Executive Director of Marketing and Communications

University of Illinois at Chicago

Chicago, IL

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Advertising, Brand Management, Brand Marketing (Branding), Brand Messaging, Brand Positioning, Budget Management, Business Strategy, Competitive Analysis/Strategy, Corporate Planning, Email Marketing, Employee Retention, Engagement Marketing, Fundraising, Investment Strategy, Leadership, Market Segmentation, Marketing Campaign, Marketing Communications, Marketing Communications Strategy, Marketing/Promotional Messaging, Mentoring, Online Communications, Online Marketing, Performance Goal Setting, Performance Management, Project/Program Management, Public/Media/Press/Analyst Relations, Return on Investment (ROI), Social Media, Social Media Marketing, Storytelling, Strategic Planning, Time Management
LOCATION
Chicago, IL
POSTED
14 days ago

Position Summary

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.

About the Company

U

University of Illinois at Chicago