Executive Director, Strategic Marketing and Communications at Arizona State University

Arizona State University
Executive Director, Strategic Marketing and Communications
Strategic Marketing and Comms
Campus: Tempe
102375BR

Job Description
The Executive Director, Strategic Marketing & Communications (MarCom) is the steward of the ASU Knowledge Enterprise brand among multiple audiences and is instrumental in driving the research and discovery growth of ASU, fostering a culture of quality, client-centricity, entrepreneurial spirit, business-building, collaborative engagement, and thought leadership.

The Knowledge Enterprise Executive Director of KE MarCom works in concert with the KE Leadership Team, contributing to new project generation, operations, client delivery and overall marketing and communication strategy that drive research, innovation, and discovery growth.

The Executive Director of KE MarCom must define which capabilities will be owned, partnered or bought, understanding that real-time insights, creativity and media effectiveness will drive success. They are responsible for owning the composition and development of the ecosystem.  This involves talent identification and development as well as resource allocation - facilitating cross functional and senior management alignment as well as helping to eliminate barriers and red tape.

At its core, the Executive Director of KE MarCom is the ultimate storyteller to all internal and external constituents. Telling well-integrated research stories across multiple constituents and digital touch points, content, context and technology needs to be aligned in unique, meaningful and memorable ways. Expertise in insight generation, multi-channel content creation and media are required. The fast reaction time of the digital age also means that processes need to be in place for content creation that include pre-testing against multiple audiences and reaction plans against unintended consequences of key communication platforms.

Salary Range
Depends on experience

Close Date
16-July-2024

Essential Duties
Contribute to ASU Growth Strategy & Talent Development – Contribute leadership and ideas that help to advance the research and discovery growth in alignment with the overall strategy set by the ASU and KE leadership, and in concert with communication objectives set by the KE Executive Vice President (EVP) and other KE leaders. Act as an effective interdisciplinary leader, coordinating and directing departmental resources and efforts based upon the direction set by KE EVP and ASU Central Communications. Look for opportunities to improve the operations and efficiency of the MarCom team and develop KE’s MarCom talent by taking an active role in developing both directly supervised team members, as well as others. Create opportunities to advise and model skills and behaviors that foster better client outcomes and inspire all KE colleagues.

Manage an ecosystem of employees and partners (internal and external), which includes researchers, designers, CRM practitioners, digital media experts, customer insights professionals, corporate communications professionals, other universities, major media channel relationships, customer deployment resources and brand and product managers.

Project Management/Delivery – Responsible for the deliverables and overall outcomes of all assigned MarCom projects. For large keystone projects, engage in the project life-cycle, including: (1) project scoping, planning, and budgeting; (2) proposal development and resourcing; (3) efficient, resourceful and high-quality execution; and (4) final delivery (generating strategic content—concepts, framework, insights, recommendations—that shape growth strategy deliverables).  Set clear metrics of success in concert with KE leadership. Keep KE leadership informed of project progress, challenges, and successes. The ultimate goal is to ensure each project meets ASU and KE quality standards, targets, and satisfies the goals of the project.

●       Consistently deliver high-quality analysis and recommendations

●       Create project deliverables that are strategic, well-articulated, insightful and clear

●       Deliver projects which meet or exceed expectations

●       Meet deadlines and metrics, and hold projects to budget

●       Foster collaboration among the cross-functional team to deliver high quality solutions, maximize resources and eliminate bottlenecks

Client Relationship Management – Build and own relationships with key clients, while delivering superior strategic advice and solutions.  Cultivate and nurture strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including internal and external partners, agencies, and organizations. Responsible for shaping the strategic vision for their client relationships and engagements by anticipating client needs and proactively suggesting projects that can advance their goals.  Act as trusted advisor, demonstrating personal integrity, and providing objective, practical and relevant ideas, insights and advice.

