DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATION
Rochester Christian University, Rochester, Michigan, United States, 48309
Director of Marketing & Communication
The Director of Marketing and Communication Services provides strategic leadership for the university's marketing and communications efforts in support of Rochester Christian University's mission and growth plan. This role is responsible for developing, executing, and supervising comprehensive internal and external marketing strategies that drive enrollment and philanthropic leads, elevate institutional reputation, and strengthen brand visibility. Serving as the university's primary brand ambassador, the Director leads integrated campaigns across print, digital, social, web, media relations, and emerging platforms. The position collaborates closely with the VP, Director of Development, campus leadership, faculty, and external agency partners to ensure alignment with enrollment strategy, brand standards, and institutional goals. This role also oversees promotional spending, agency coordination, and performance analytics to ensure data-informed decision-making. The Director serves as the sole full-time, in-person marketing and communications professional and plays a central role in advancing RCU's public profile and community presence. Bachelor's degree required (marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field preferred). Master's degree preferred. 3-5 years of professional marketing, communications, or public relations experience, preferably in higher education. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Brand Develop and execute university-wide marketing and communication strategies in collaboration with university leadership and contracted consultants Champion and enforce RCU brand guidelines; serve as primary brand ambassador Assess and refresh marketing materials to support enrollment growth and institutional advancement goals Advise administrative leadership on marketing and communication strategy Marketing & Campaign Execution Lead marketing campaigns promoting academic programs, events, and institutional initiatives Manage agency partners for advertising, public relations, photography, video production, lead generation, and nurture campaigns Oversee all promotional spending and marketing budget management Collaborate on enrollment strategy and Salesforce analytics related to lead generation Digital & Web Oversight Oversee digital marketing strategy, website design, brand alignment, and performance Manage web products and ongoing content updates using WordPress & Elementor Develop and maintain a structured process for intentional and current website content Manage and create content for all university social media platforms Creative Direction and Content Production Provide editorial oversight for all university communications Design marketing materials for print and digital platforms Create visual assets for web, social media, video, and campus displays Manage workflow for campus marketing requests Collaboration & Community Engagement Partner with campus departments to support program-specific marketing goals Coordinate with outside vendors, content creators, student workers, and interns Support the mission, vision, and core values of Rochester Christian University Supervise student workers Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience with WordPress, Elementor, and social content management platforms (e.g., Buffer). Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Canva. Familiarity with SEO/GEO practices and GA4 reporting. Strong organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities. Ability to analyze data and adjust strategy accordingly. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work across diverse communities. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion. Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively with leadership, peers, and vendors. Supportive of the University mission. Indicators of this support include a demonstrated personal faith in Jesus Christ and being active in a local church.
The Director of Marketing and Communication Services provides strategic leadership for the university's marketing and communications efforts in support of Rochester Christian University's mission and growth plan. This role is responsible for developing, executing, and supervising comprehensive internal and external marketing strategies that drive enrollment and philanthropic leads, elevate institutional reputation, and strengthen brand visibility. Serving as the university's primary brand ambassador, the Director leads integrated campaigns across print, digital, social, web, media relations, and emerging platforms. The position collaborates closely with the VP, Director of Development, campus leadership, faculty, and external agency partners to ensure alignment with enrollment strategy, brand standards, and institutional goals. This role also oversees promotional spending, agency coordination, and performance analytics to ensure data-informed decision-making. The Director serves as the sole full-time, in-person marketing and communications professional and plays a central role in advancing RCU's public profile and community presence. Bachelor's degree required (marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field preferred). Master's degree preferred. 3-5 years of professional marketing, communications, or public relations experience, preferably in higher education. Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Brand Develop and execute university-wide marketing and communication strategies in collaboration with university leadership and contracted consultants Champion and enforce RCU brand guidelines; serve as primary brand ambassador Assess and refresh marketing materials to support enrollment growth and institutional advancement goals Advise administrative leadership on marketing and communication strategy Marketing & Campaign Execution Lead marketing campaigns promoting academic programs, events, and institutional initiatives Manage agency partners for advertising, public relations, photography, video production, lead generation, and nurture campaigns Oversee all promotional spending and marketing budget management Collaborate on enrollment strategy and Salesforce analytics related to lead generation Digital & Web Oversight Oversee digital marketing strategy, website design, brand alignment, and performance Manage web products and ongoing content updates using WordPress & Elementor Develop and maintain a structured process for intentional and current website content Manage and create content for all university social media platforms Creative Direction and Content Production Provide editorial oversight for all university communications Design marketing materials for print and digital platforms Create visual assets for web, social media, video, and campus displays Manage workflow for campus marketing requests Collaboration & Community Engagement Partner with campus departments to support program-specific marketing goals Coordinate with outside vendors, content creators, student workers, and interns Support the mission, vision, and core values of Rochester Christian University Supervise student workers Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience with WordPress, Elementor, and social content management platforms (e.g., Buffer). Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and Canva. Familiarity with SEO/GEO practices and GA4 reporting. Strong organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities. Ability to analyze data and adjust strategy accordingly. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work across diverse communities. Ability to handle confidential information with discretion. Collaborative team player with the ability to work effectively with leadership, peers, and vendors. Supportive of the University mission. Indicators of this support include a demonstrated personal faith in Jesus Christ and being active in a local church.