Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Communications - Concordia University Wisconsin/Ann Arbor

Concordia University is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and in the world.

Position Summary

The Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Communications for Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor, in alignment with the universities Lutheran (LC-MS) mission and strategic goals, will lead a high performing, cross functional team, including individuals dedicated to: marketing strategy, digital marketing, project management, content marketing, web and design, and strategic communications. The AVP of Marketing and Strategic Communications will drive digital-first marketing efforts, increase visibility, reputation, and foster engagement with stakeholders. This fulltime, salaried position serves as a leader in the Office of Enrollment and is housed in Mequon, WI. AVP of Marketing and Strategic Communications reports directly to the Vice President of Enrollment and Chief Strategy Officer.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop, execute, and communicate a clear vision for marketing and communication strategy that aligns with the CUW and CUAA mission, with emphasis on enrollment and bottom-line fiscal growth
• Oversee implementation of marketing and communication initiatives; including unified branding and messaging while tailoring marketing initiatives to distinct audiences and media channels, including website, social media, publications, and advertising campaigns
• Lead digital marketing initiatives with a focus on utilizing video, web, and social media platforms; while ensuring integrity of Concordia's unique brand positioning
• Lead a goal-oriented team of passionate marketing professionals across two campuses
• Track and report on key metrics and outcomes; ensuring marketing and communication efforts are data-driven
• Establish and maintain relationships with multiple contractors, vendors, and consultants that support aligning marketing and communication efforts across the University
• Work across internal departments on market research projects impacting program development and continuation planning to promote visibility and enhance national and international reputations
• Collaborate with academic, enrollment, and operational leaders on critical strategic initiatives
• Oversee strategic communications team, including public and media relations, assisting them with identifying goals for media exposure and earned media impressions
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external media relations and manage crisis communications when necessary
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• A history of successful collaboration with multiple constituencies internal and external
• Expertise in media buying (both digital and traditional)
• Strong knowledge of digital marketing, including, but not limited to: all aspects of Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Search Engine Optimization (SEO), paid social media advertising, and programmatic ad buying
• Well-developed communication skills and strong eye for both print and digital design
• Demonstrated ability in planning, execution, and measurement of integrated marketing and communications strategies
• Strong budget management capabilities
• Able to conduct market research initiatives
• Functional understanding of influencer marketing initiatives
• Self-directed learner, self-motivator, data-driven with an ability to innovate across diverse platforms
• Passion for the Concordia's mission and commitment to the shared Lutheran mission of CUW and CUAA, with a focus on integrating faith into marketing strategies
• Supportive of the mission and values of Concordia University Wisconsin/Ann Arbor and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS)

Education & Experience

10 years of experience in the marketing, communications, sales, or enrollment management fields preferably in higher education or a faith-based organization. Proven experience in managing a successful digital marketing, social media management, SEO/SEM, and video production department. A bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, or commensurate professional experience

Physical Demands/Equipment (Click to View)

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt (salary) position. The starting wage may be determined upon education and/or experience. Concordia University benefit options include, but are not limited to the following:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Personal Spending Account, Flexible Spending Account, and/or Health Savings Account
• Disability and Survivor Plan
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
• Basic Life and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
• Tuition waiver benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)

Compensation and Benefit Details

Application Instructions

To receive full consideration, all applicants are asked to complete and submit an online employment application through the Concordia University Employment page. To begin, please click the Apply Now section on the job page and then click the Apply For This Position button to begin the application process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of CU to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The University will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, gender, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

However, CU is an institution of the LCMS and, to the extent allowed by law, CU reserves the right to give preference in employment based on religion. In addition, preference in holding certain employment positions is given to ordained or rostered ministers of the LCMS. Based on a religious tenet, CU recognizes only male, LCMS ordained Ministers of the Gospel, but recognizes both male and female LCMS Rostered Ministers of the Gospel.

The Human Resources Department has been appointed to manage the equal employment opportunity program, including all equal employment opportunity activities, as required by federal, state and local agencies. If any employee or applicant for employment believes this policy has been violated, he/she must contact the Director of Human Resources.

Concordia University is a HLC accredited, co-educational, liberal arts school offering more than 70 undergraduate majors, over 40 master's degree programs, and 4 doctoral programs. There are also a variety of accelerated evening and e-learning programs.