Director, Communications and Marketing

Ann Arbor, MI (Hybrid)

$113K/yr – $123K/yrDirector/Executive8+ years expFull time

Posted 5 months ago

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Job Summary

Drive multi-channel marketing and communications strategy for a university design school with brand management and digital presence ownership.

  • Must-have: 8+ years in marketing/communications and leadership of a small team
  • Standout: Directs branding, website/social strategy, and cross-department collaboration

Job Description

Responsibilities
  • Develop and lead integrated, multi-channel marketing and communications strategies with clear annual and long-term goals.
  • Partner cross-departmentally to define measurable goals, track progress, and conduct post-campaign evaluations.
  • Advise academic and senior leadership on strategies to increase enrollment, alumni and donor engagement, fundraising, and institutional visibility.
  • Shapes and executes public relations efforts, including promotion of events, exhibitions, and faculty research.
  • Be a brand manager, leading strategic positioning efforts and overseeing a planned rebrand in 2027.
  • Direct the school's website and social media strategy, including content oversight, performance monitoring, and reputation management.
  • Oversee creative production across digital and print channels, including photo/video, publications, advertising, and vendor-managed print projects.
  • Manage a communications team (4 FTE plus freelance staff), including goal-setting, performance management, and training.
  • Manage departmental budgets and provide regular reports to the dean and senior leadership.
  • Support special projects and school events to promote institutional priorities.
Requirements
  • Undergraduate degree in marketing, communications, public relations, business or other relevant field, or a combination of education and experience.
  • 8 or more years of progressively responsible experience in marketing/communications.
  • Experienced accomplishment in developing marketing/communications plans, including branding, public relations, website development, and social media.
  • Experience managing multi-phase projects from launch to completion.
  • Proficiency with multiple marketing and communications channels, including print, web communications, digital and social media, and advanced technologies.
  • Previous management experience, including demonstrated ability to motivate staff, inspire teamwork, and take a leadership role.
  • Experience conducting market research, data analysis, and data interpretation.
  • Familiarity with design and publishing software applications, such as Adobe Creative Suite.
Preferred
    Benefits
    • Benefits include: Generous time off including paid maternity and parental leave
    • A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
    • Many choices for comprehensive health, vision, and dental insurance
    • Life insurance and long-term disability
    • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
    University of Michigan logo

    University of Michigan

    The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving, and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.Why Work at Michigan?Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care — that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

    Founded in 1989
    Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
    38K employees (1,396 in marketing)

    Traffic Signals

    Monthly Visitors
    15.1M
    Monthly Google Ads Budget
    $651.6K
    Traffic Source Mix
    Search
    44.4%
    Direct
    45.4%
    Referral
    9.1%
    Social
    0.5%
    Paid
    0.4%

    Headcount Trend

    Current headcount: ~38.1K

    Marketing Team

    Marketing Team Size
    893 (2% of company)
    Median Career Experience
    9 years
    Median Tenure
    5.3 years
    Marketing Roles Posted (Last 30 Days)
    4

    Funding

    Total Funding
    $359.8M
    Last Raise
    $1M
    Grant, 8 months ago

    Funding History

    • Jul 2025
      Grant • $1M
    • Jun 2025
      Grant • $1.2M
    • Apr 2025
      Grant

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