Director of Marketing and Communications - Ashbrook Center

About the role

The Ashbrook Center, an independent center at Ashland University, seeks an accomplished and mission-driven Director of Marketing and Communications to lead its communications and marketing efforts as a member of its Philanthropy Team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships, the Director will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that strengthens Ashbrook’s brand, expands its reach, and compellingly communicates the impact of its work to donors, partners, educators, students, and the broader public. The successful candidate will be an exceptional writer and communicator, a creative and strategic thinker, and a collaborative leader who understands how thoughtful communications can deepen relationships and advance Ashbrook’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Strategy and Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive annual communications and marketing plan aligned with Ashbrook’s strategic and philanthropic goals. Provide leadership and counsel on messaging, positioning, audience development, and communications opportunities.
• Brand Management: Protect, strengthen, and elevate the Ashbrook brand, ensuring consistency of voice, message, and visual identity across all communications, platforms, programs, and collateral.
• Content and Storytelling: Lead the creation and production of compelling content that brings Ashbrook’s mission and impact to life, including newsletters, annual and donor reports, publications, social media, press releases, website content, and other print and digital materials.
• Digital Marketing: Manage and strengthen Ashbrook’s digital presence, including email marketing, social media channels, website communications, and search engine optimization (SEO), with an emphasis on expanding and engaging Ashbrook’s audiences.
• Media Relations: Develop relationships with journalists and other members of the media, identify and pitch appropriate stories, coordinate media opportunities, and serve as a spokesperson for Ashbrook when needed.
• Team and Vendor Management: Supervise communications support staff and interns and effectively manage relationships with external agencies, designers, consultants, printers, and other vendors.
• Analytics and Reporting: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for communications and marketing initiatives, using data to evaluate effectiveness, improve performance, and report results to senior leadership and the Board.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, or a related field
• Five to seven (5–7) years of professional experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field
• Nonprofit sector experience preferred
• Outstanding writing, editing, interpersonal, and public-speaking skills
• Demonstrated proficiency in social media, email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact, Salesforce), and content management systems (e.g., WordPress)
• Familiarity with graphic design principles, digital analytics, and contemporary marketing practices
• Highly organized and energetic with excellent project-management skills, sound judgment, strong emotional intelligence, and a collaborative spirit
• Deep understanding of and passion for Ashbrook’s mission
• Currently authorized to work in the United States (Ashland University will not sponsor or take over sponsorship for an employment visa)

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week, first shift.

Start date

Anticipated start date: November 16, 2026.

Location

Based in Ashland, Ohio; remote work considered for exceptional candidates who share the mission and can maintain a meaningful presence with regular visits to headquarters.

Posting number: S1158P. Posted October 19, 2026; open until filled.