Executive Director of Marketing & Communications

Mount Saint Mary's University • Emmitsburg, MD

8d • $95,000 - $130,000

About The Position

The Executive Director of Marketing and Communications provides strategic and operational leadership for the University’s marketing, branding, and communications initiatives. Reporting to the Vice President for University Operations, this role leads the development and execution of integrated marketing strategies that enhance Mount St. Mary’s University’s visibility, support enrollment and advancement goals, and strengthen institutional reputation. The Executive Director collaborates closely with senior leadership, Enrollment Management, Advancement, Athletics, Mission and Ministry, and academic departments to ensure consistent, mission-aligned messaging across all platforms. This position emphasizes implementation excellence through team leadership, cross-campus collaboration, and the use of data-driven decision-making to achieve measurable outcomes.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Expertise in digital marketing, content development, social media strategy, and public relations.
• Proficiency in marketing analytics and performance measurement.
• Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
• Experience managing budgets and external agencies.
• Familiarity with crisis communications principles and best practices.
• Understanding of accessibility standards and inclusive communication practices.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, business administration, or a related field.
• Experience: Seven or more years of progressive experience in marketing and communications, preferably within higher education or a mission-driven organization, including supervisory experience.
• Strong human relations, marketing, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, adaptability, and solution-oriented leadership.
• High level of integrity and ability to manage confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to work nights and weekends as needed in support of University events.
• Demonstrated commitment to Catholic higher education and to advancing the mission, values, and identity of Mount St. Mary’s University.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Depending on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated leadership scope, this position may be considered at the Assistant Vice President level.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive marketing and communications plan aligned with University strategic priorities, enrollment objectives, and advancement goals.
• Serve as a senior advisor to University leadership on marketing, brand positioning, and communications strategy.
• Lead market research, audience analysis, and performance reporting to inform strategy and demonstrate return on investment.
• Oversee digital marketing, content strategy, advertising, and social media efforts to maximize brand awareness, engagement, and conversion.
• Manage University brand standards and ensure consistency across all internal and external communications.
• Direct the creation and distribution of marketing and communications materials, including print publications, newsletters, website content, videos, and digital campaigns.
• Support proactive and reactive media relations and crisis communications efforts in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Partner with Enrollment Management to implement recruitment marketing campaigns targeting undergraduate, graduate, and adult learner populations.
• Collaborate with Advancement and Alumni Relations to support fundraising, engagement, and stewardship initiatives.
• Oversee University website strategy, including content governance, accessibility standards, user experience, and ongoing optimization.
• Provide leadership for creative services, project management, and multimedia production functions.
• Provide supervision, coaching, performance management, and professional development for marketing and communications staff.
• Manage departmental budgets, contracts, and external vendor and agency relationships.
• Represent the marketing and communications function at University events, meetings, and committees as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• This full-time, exempt position includes full benefits and vacation, holiday, and sick leave.
• The university offers a generous benefits package, including tuition remission for graduate and undergraduate classes at Mount St. Mary’s University, a retirement program with a match, as well as a generous paid time off schedule.

What This Job Offers

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