Director of Marketing and Digital Strategy

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University.

Hiring staff for fit makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer :

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us!

BASIC FUNCTION :

Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Marketing, the Director of Marketing and Digital Strategy is responsible for the day-to-day development and strategic implementation of the University’s strategic brand, marketing and digital initiatives.

This role is responsible for developing and fostering integrated marketing communications strategies in alignment with the University’s strategic initiatives, mission and values.

The successful candidate will serve as a thought leader / consultant to University-based marketing and communications colleagues.

This individual will use their knowledge in a variety of disciplines such as marketing, advertising, digital media and outreach to help shape a distinctive, strengthened brand position.

ACCOUNTABILITY :

Supervises the Social Media Strategist, student interns and vendor partners.

NATURE AND SCOPE :

Internal contacts include faculty, staff, administrators, students and University executives. External contacts include vendors and alumni

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES :

The successful candidate will develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies to enhance the brand visibility of Howard University.

They will oversee the creation and management of engaging digital media campaigns, content, and community engagement that fosters meaningful connections with the target audience.

Additionally, this person will analyze data and key performance indicators to refine strategies, optimize digital marketing efforts, and drive traffic to flagship channels and sources.

Strategic Planning : Develop and implement strategies to increase awareness of Howard University’s strategic initiatives within an integrated marketing communications matrix.

Develop and refine the organization’s digital strategy, aligning it with the overall goals of the University. This includes setting clear objectives, identifying target audiences, and defining key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success.

Stay abreast of industry changes and forecast future trends to serve best the goals and objectives; adjusts plans and strategies accordingly.

Content Strategy : Develop a content strategy to create, curate, and distribute relevant and valuable content across various digital channels and materials.

Social Media Management : Responsible for the social media strategies to build brand awareness, engage with audiences, and drive traffic and conversions.

Manage the Social Media Strategist in developing dynamic and engaging campaigns.

Data Analytics : Monitor and analyze key performance metrics to evaluate the success of digital initiatives and make data-driven decisions to improve the strategy continually.

Audience Segmentation : Analyze customer data to segment the target audience(s) effectively. Tailor different strategies for different customer segments to improve engagement and conversion rates.

Monitor and report emerging issues and trends on social listening platforms.

SEO and SEM : Optimize the organization’s online presence for search engines through search engine optimization (SEO) and manage search engine marketing (SEM) campaigns to improve visibility and drive traffic.

Budget Management : Develop and manage budgets for marketing and advertising campaigns, ensuring cost-effectiveness and a positive return on investment (ROI).

Innovation : Stay updated on emerging technologies and industry best practices to keep the digital strategy up-to-date and competitive.

Creates opportunities to educate about best practices for marketing, branding and digital alignment with campus stakeholders.

Manages agency and vendor partners in building and protecting the University’s brand.

Performs other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES :

Demonstrated record of progressive leadership roles within large, highly complex organizations in higher education or related non-profit organizations

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

Knowledge of comprehensive content development across platforms

Experience successfully leveraging various digital platforms to advance organizational institutional priorities and messaging

Demonstrated record of creating innovative content and materials that resonate with audiences while advancing organizational goals

A sophisticated understanding of digital audiences and fluency in best practice tools and techniques for digital communications

Demonstrated experience in utilizing market research and identifying new trends and opportunities

Prior experience in communications / digital marketing, higher education or related areas

Experience creating and managing key performance indicators for digital marketing strategies to evaluate effectiveness and return on investment

Keen understanding of the issues and challenges facing higher education

Competency in problem solving

Exceptional interpersonal skills

Exceptional communication skills (oral and written)

Working knowledge in these areas : Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Internet browsers. Working knowledge of Google Analytics, Facebook Ad Manager, X (Twitter) ads, LinkedIn Ad manager, and platforms for analyzing progress and sentiment of the brand.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS :

A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience; or 20 plus years of relevant experience.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range : $109,090 - $120,000