Carthage College Looking for Executive Director for Marketing and Communications Full Time

The Office of Marketing and Communications at Carthage College seeks a driven and dynamic leader to join our award-winning team as
Executive Director for Marketing and Communications.

As the second-in-command for the office, you will work closely with the
Associate Vice President to lead a talented cross-functional team in executing innovative marketing and communications initiatives. Your
role will be crucial in supporting Carthage’s recruitment, retention, and revenue goals through strategic marketing, media relations,
and communications work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide Leadership

• Lead marketing
  initiatives, ensuring that work produced by the team is of the highest quality and in alignment with strategic goals and brand
  guidelines.
• Collaborate with the Associate Vice President and Senior Director of Marketing and Brand Strategy to develop and
  implement marketing plans to achieve recruitment, retention, and revenue goals.
• Manage the Marketing and Communications team when
  the Associate Vice President is unavailable, guiding and supervising staff, solving problems, and addressing needs and inquiries from
  college leadership and other constituents.
• Directly supervise 3-4 members of the Marketing and Communications team, using
  excellent leadership skills to foster a strong, healthy, creative and productive work environment.
• Continually seek and suggest
  ways to keep the team operating at the highest level, following best-in-class approaches to content development, advertising copy, media
  relations, social media, storytelling, and more.

Execute Marketing Plans

• Translate marketing
  plans into actionable projects and assignments, ensuring work progresses on time and meets the highest quality standards.
• Generate
  editorial/content plans in support of the College’s marketing goals.
• Act as the main project manager for the Office of
  Marketing and Communications, staying abreast of established marketing plans and assignments, new needs, and evolving priorities. Track
  project milestones so as to ensure deadlines are met.
• Evaluate performance and analyze outcomes in order to provide valuable
  insights for improved performance at both team and project levels.

Supervise Editorial Team

• · Manage the planning and production of best-in-class news content, feature stories, media relations, website content, social
  media, marketing copy, advertising copy, e-newsletters, and all other content in alignment with marketing plans and College needs.
• Guide the news and storytelling functions, ensuring the delivery of Carthage’s story across various media channels.
• Write and edit content in the forms of news releases, feature articles, advertising copy, and other copy as necessary.
• Oversee
  the creation of the alumni magazine.
• Use expertise in content strategy to ensure impactful and compelling communication across
  digital, print, and public relations platforms.

Lead Media Relations

• Design and execute public
  relations campaigns to increase awareness and enhance the College’s reputation.
• Field media inquiries in an appropriate and timely
  manner, connecting reporters with relevant personnel and preparing interviewees.
• Draft media statements and talking points, and
  act as the College spokesperson as needed.
• Seek opportunities to secure positive media attention for Carthage College across
  various channels.

Serve as the Backup Public Information Officer

• Assist in managing internal
  and external communications, and serve as the team’s backup main point of contact during emergencies, crises, and other
  situations.
• Serve as a member of the College’s Emergency Preparation and Emergency Response teams, helping to set, guide,
  and execute the College’s preparation and responses during such issues as safety alerts, inclement weather, and critical campus
  communications.
• Be available to College leadership, Public Safety, and other College personnel. Respond to phone calls and text
  messages outside of regular business hours should issues and/or emergencies arise.

EDUCATION &
QUALIFICATIONS 

•  Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or related field.
• At least 4 to
  7 years in communications or marketing is required, preferably in higher education or journalism.
• At least 3 to 5 years of
  leadership /management experience
• Experience with traditional and digital marketing is required, preferably for recruitment
  purposes. 
• Strong news writing and media skills.

REQUIRED SKILLS, ABILITIES AND/OR
LICENSURE

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Expertise in grammar and AP style.

• Must demonstrate an understanding of the principles and methods used to market programs, promote events, and recruit
  students.
• Strong analytical skills, particularly in reviewing data and developing strategies to bolster recruitment.

• Strong organizational skills, particularly planning, managing deadlines, and evaluating progress.
• Demonstrated expertise
  and skill in proofreading and editing, with an impeccable attention to detail.
• Demonstrated expertise in public relations, media
  relations, and corporate and/or higher education communications.
• Advanced computer literacy. Able to use a personal computer,
  telephone, computer keyboard, and web browser, including a working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Demonstrated ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage constructively with diverse cultures or
  backgrounds.
• Must be dependable, respectful, adaptable, efficient, and personable.
• Must be self-motivated — able
  to multitask, work independently, and contribute to a team.
• Must be able to juggle multiple projects, respond to immediate
  requests, and work in a high-energy, deadline-driven atmosphere. Must be able to keep both small and large projects on track.
• Must
  employ a deep respect and appreciation for our various audiences, their interests, and media habits.

HOW TO
APPLY

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, and three current professional references. Applications without a
cover letter will not be considered. Please upload as a single PDF through the “Resume Upload” section
of the link below.

Apply by July 10 for best consideration.

About Carthage
Located on the shore of
Lake Michigan in the thriving Chicago-Milwaukee corridor, Carthage College blends the best liberal arts traditions with desirable degree
programs, transformative learning opportunities, and personal attention from dedicated faculty and staff. Our beautiful campus, an 80-acre
arboretum with stunning lake views, is home to 2,600 undergraduate students and 200 graduate students. Founded in 1847, Carthage is
consistently named a Best Midwestern College by The Princeton Review and a Most Innovative School by U.S. News & World Report. All
Carthage employees play a vital part in the success of our students, as we work together to create an environment where all can achieve
their true potential. Grow with Carthage.