Executive Director of Marketing and Communications

Executive Director Of Marketing And Communications

The Executive Director of Marketing and Communications provides strategic leadership for all internal and external marketing, communications, branding, and public relations functions for the College of Business. This senior leadership role is responsible for advancing the college's reputation, enrollment goals, fundraising priorities, and stakeholder engagement through integrated marketing and communications strategies aligned with the university's mission and brand. The Executive Director serves as a key advisor to the Dean and college leadership, collaborates extensively with central university marketing and communications teams, and leads a high-performing team supporting undergraduate, graduate, executive education, research, alumni, corporate engagement, and development initiatives.
Duties & Responsibilities
Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year marketing and communications strategy that supports the College of Business's strategic plan, enrollment targets, fundraising goals, and reputation management initiatives.
Serve as a strategic advisor to the Sr Executive Dean of Strategic Initiatives and senior leadership on branding, positioning, messaging, and communications opportunities. Ensure alignment with university-wide brand standards, messaging frameworks, and marketing priorities.
Lead brand management efforts to strengthen and differentiate the College of Business's identity regionally, nationally, and globally.
Oversee marketing campaigns supporting undergraduate, graduate, and executive education programs, including recruitment, retention, and student success initiatives.
Direct market research, audience segmentation, and competitive analysis to inform strategy and investment decisions.
Oversee internal and external communications, including websites, email marketing, social media, print materials, digital content, and advertising.
Coordinate media relations strategy with University Communications, including proactive storytelling, rankings submissions, awards, and faculty expertise promotion.
Develop crisis and issues communication plans for the college.
Guide digital strategy across web, social media, and emerging platforms. Ensure consistent, compelling storytelling that highlights faculty research, student achievements, alumni impact, and corporate partnerships.
Oversee analytics and reporting to measure effectiveness and ROI of marketing and communications efforts.
Lead, develop, and mentor a professional marketing and communications team, including goal setting, performance management, and professional development.
Manage departmental budgets, external vendors, agencies, and consultants.
Establish workflows and project management processes to ensure timely and high-quality deliverables.
Serve as primary liaison between the College of Business and central university marketing, communications, IT, and enrollment management offices.
Represent the college on university committees and task forces related to marketing, communications, and branding.
Perform other duties as assigned and participate in special projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, business, or a related field.
Minimum of 710 years of progressive leadership experience in marketing and communications, preferably in higher education, complex public-sector organizations, or mission-driven institutions.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies.
Proven leadership and people-management experience, including budget oversight.
Strong writing, editing, storytelling, and presentation skills.
Experience managing digital platforms, analytics, and vendors/agencies.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in marketing, communications, business administration, or a related field.
Experience in a College of Business, research university, or similarly complex academic environment.
Familiarity with enrollment marketing, advancement communications, and alumni engagement.
Knowledge of accreditation, rankings, and reputational initiatives within business education (e.g., AACSB).
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.