • Counsels marketing and communication staff in academic departments and the Professional Education department.
  • Establishes and evaluates operational procedures for team, ensuring strong, positive working relationships and successful outcomes.
  • Tracks and evaluates ongoing communications efforts and their effectiveness with key stakeholder groups.
  • Manages team budget; tracks and evaluates ROI to ensure financial efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Manages relationships with external firms, vendors, freelancers; and serves as a liaison to the university’s Office of Marketing & Communications.
• Works closely with the senior associate dean to develop the school’s annual and long-term communications strategy and plans; assists with creating the dean’s communications, including presentations; co-manages market research; and helps with enhancing the school’s brand through strategic, goal-aligned communications.
• Works with academic departments/chairs and the school’s graduate student services office to develop and implement marketing and communications that lead to high-quality, diverse prospective Master’s and Ph.D. students.
• Partners with the university’s undergraduate admissions office to develop and implement marketing and communications that lead to high-quality, diverse prospective undergraduate students.
• Collaborates with the Dean, Senior Associate Dean, and University Advancement team to develop and implement communications that support fundraising goals and initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience in business administration, marketing, communications, journalism, English, or related field.
• Ten or more years of progressive responsibility in the area of marketing communications.
• Experience working in higher education, engineering, computer science and/or the sciences.
• Strong record of successful implementation of communications, leadership, and strategic planning in a communications or marketing management role.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully managing people and developing teams.
• Experience in managing budgets and demonstrated financial acumen.
• Brand management experience.
• Visual acumen and background in leading design projects. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign.
• Web/digital media expertise.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with alumni, faculty, and university offices as required.
• Ability to think strategically, critically, and creatively.
• Exceptional judgment and discretion; ability to responsibility handle confidential information.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, planning, problem-solving, and project management skills. Strong time management, attention to detail, ability to manage multiple priorities, and ability to forecast and plan work across teams, while maintaining a landscape view of priorities, values, and vision.
• Creating fundraising materials and student recruitment communications, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
• Using CRM systems to develop and manage constituent relationships.
• Working with HTML.
• Using project management software/tools.
• Working with video editing software.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in related field and seven years of relevant experience or Master’s degree in related field and five years of relevant experience.

Grade
G15

Salary Range
$82,500.00 - $145,200.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected]  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.