Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications

University of Pennsylvania

About The Position

Penn Dental Medicine (PDM) seeks an innovative, strategic, and visionary Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications to elevate the School’s national and global reputation as the premier leader and authoritative voice in oral health. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Assistant Dean will shape and execute a bold, modernized global brand strategy that leverages the latest tools in AI, digital storytelling, social media, and analytics to position PDM as the world’s preeminent thought leader in dental education, research, clinical care, and public oral health advocacy.This role offers an exceptional opportunity for creativity and entrepreneurship, enabling the development of a transformative approach to strategic communication and engagement. This role is central to shaping how PDM tells its story not only to academic, clinical, and media audiences but also to alumni, donors, and philanthropic partners whose engagement is essential to advancing the School’s mission. Because marketing, communications, and development are deeply interconnected functions, the Assistant Dean will work in close partnership with the Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) team to ensure that institutional messaging supports strategic fundraising priorities, strengthens alumni engagement, and reflects a development-informed lens across all platforms. The Assistant Dean will oversee comprehensive marketing, communications, brand strategy, and crisis communication functions, guiding PDM’s internal and external narrative with clarity, consistency, and innovation. This role requires a forward-looking leader who can drive institutional visibility, steward reputation, and connect stakeholders across the School and University.

Requirements

Master’s degree preferred; 5–7+ years of progressive leadership in marketing or communications, or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Demonstrated experience using AI-enabled tools, CRM systems, analytics platforms, and modern digital strategies.
Strong background in crisis communication and executive advising.
Proven leadership with experience managing teams and complex initiatives.
Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.
Ability to thrive under multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
Strategic, collaborative mindset aligned with institutional values.

Responsibilities

Global Brand Strategy & Reputation Leadership
Strategic Communications & Crisis Management
Digital Engagement & Content Strategy
Administrative Leadership & Operational Oversight

Benefits

Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare.
You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.