Associate Director, Marketing & Communications, Graduate School

Associate Director, Marketing & Communications, Graduate School

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Associate Director, Marketing & Communications, Graduate School at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Position Purpose:

Elevate the Wayne State University Graduate School brand to prospective graduate students and the broader Wayne State community. Plans include marketing and communications, and graduate outreach goals and objectives outlined in the strategic plan. Supervise web/online communication and web writer and collaborate with other University staff and units within the University, as well as the community. Reports to Graduate School Dean.

Essential Functions:

Serves as the Graduate School's lead communications and public relations expert, developing official communications on behalf of the college and Dean, and leading strategy for email marketing (prospective and current students), social media, advertising, and the Graduate School website. Advises the Dean and senior leadership on marketing and communications strategies that support graduate recruitment initiatives and promote signature events. Collaborate with the Central Office of Marketing and Communications to advance University goals.

Supervises website and online communications staff, providing oversight of marketing and recruitment strategy across multiple media while ensuring adherence to brand standards and consistent messaging for all graduate education initiatives. Establishes expectations, assigns and delegates work, evaluates performance, prepares appraisals and professional development plans, and provides ongoing coaching and mentoring. Manages administrative personnel processes including hiring, promotions, disciplinary actions, salary adjustments, and workforce planning, and ensures timely and effective communication with staff.

Develops marketing and recruitment recommendations for Wayne State University graduate programs in collaboration with Schools and Colleges. Provides oversight of new and existing outreach and graduate recruitment efforts in consultation with the Dean, senior leadership, and the Director of Admissions.

Oversee the Graduate School's Professional Development Series, Graduate Ambassadors Program, and related initiatives. Build relationships with graduate students, the Graduate Student Association, and postdoctoral scholars to foster a strong sense of community.

Administers the Graduate School marketing budget, including procurement of branded apparel and promotional materials for major on campus events such as FestiFall, recruitment activities, and campus visits.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Master's degree

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Marketing, Communications or related field.

Master's degree is strongly preferred.

Experience: Expert (established subject matter expert, 7+ years' experience).

5-8 demonstrated experience in a marketing and communications role, preferably in higher education.

Proven track record of marketing management and strategic planning experience, and in developing and administering a marketing/communications program.

At least 2 years of supervisory experience is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Ability to set and implement a self- directed agenda. Consensus building skills. Excellent ability to prioritize work assignments to meet deadlines. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with all levels of management in client organizations throughout the University.

Ability to plan and set strategic direction for marketing and communication efforts and the ability to work and lead a variety of people and situations. Ability to articulate the mission of Wayne State University and the Graduate School to many constituencies.

Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization. Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of management and educational administrators within and outside the University.

Ability to prioritize and plan work activities and develop strategies to achieve organizational goals, develop realistic action plans. Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, often under tight deadlines. Must be a self-starter and highly organized.

Ability to identify and resolve problems, develop alternative approaches and meet challenges with resourcefulness.

Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Must possess a demonstrated attention to detail in order to achieve a high degree of accuracy.

Ability to develop new and unique ways to improve operations, achieve established goals and objectives, and create new opportunities.

Ability to anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal, external and prospective stakeholders to meet or exceed their expectations within the University parameters.

Ability to speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques. Able to effectively present information to individuals and groups, communicating effectively orally and in writing, as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Able to work with teams collaboratively and manage change in a large organization. Demonstrated ability to lead and foster a cooperative team-focused work environment.

Awareness of multicultural issues and a broad knowledge of diversity dimensions. Able and willing to serve and engage others in a multicultural environment.

Strong copy writing, editing and proofreading skills. High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, data management systems, Marketing and Publications software and Windows based computer applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree is strongly preferred.

School/College/Division:

H11 - Graduate School

Primary Department:

H1102 - Graduate School

Employment Type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/Salary Information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary

• Annual Salary: To be determined

Working Conditions:

Normal office environment.

Occasional travel on and off campus.

Occasional weekends/evenings.

Job Openings:

• Number of openings: 1
• Reposted position: No

Background Check Requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.