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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Smeal College of Business at the Pennsylvania State University, one of the largest and most well-respected business schools in the country, seeks an experienced and innovative professional to lead as its Senior Director of Marketing and Communications. Established in 1953, the Penn State Smeal College of Business is a vibrant intellectual community offering highly ranked undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and lifelong education opportunities to more than 10,000 students across the nation and around the world. Smeal is a destination of choice for top global organizations seeking talent that will make a positive difference. Through its leading faculty, network of research centers and institutes, and the accomplishments of its 89,000 active alumni, the college is a source of knowledge that influences the business practices of tomorrow. 

Position Summary:

The Senior Director of Marketing and Communications serves as the lead communicator for the Smeal College of Business, leading the development and implementation of comprehensive branding, marketing, and communication strategies. This pivotal role involves overseeing various communication tactics aimed at enhancing the college’s reputation, supporting student and faculty recruitment, fostering corporate engagement, and driving fundraising initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Departmental Leadership: Establish and communicate the vision, mission, and strategic direction of the unit, providing top-level oversight and prioritization of activities and initiatives. This includes budgetary planning and oversight with significant budget responsibility.
• Strategic Planning: Develop, maintain, and regularly update the college’s brand, marketing, and communications strategy, ensuring alignment with the University’s overarching brand, digital and enrollment marketing strategies.
• Content Development: Supervise the creation and distribution of content across all channels including publications, podcasts, videos, and other content that promotes and supports the brand and achievements of the Smeal community.
• Marketing Communications: Drive the development of the college’s marketing communication plan, manage relationships with agencies and consultants, and lead campaign performance optimization.
• Digital Presence: Collaborate with the Smeal Web and Multimedia Team to develop and optimize the college’s web presence, including SEO and user experience strategies.
• Social Media Management: Oversee the college’s social media strategy and execution, ensuring alignment with content plans and brand goals.
• Analytics and Reporting: Develop and manage a dashboard for marketing communication effectiveness, using data to optimize performance across channels.
• Leadership Communications: Provide strategic counsel to college leadership, developing key communications materials for stakeholder engagement.
• Media Relations: Increase visibility of faculty research and thought leadership through proactive media relations and content development, in collaboration with the University’s Office of Strategic Communications.

Scope and Supervisory Responsibilities:

This role requires effective leadership and management of full-time employees, as well as potential oversight of temporary workers or volunteers.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Strategic Vision: Ability to conceptualize and articulate a clear vision for the college’s brand and marketing initiatives, aligning with the strategic priorities of the University.
• Leadership: Demonstrated experience in leading and motivating a team of marketing professionals, with a track record of strategic decision-making and effective team management.
• Communication Excellence: Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the capacity to develop compelling stories that enhance the college’s reputation and brand image. Experience in crafting speeches, talking points, and op-eds for leadership is also crucial.
• Marketing Expertise: Extensive knowledge of marketing principles and practices, including digital and traditional advertising, public relations, owned and sponsored content, and marketing analytics.
• Digital Proficiency: Strong understanding of digital marketing channels, SEO, web presence management, and the ability to leverage social media platforms effectively.
• Analytical Thinking: Proficiency in using data analytics to track, measure, and optimize marketing campaign performance, with experience in managing a significant marketing budget.
• Content Development: Experience overseeing the production and distribution of high-quality content across various platforms, including managing relationships with third-party designers, talent, and production partners.
• Problem-Solving: Proven capability to tackle complex, varied problems with innovative solutions and creative thinking.
• Fiscal Management: Experience in budgetary planning and oversight, with a clear understanding of monitoring and tracking financial resources.
• Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively across different departments and with external partners, agencies, and consultants to achieve marketing objectives.

Preferred Attributes:

• Adaptability: Flexibility to respond to and manage changing priorities and operate effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Project Management: Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ethical Leadership: Commitment to ethical principles in overseeing marketing practices, ensuring integrity in all communications.
• Cultural Competency: Sensitivity and awareness to effectively engage with diverse populations and foster an inclusive environment within the team.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree in a similar discipline is preferred.
• More than 10 years of experience in a senior marketing role, preferably within higher education or a similarly complex organization.
• A track record of successful brand and marketing campaign development and execution at a strategic leadership level.

Certifications:

• Professional certifications in marketing, digital media, or related fields are advantageous.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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