Director of Marketing and Communications

About the role

The University of Providence invites applications for the position of Director of Marketing and Communications, a strategic leadership role responsible for advancing the University's visibility, reputation, and brand presence regionally and nationally.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the University's comprehensive marketing and communications strategy to enhance institutional visibility, reputation, and brand awareness.
• Direct the University's website and social media presence, including content strategy, information architecture, design oversight, and digital engagement initiatives.
• Monitor and analyze website and social media metrics to measure effectiveness and support strategic decision-making.
• Advise and support the President and senior leadership team regarding media engagement, public messaging, and communications strategy.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of marketing and communications initiatives and align goals and performance metrics with the University's strategic plan.
• Create and maintain effective internal communications that inform, engage, and connect faculty, staff, and students.
• Develop and manage the annual marketing and communications budget.
• Ensure strategic allocation of resources across branding, advertising, media relations, digital communications, and marketing initiatives.
• Oversee relationships with external marketing agencies and vendors, ensuring accountability, contract compliance, and measurable results.
• Maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Create media releases, story pitches, and proactive communications opportunities that elevate the University's visibility.
• Serve as a trusted communications advisor to campus leaders and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with departments across campus, including Enrollment Management, Athletics, Advancement, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs, to ensure consistent institutional messaging and brand alignment.
• Represent the University in community partnerships, events, and public-facing initiatives that enhance awareness and goodwill.
• Participate in professional organizations, conferences, and networking opportunities to continuously strengthen leadership effectiveness and organizational impact.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated professional marketing experience.
• Proven leadership and supervisory experience.
• Successful experience developing and implementing strategic marketing and communications initiatives.
• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Higher Education, or a related field preferred.
• Three to five years of leadership experience in marketing and communications.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit organizations, healthcare, or mission-driven institutions preferred.
• Experience with crisis communications, media relations, brand management, and digital marketing analytics preferred.

Desired Competencies

• Mission-Driven Leadership: Demonstrates a strong commitment to the University's mission, values, and Catholic identity. Inspires and motivates others to contribute their best work. Makes decisions that balance organizational objectives with a commitment to serving others.
• Integrity and Trust: Exhibits the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and confidentiality. Builds trust through transparency, respect, and accountability.
• Strategic and Results-Oriented Thinking: Successfully translates strategic priorities into measurable outcomes. Navigates ambiguity while maintaining focus on results. Demonstrates agility in managing competing priorities and deadlines.
• Communication and Relationship Building: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to build strong collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. Skilled in conflict resolution and fostering cooperative working relationships.
• Service Excellence: Demonstrates a commitment to exceptional service and responsiveness. Promotes a people-centered culture focused on achieving organizational goals.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications. Experience utilizing digital marketing, analytics, content management, and integrated software systems. Ability to quickly learn and adapt to emerging technologies and platforms.