Assistant Director for Marketing and Strategic Communications

University of Arkansas • Fayetteville, NC

12d

About The Position

The Assistant Director for Marketing and Strategic Communications serves as an embedded Unit Communicator within the Division of Student Affairs Marketing & Communications (MarComm) shared services team, with primary responsibility for supporting University Housing. This position provides strategic, coordinated marketing and communications support for Housing while operating within divisional and institutional standards, processes, and governance structures. Reporting to the Senior Director of Student Affairs Marketing & Communications, the Assistant Director partners closely with University Housing leadership, MarComm colleagues, and University Relations (UREL) to ensure Housing communications align with divisional priorities, university branding, and approved messaging. The role supports unit-level communications, contributes to divisional initiatives, and advances integrated storytelling that positions Housing as a critical component of the broader Student Affairs mission and student experience. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Strategic Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Graphic Design, Higher Education, Business, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education
• At least two years of professional experience providing strategic marketing and communications leadership within a complex organization, higher education environment, or similarly matrixed setting
• Experience managing integrated communications efforts across multiple channels, including print, web, social media, email, photography, video, and digital platforms
• Knowledge using project management systems (e.g., ClickUp or similar tools) to scope, track, and manage communications projects
• Knowledge of AP Style, university writing standards, and brand guidelines
• Knowledge of higher education communications practices, including coordination with central communications offices and adherence to institutional brand, style, and governance standards
• Knowledge of crisis communications and media inquiry protocols, including the ability to identify potential reputational risk and escalate appropriately through established channels
• Knowledge of web content management, including drafting web-ready content, collaborating with digital teams, and ensuring accessibility, usability, and content accuracy
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator) and familiarity with Canva or similar tools
• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills, with strong attention to detail and quality control
• Strong strategic planning, project management, and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively within a shared services or centralized communications model, coordinating unit-level communications with divisional and institutional stakeholders
• Ability to independently develop and approve routine unit communications while effectively coordinating required reviews for higher-visibility campaigns, publications, or branded assets
• Ability to develop, implement, and assess strategic marketing and communications plans, including annual and multi-year planning aligned with divisional and institutional priorities
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, audience-centered messaging for students, families, staff, and external audiences

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in a higher education environment
• Experience drafting and coordinating press releases, mass communications, and external-facing messaging in collaboration with shared services teams and university relations offices
• Experience providing design and branding oversight for unit-level communications while ensuring compliance with university brand standards, accessibility requirements, and visual identity guidelines
• Experience managing or coordinating photography and videography projects, including working with internal creative staff, external vendors, and unit partners
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating social media strategies that support engagement, accuracy, accessibility, and institutional reputation

Benefits

• university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance
• tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• immediate leave accrual
• a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director