Director of Marketing and Communications of the NSF NEO-SMART Engine in Northeast Ohio

Salary Grade

Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary range available for this position at the time of its posting. The salary range is between $82,862 and $104,821, depending on qualifications, experience, department budgets, and industry data.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Director of Marketing and Communications of the National Science Foundation (NSF) NEO-SMART Engine in Northeast Ohio (NEO-SMART) is responsible for building and stewarding the NEO-SMARTs public identity, brand, and communications strategy. Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, this role serves as NEO-SMARTs chief storyteller and brand architect--creating, implementing, and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies that increase the visibility and enhance the reputation of NEO-SMART among its diverse stakeholder communities, including regional partners, NSF, industry, government, media, and the broader public.

NEO-SMART is a U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine, led by Case Western Reserve University and backed by an NSF investment of up to $160 million over ten years. It unites 70+ partners across Northeast Ohio--Cleveland, Akron, Canton, and Youngstown--to move materials innovation from the lab to the factory floor: funding use-inspired research and development, commercializing new materials and processes, and building the skilled workforce to make them. The director is a pivotal connector, bridging NEO-SMARTs programmatic work with the audiences who need to know about it--translating complex science, technology, and economic development activities into compelling narratives that drive awareness, engagement, and support. The ideal candidate is a strategic communications professional with experience in multi-channel marketing, content development, brand management, and media relations, and who brings a genuine passion for NEO-SMARTs mission in Northeast Ohio.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Develop and lead implementation of a comprehensive, integrated marketing and communications strategy for NEO-SMART, aligned with the strategic plan and NSF cooperative agreement requirements; establish annual goals, key messages, and priority audiences. Work with NEO-SMART leadership to prioritize communications initiatives based on strategic importance, partner needs, and available resources; monitor outcomes and adjust tactics as needed to maximize impact and reach. Uphold and evolve NEO-SMART¿s brand standards, including visual identity, voice, and messaging guidelines, ensuring consistency across all internal and external communications and all partner-produced materials generated by the Engines coalition of 70+ partner organizations. (35%)
• Lead development and ongoing management of all NEO-SMART-owned communications channels, including the website, social media platforms, email newsletters, and digital publications; ensure content is timely, accurate, audience-appropriate, and on-brand. Research, write, and edit a broad range of communications content, including news releases, feature stories, partner spotlights, executive communications, program summaries, annual reports, and NSF-facing reporting content that highlights NEO-SMART milestones and outcomes. Commission, manage, and coordinate with external vendors and freelancers (designers, photographers, videographers, and web developers) to produce high-quality creative assets that support NEO-SMART programs and events, administering an annual marketing and communications budget. (35%)
• Develop and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets; proactively pitch stories about NEO-SMART research breakthroughs, workforce development milestones, community partnerships, and economic impact; manage all inbound media inquiries. Prepare NEO-SMART leadership and spokespeople for media appearances, public presentations, and congressional or NSF briefings, including developing talking points, background materials, and presentation decks. Represent the NEO-SMART¿s communications function at partner events, NSF program convenings, and regional stakeholder meetings as needed. (15%)
• Plan and execute communications support for NEO-SMART events, including symposia, industry showcases, workforce program launches, community convenings, and annual partner meetings; develop event messaging, promotional materials, invitations, and post-event coverage. Collaborate with pillar program managers to develop audience-specific communications for use-inspired research, commercialization and adoption, workforce development, and economic growth. (10%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Regular contact NEO-SMART chief executive officer, chief operating officer, chief research and translation officer, pillar directors, and NEO-SMART team members (content development, strategic messaging, event communications, leadership preparation).

University: Contact with all departments and faculty related to NEO-SMART to communicate around programs and projects. Regular contact with communications and marketing offices (co-branded communications, partner story development, joint event promotion).

External: Regular contact with communications and marketing offices at other partner institutions, media contacts, industry partners, community organizations, external vendors and freelancers (media relations, content production, event promotion, stakeholder communications).

Students: Occasional (through workforce program promotion, student spotlight content, and ecosystem-building events)

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no direct supervisory authority over staff employees. However, the Director provides functional direction to external vendors, freelancers, and partner institution communications staff contributing to NEO-SMART communications initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 7 to 8 years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field required. Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies across multiple channels for a complex organization, program, or initiative. Experience in higher education, economic development, nonprofit, government, or a mission-driven organization strongly preferred; familiarity with NSF-funded programs or federal grant communications is a plus. Proven track record in media relations, content development, brand management, and digital communications including website management, social media strategy, and email marketing. Experience managing external creative vendors and coordinating multi-format content production.

Education: Bachelors degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a related field required. Masters degree preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Excellent verbal and written communication and editing skills, with demonstrated ability to translate complex technical and programmatic content into clear, compelling, and audience-appropriate narratives.
• Outstanding planning and organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate and execute a high volume of communications projects simultaneously while maintaining accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail.
• Strong strategic thinking skills, with the ability to develop communications plans grounded in audience insight, tied to measurable goals, and adapted based on performance data.
• Proficiency in digital communications platforms, including website CMS systems, email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact), social media management tools, and analytics dashboards.
• Experience with graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) and the ability to provide creative direction to designers, photographers, and videographers.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative while collaborating effectively across teams and partner organizations with diverse priorities and working styles.
• Strong understanding of brand management principles and experience maintaining brand consistency across complex, multi-partner organizations.
• Willingness to learn and work with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies as they apply to content development, digital marketing, and communications analytics.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance requirements and interact effectively with colleagues, partners, media, and stakeholders both in person and remotely, including strong conflict-resolution skills.
• Creativity and problem-solving capabilities, with the perseverance, energy, and stamina to deliver work to high standards and remain effective under stress on long-running projects.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Director of Marketing and Communications will work primarily in a hybrid office environment in Northeast Ohio, with regular attendance at NEO-SMART events, partner convenings, and community programs across the region. Some evening and weekend commitments are required for NEO-SMART events, launches, and partner-facing programming. Occasional travel outside the region is expected for NSF program meetings and national conferences. This is a grant-funded position with potential for renewal contingent on Engine funding and performance milestones.

Hybrid Eligibility

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement up to two remote days per week at the discretion of the department. New employees may begin a hybrid schedule upon approval from the supervisor, successful completion of an orientation period and signing the remote work checklist certification form.

EEO Statement

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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