Director of Marketing and Communications

Southern Methodist University • Dallas, TX

54d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is an on-campus, in-person position. The Director of Marketing drives the bold positioning and visibility of Lyle's pioneering programs and research by crafting and executing dynamic marketing strategies and campaigns that underscore innovation, impact, and excellence. This leader will assist in driving graduate and undergraduate enrollment by managing the school's brand, integrates messaging across multimedia platforms, generate leads, and forges relationships with media and stakeholders to elevate Lyle's narrative. Working with the Deans, the director develops powerful thought leadership and communications, ensuring Lyle's voice is influential within higher education and industry, with a focus on reaching prospective students and partners.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree is required. A Master's degree is preferred. A degree in marketing or related field is preferred.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience is required. Experience in higher education environments related to admissions and enrollment strategies is preferred.
• Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.
• Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
• Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office.

Nice To Haves

• Candidate familiarity with Slate, PeopleSoft and other CRM systems is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic communications and marketing plan to promote programs, degree offerings/products, lead generations, and activities of the Lyle School. The Director will work closely with the Dean's leadership team to increase brand awareness with constituents, including prospective students, corporate partners, executive board members, and media outlets and publications.
• Engage with external vendors and agencies to identify and yield prospective undergraduate and graduate students. Work across campus to collaborate on SMU and Lyle messaging to internal and external audiences. Works closely with those in the Lyle School to promote activities taking place by faculty, staff and students on behalf of the school.
• The director will work closely with the student recruiting office to create and distribute content and collateral material to support lead generation and interest from prospective students.
• Create and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to track activities and identify successful marketing campaigns. Provide monthly reporting to the Dean on current marketing strategies and metrics.
• Responsible for all digital content including social media and websites.
• Supervises the Marketing and Communications team and maintains budgetary operations.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Occasional evening/weekend hours may be required.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Benefits

• SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
• SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
• The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Industry: Educational Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees