Director of Marketing OUKS - Advancement (31252)

Responsible to the OUKS Campus President and the University Vice Chancellor for Advancement for marketing and communications strategies to enhance the visibility of the university, while assisting in the effectiveness of its enrollment management and advancement functions. This role involves overseeing digital marketing, internal and external communications, and the development of marketing materials that effectively communicate the university’s mission, values, and offerings. The Director will work collaboratively with leadership, the advancement and admissions teams, and faculty and staff to ensure consistent messaging and a strong presence in the higher education community. The ideal candidate will have a passion for higher education, strategic thinking, creativity, design and digital marketing skills, an understanding of social media platforms and analytics, and an ability to develop and execute successful marketing strategies and campaigns.

Essential Functions:

General Responsibilities

• Ensure overall brand consistency throughout materials produced. As directed, work with outside vendors to obtain quotes and coordinate preparation of files for digital and offset print production.

• Be an articulate and persuasive ambassador on behalf of University Advancement and President’s Office and Mission, reaching the University’s many constituencies. Provide by example an appreciation of private, church-related higher education and the values inherent to the University’s mission.

• Manage all marketing communication consistent with University policies. Ensure the University’s policies, procedures, and provisions are understood and implemented at the unit. Encourage collaboration among the faculty and staff and with others.

• Conduct competitive analysis, understand competitive landscape, and monitor product, pricing and promotions in market.

• Build and continuously improve upon marketing communications, messaging and flow from inquiry through enrolled student status.

• Store all creative files and images in the University asset management system in an organized manner and fashion.

• In collaboration with the Director of Board Operations and University Marketing, design external signage and outdoor communication within brand standards and specifications.

• In collaboration with the Director of Board Operations and University Marketing, ensure brand application and maintenance are used effectively throughout the University platforms, including but not limited to the Fan Shop, print materials and athletics.

• Collaborate with marketing staff across the University on internal communications strategy and initiatives.

• Represent the University to external groups, alumni, faculty, staff, and students, so as to enhance and improve the brand image.

• Work with leadership regarding annual marketing budgets with accountability for return on marketing investments.

• Assist campus leadership in public relations matters as directed.

• Develop and manage online forms and event registrations.

• Provide support to the Director of Board Operations and University Marketing in the areas of website and Portal Management

• Provide support to the Director of Board Operations and University Marketing on other Board operations functions as needed.

• Support U-wide marketing and communications functions.

• Maintain knowledge of and adhere to applicable compliance requirements and University policies related to marketing, publications, and communications, as well as identify potential compliance concerns and consult with the AVC of Compliance when questions arise or clarification is needed.

University Advancement

• Create, in collaboration, the Advancement annual marketing plan (research, evaluate, compare and implement) in collaboration with the Advancement team and University Marketing.

• Maintain the look and feel for University Advancement marketing / initiatives within University guidelines.

• Create, coordinate the production of direct mail pieces, promotional materials and email blasts for University Advancement.

• Assist with the coordination of University Advancement events to build alumni relations and interactions as directed, including creation of materials, promotion, registration, and communication.

• Manage the Advancement portion of the University website, as well as other Advancement social media and electronic platforms as needed.

OUKS

• Coordinate the marketing needed for the implementation of the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan in collaboration with University Marketing and the enrollment management / admissions team.

• Maintain the look and feel for OUKS campus marketing / initiatives within University guidelines, including enrollment management materials, direct mail, and digital pieces.

• Create and post social media content to key social media platforms based on the broader University social media strategies and policies.

• Prepare and present information to prospective students and families on campus visit days or college fairs, as needed.

• Coordinate and manage campus events in coordination with various groups/individuals on the OUKS campus.

• Manage the campus portion of the University website in coordination with the Director of Board Operations and University Marketing.

Manage campus communication and event items within the ERP system in alignment with the enrollment management needs.

• Create and publicize a weekly communication about Campus happenings in coordination with the Office of the Campus President.

• Assist with and review marketing across campus departments, University institutes, and other areas as needed.

• Oversee marketing design and messaging to provide consistency and accuracy across all marketing materials, while assisting with gaining consensus and buy-in on the marketing strategy and execution.

• Work cooperatively with administration, faculty, staff, and students of the University to gather the necessary information to assure that the best interests of both the University and its units are represented.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Education: Bachelor’s degree required in Marketing, Communications, or a related field.

Required Experience: 2-5 years of marketing experience; preferably in higher education marketing with particular experience in marketing, enrollment management and graphic design.

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

• Effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously, producing the highest caliber work within the time and budget constraints of each project.
• Stay abreast of design trends and current technologies and their impact on creative development.
• Ability to think critically and provide options for sound solutions
• Service focused disposition with excellent interpersonal, communication and customer service skills.
• Digital marketing (SEM) experience.
• Graphic design experience.
• Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills are essential.
• Technical skills Windows/Microsoft Office, Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, technology support systems.
• Utilized a customer relationship management system, preferably Salesforce.

Knowledge of Macintosh and PC platforms.
(Physical attributes required to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation - examples: sitting, lifting, bending, driving, environmental factors or elements, noise level, stairs in a building, or other factors that will affect working conditions)

• Prolonged periods of sitting must be able to lift 5-15 pounds at times. Office building requires daily use of stairs. This position may require evening and weekend work; may require long work days with extensive hours spent sitting and working in front of a computer screen and or assisting students.

Travel Requirements:

• If travel is required, list type and approximate percentage: As needed for meetings
• Responsible for driving students and University vehicles as part of job duties: No

Standard University Expectations:

• Be mindful and supportive of the Mission of Ottawa University.
• Understand and follow the University’s policies and procedures and exercise good judgment accordingly. Assure that University and student information is managed in a confidential and ethical manner in accordance with the University’s Code of Conduct and Ethics.
• Manage your staff in accordance with University personnel policies. Encourage collaboration among the staff, provide regular evaluation and feedback, and facilitate developmental opportunities.
• Model and encourage collaboration among University offices and campuses assuring effective communication and operations.
• Provide leadership through conduct, attitude, and professionalism. Represent the University to students, external groups, faculty, and staff in a way that reflects positively on the University.
• Exercise inclusivity in your daily actions in accordance with the University’s Mission Statement, Statement of Spiritual Identity, and Statement of Inclusion, Openness, and Community.

Our University

Ottawa University “prepares professional and liberal arts graduates for lifetimes of personal significance, vocational fulfillment, and service to God and humanity” from residential campuses in Ottawa, Kansas (established 1865) and Surprise, Arizona (established 2017) and from professional and online campuses in Kansas City, Phoenix, and Milwaukee.

Ottawa University is a regionally accredited, church-related, student-centered, private comprehensive university that strives to integrate faith, learning, and life in the academic experiences of students.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.<