Senior Director | Storytelling and Engagement

The University of Notre Dame is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world.

About the role

The Undergraduate Enrollment Division works to open doors to a Notre Dame education, empowering students to pursue, discover, and share knowledge, truth, and faith as a powerful means for good. The division is committed to creating socioeconomic mobility for students from all pathways, increasing the global Catholic community on its campus, and ensuring that the Notre Dame undergraduate student body represents the gifts and experiences of the full human family.

Reporting to the Executive Director for Enrollment Management and providing supervision to the Director of Marketing and Communications, this pivotal leadership role is responsible for architecting the storytelling strategy that connects prospective students to the heart of the University. The successful candidate will be a visionary strategist, an exceptional communicator, an exemplary leader, and a master relationship-builder. They will develop a comprehensive communications strategy that ensures talented, curious, faith-filled, mission-aligned students not only apply to Notre Dame but ultimately choose to matriculate.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision and strategic guidance to the Director of Marketing and Communications.
• Architect, lead, and continually optimize a sophisticated, data-informed multi-channel communications strategy that compellingly articulates the unique value proposition of a Notre Dame education throughout the entire recruitment lifecycle.
• Partner closely with the Assistant Vice President for Undergraduate Admissions, the Executive Director for Enrollment Management, and the Sr. Director of Recruitment, Strategic Partnerships, and Scholarship Programs to align all engagement strategies.
• Develop and coordinate a comprehensive strategic vision for the enrollment yield cycle, ensuring that admitted students who align with the University’s mission choose to enroll.
• Proactively identify, evaluate, and source prospective external vendors and partners to enhance recruitment and engagement initiatives. Manage ongoing vendor relationships and project deliverables to ensure high performance and alignment with divisional priorities.
• Stay abreast of best practices and emerging trends in higher education marketing, student engagement, and recruitment and yield technology to ensure Notre Dame remains a leader in the field.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree
• 5+ years of experience in higher education or a similar industry

Preferred Qualifications

• Exceptional communication (written and oral), presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively influence and inspire multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, with proven experience in developing and implementing data-driven strategies that have resulted in measurable improvements.
• A strong understanding of enrollment management principles and practices within a highly selective university environment.
• Experience leading teams in a fast-paced, mission-driven organization.
• Translatable storytelling and/or marketing experience in higher education.