●       Deliver high-value strategy recommendations that are relevant and actionable

●       Build productive, trusted relationships by adding value in client interactions

●       Successfully influence client leaders and teams

●       Provide ad-hoc expertise and coaching

●       Build client capabilities and knowledge transfer

●       Maintain clear communication with KE leadership on all deliverables and decisions

Minimum Qualifications
Master’s degree in a field appropriate to the area of assignment AND eight (8) years of related administrative experience which includes five (5) years of supervisory experience OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved. 

Desired Qualifications

• Executes on ideas quickly and with quality while demonstrating strategic planning and product development from ideation through delivery
• Creates and executes MarCom strategy that supports the broader KE and ASU strategies
• Operates resourcefully and works to improve efficiencies and outputs through leveraged concepts, resources, people, network and time
• Entrepreneurial thinking that conceptualizes new ideas and thinking, while working with limited resources
• Develops and uses data, analytics and insights to drive decisions by gathering critical data to influence/support decisions
• Communicates clearly, cohesively, and in an impactful way through multiple mediums, including written, spoken, and beyond.
• Effectively influences clients
• Demonstrates listening skills
• Displays persuasive communication and presentation skills
• Relationship-focused leader with strong team orientation and collaborative style
• Creates and supports an inclusive environment for all employees

Working Environment
ASU is a diverse enterprise with a wide variety of work and learning modes, locations, and a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and employee work-life balance. We are determined to maintain our position as an employer of choice in a competitive labor market, as such the following options may be offered dependent on department needs: 

Flexible work options:  

• Hybrid work is an arrangement where employees spend a minimum of 60% of their regular workweek at their primary ASU work location. Dean or vice president-level approval is required.  
• Remote work is an arrangement where the employee spends less than 60% of their regular workweek at a regularly assigned ASU work location. Executive vice president-level approval is required.  

Standard Working Environment:  

• Climate-controlled office setting subject to extended periods of being in a stationary position.   
• Constantly detects and operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and computer printer.    
• Ability to clearly communicate and exchange accurate information to perform essential duties.   
• Expected to be responsive to customers, engaged in work production, resourceful, flexible, and respectful of others.  

Department Statement
For the ninth year in a row, ASU has been named the most innovative school in the nation, recognizing the university's culture of groundbreaking research and partnerships, as well as its commitment to helping students thrive in college and beyond. U.S. News and World Report has named ASU as the most innovative university all nine years the category has existed. 

ASU Knowledge Enterprise advances research, innovation, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and international development. Our success arises from solutions-focused, interdisciplinary research; an entrepreneurial approach that is embedded in every school and department; and a commitment to transform society in a positive way. To learn more about how Knowledge Enterprise is a place for your career to grow, visit  https://research.asu.edu/about-us/careers .  

ASU Statement
Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. ASU serves more than 80,000 students in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, the nation's fifth largest city. ASU champions intellectual and cultural diversity, and welcomes students from all fifty states and more than one hundred nations across the globe.

ASU is a tobacco-free university. For details visit www.asu.edu/tobaccofree

AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Notice of Availability of the ASU Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources. ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at  https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf . You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

Relocation Assistance – For information about schools, housing child resources, neighborhoods, hospitals, community events, and taxes, visit https://cfo.asu.edu/relocation-services.

ASU conducts pre-employment screening which may include verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications.

Background Check Statement
ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses, and certifications. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the background check.

Fingerprint Check Statement
This position is considered safety/security sensitive and will include a fingerprint check. Employment is contingent upon successful passing of the fingerprint check.

Instructions to Apply
Application deadline is 3:00PM Arizona time on the date indicated.

Please include all employment information in month/year format (e.g., 6/88 to 8/94), job title, job duties and name of employer for each position.

Resume should clearly illustrate how prior knowledge and experience meets the Minimum and Desired qualifications of this position.

ASU does not pay for travel expenses associated with interviews, unless otherwise indicated.

Only electronic applications are accepted for this position.

IMPORTANT NOTE: What is the meaning of “equivalent combination” in the minimum qualifications? It means one year of higher education or 24 credit hours, is equal to one year of experience. For example, a four year Bachelor’s degree is equal to four years of experience.

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