Associate Director of Marketing and Communications

Job Description

The division of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs has an outstanding opportunity for an Associate Director of Marketing and Communications to join their team.

About this Opportunity:

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Administration, the Associate Director of Marketing and Communications leads the strategic development and execution of integrated marketing and communications for the Division of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs (EMSA). This position develops and implements communications strategies across digital, web, social media, email, print, video, and other channels to increase awareness, understanding, and engagement with EMSA programs, services, initiatives, and opportunities among diverse internal and external audiences. The Associate Director serves as a strategic communications advisor to EMSA leadership, departments, and campus partners, providing expertise in messaging, audience engagement, content strategy, and effective communication approaches while ensuring alignment with UW, UW Bothell, and EMSA priorities and brand standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Marketing and Communications Strategy & Execution (35%)

• Develop and implement integrated marketing and communication strategies to promote EMSA programs, services, initiatives, and opportunities to diverse internal and external audiences, including prospective and current students, parents and families, alumni, faculty, staff, campus leadership, community members, and the general public.
• Manage all central marketing and communication channels within EMSA. Produce collateral aligned with marketing and communication plan.
• Develop and execute communications that engage external audiences, including prospective students, parents and families, alumni, community members, partners, and the general public, using appropriate digital, web, social media, print, video, and other communication channels.

Collaboration and Consultation (25%)

• Serve as marketing and communications subject matter expert and strategic advisor to EMSA departments.
• Develop communications strategies, messaging, resources, and audience engagement approaches aligned with UW, UW Bothell, and EMSA priorities and brand standards.
• Consult with EMSA departments and campus partners to identify communication needs, target appropriate audiences, and select effective communication channels. Develop strategies and a marketing and communications plan that increase awareness and engagement with programs, services, and initiatives.
• Lead division-wide efforts to ensure marketing and communication is aligned with best practices. Develop resources that can be used broadly by EMSA departments whose staff may or may not include individuals with training in marketing and communications; and whose departments may or may not have staff with marketing and communications as part of their portfolio of work.
• Collaborate with other divisions across campus to ensure EMSA communications are coordinated with other campus communications. Identify areas of overlap and adjust tactics as needed.

Supervision, Budget, and External Vendor Management (15%)

• Hire, train, and supervise a marketing intern, contract student employees, and/or student volunteers to support the development of marketing and communication collateral.
• Manage annual marketing/communications budget.
• Identify vendors, contractors, or students to support development of collateral and execution of strategy.

Executive Communication (10%)

• Advise the Vice Chancellor, Assistant Vice Chancellors, and other EMSA leaders on communications strategy, audience engagement, messaging, and opportunities to increase awareness of division programs and initiatives.
• Develop, write, review, and edit executive communications, including announcements, statements, newsletters, reports, presentations, talking points, web content, and other communications on behalf of EMSA leadership.

Assessment (10%)

• Establish metrics for communications programs; demonstrate effectiveness through assessment and evaluation.
• Identify areas of opportunity and growth within EMSA marketing and communication efforts.
• Adjust strategies and tactics, based on assessment efforts. Incorporate data-informed decision making in annual planning and daily practice.

Miscellaneous (5%)

• Participate and contribute to committees and marketing/communications learning communities within EMSA and the broader campus community. Perform related duties as required.

Lead responsibilities:

The Associate Director serves as the primary marketing and communications strategist for EMSA and provides strategic direction for the division’s integrated communications efforts. The position manages centralized communication channels and develops content and campaigns across web, social media, email, print, video, events, and other communication platforms to engage diverse internal and external audiences. The Associate Director also serves as a communications advisor to EMSA leadership and departments, providing guidance on messaging, audience strategy, brand alignment, and effective communication approaches.

Required Qualifications:

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, English, PR, or related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

Additional qualifications-

• Experience developing and implementing marketing and/or communications strategies; creating and editing content across multiple communication channels; and providing strategic consultation to stakeholders.
• Diverse experiences in communications, marketing, or public relations.
• Experience developing targeted messages and communications for diverse audiences.
• Proven competence in one or more of the following - strategic e-mail communications, social media, graphic design and layout, web development.
• Working proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, and Microsoft Office Programs.
• Preferred qualification-
• Strong interpersonal skills and customer service. Poised, professional manner with the ability to express oneself clearly and empathetically in interactions with others in all forms of communications, verbal and written, one-on-one and group, etc.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

Pay Range Maximum:

Other Compensation:

Benefits:

Shift:

Temporary or Regular?

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

Union/Bargaining Unit:

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.