Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

Senior Director of Marketing & Communications

Position Summary

MSU’s College of Communication Arts and Sciences seeks an experienced higher education marketing and communications leader to develop and execute integrated strategies that advance enrollment growth, alumni and donor engagement, research impact and the college’s reputation.

Reporting to the chief of staff, the senior director will work closely with the dean and partner with college leadership, academic departments, college faculty and university partners to translate college priorities into actionable marketing and communications plans. The senior director will maintain regular access to the dean as a strategic thought partner on marketing and communications strategy. The position has a dotted line to University Communications and Marketing to support collaboration, alignment and coordination.

The senior director will exemplify the college’s commitment to practicing what it teaches and researches through strategic, audience-centered marketing and a consistent standard of excellence

Candidates should anticipate working at least three days per week in office - although they may be required to work more in-person during the first 6-12 months of service in the position. Additionally, this position requires flexibility of nights and/or weekends as needs arise.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Marketing and Planning (20%)

• Translate the dean’s priorities into integrated marketing and communications plans with clear audiences, objectives and measurable outcomes.
• Advise the dean on marketing strategy, enrollment opportunities, audience engagement and reputation.
• Use market research, audience insights and performance data to guide strategy, prioritize resources and improve results.

Enrollment Marketing and Campaign Execution (35%)

• Develop and execute marketing plans that support undergraduate recruitment and graduate enrollment growth.
• Lead end-to-end marketing strategies for master’s programs, moving prospective students from awareness and inquiry through application and enrollment.
• Develop targeted campaigns that communicate program value, career relevance and student outcomes through digital, email, advertising and other channels.
• Partner with academic departments, associate deans for undergraduate education and graduate studies and central admissions to complement university recruitment efforts and strengthen prospective student engagement.
• Monitor campaign performance and enrollment outcomes, adjusting strategies to improve lead generation and conversion.

Storytelling and Executive Communications (25%)

• Develop and execute marketing and storytelling strategies that strengthen student belonging, the college’s reputation and communicate the impact of its teaching, research and creative work.
• Partner with the advancement team to create compelling alumni and donor communications that deepen relationships, demonstrate philanthropic impact and inspire engagement and generosity.
• Develop executive communications in partnership with the dean and chief of staff, including speeches, presentations, community messages and leadership correspondence.
• Ensure messaging and creative content are compelling, consistent and aligned with college priorities and university brand standards.
• Coordinate crisis and issues communications with the chief of staff, college leadership and University Communications and Marketing.

Team Leadership and Operations (20%)

• Lead digital marketing across the college’s website, social media, email and other relevant channels, using analytics to improve engagement and conversion.
• Provide creative and editorial direction for written, visual and multimedia content, ensuring quality and alignment with audience needs.
• Lead and develop the marketing and communications team, establishing priorities, expectations and accountability while remaining actively involved in strategy and execution.
• Manage unit operations, including budgets, staffing, vendor relationships, workflows and project delivery.
• Collaborate with academic unit leadership, faculty, advancement, central admissions and university partners to deliver coordinated, high-quality marketing and communications.

Minimum Requirements

• Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year degree in marketing, advertising, public relations, journalism, communication or a related field.
• Five to eight years of progressively responsible experience in marketing and communications, demonstrating ability for strategy development and hands-on execution.
• Professional experience in higher education marketing and communications, with an understanding of academic environments and enrollment priorities.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing marketing strategies that advance student recruitment and alumni and donor engagement.
• Experience advising a dean, senior academic leader or comparable executive and translating institutional priorities into actionable strategies.
• Strong writing, editing, storytelling and editorial judgment.
• Three or more years of experience leading teams, managing projects and balancing competing priorities.
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience developing marketing strategies for undergraduate and graduate recruitment, including prospect nurturing and conversion.
• Experience partnering with advancement teams on alumni engagement, donor communications and philanthropic storytelling.
• Experience translating faculty research and scholarship into compelling impact-focused stories for diverse audiences.
• Experience using analytics and market research to measure performance and improve marketing effectiveness.
• Experience managing budgets, vendors, creative production and cross-functional projects.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

• Resume 
• Cover letter
• Writing sample
• Work sample: Example of a marketing campaign you have developed and executed to promote a program.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://comartsci.msu.edu/

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding Eligibility ends November 17, 2026 at 11:55 PM