CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER/ BRAND STRATEGIST - OUR LADY OF THE LAKE UNIVERSITY

Job Description : Job Summary :

Job Summary :

The Chief Marketing Officer / Brand Strategist embodies a dynamic and tenacious passion for building and transforming Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) brand into a distinguished and fresh brand that stands-out among a crowded and competitive category.

The CMO / Brand Strategist is a creative agent of change, driving a fresh look and start for OLLU's brand across every channel and all segments.

This position demands a strategic thinker with an aggressive approach to brand development, while leveraging traditional tools and incorporating cutting-edge practices to achieve exceptional results.

This role demands an aggressive tone, a spark of creativity, and the ability to craft a compelling and visionary brand narrative.

Ultimately, the CMO / Brand Strategist is a strong partner to the President and Cabinet who serves a vital role in student enrollment.

Performance Matrix :

• Achievement of annual marketing objectives, successful execution of strategic marketing plans.
• Conceiving, tracking, and achieving KPIs, and ROI on all marketing and brand efforts.
• Successful adaptation of new trends and effective use of emerging technologies in marketing efforts.

Essential Functions :

• Develop and implement aggressive strategies to enhance aided and unaided brand awareness.
• Maintain an inquisitive nature, staying abreast of the latest trends, tools, and practices in product branding, with an ability to translate those to higher education.
• Work closely with key stakeholders, including the communications team, academic departments, and university leadership, to ensure cohesive and integrated brand messaging across all channels.
• Use data-driven insights to refine strategies, measure success, and adjust approaches as needed to meet strategic objectives.
• Ability to adapt strategies and approaches in response to evolving trends, challenges, and opportunities in the higher education landscape.
• Develop and implement bold and innovative strategies that give OLLU's brand a unique edge and captivate audiences.
• Interpret and analyze complex data and metrics to make informed decisions on actionable insights.
• Create and maintain brand guidelines to ensure consistency in visual and verbal communication across all platforms and materials.
• Oversee the development of content that aligns with the brand strategy, including website copy, marketing materials, social media posts, and advertisements.
• Develop integrated marketing strategies that support enrollment objectives, such as increasing applications, improving yield rates, and enhancing student retention.
• Develop and maintain a strong brand presence that resonates with prospective students.
• Ensure that Search Engine Optimization (SEO) efforts are integrated with overall marketing objectives and strategies.

Additional Responsibilities :

• Drive the continuous evolution of the brand to ensure it remains relevant and competitive in a changing and competitive market.
• Collaborate with creative teams to ensure brand consistency and innovation in marketing materials.
• Align brand strategies with broader marketing efforts, including digital, social, and traditional media.
• Advises department and school / college administrators on marketing strategies.
• Address any inconsistencies or deviations from the brand standards.
• Stay informed about search engine algorithm updates and adjust SEO strategies as needed to maintain or improve rankings.
• Collaborate with the Athletics Department specifically with the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications - News and Sports Information staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Executive Vice President / Chief of Staff.

Requirements :

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Models and leads with integrity.
• Possesses a firm conviction of, and is an ardent supporter of, the educational experience provided at OLLU.
• Possesses and models a strong entrepreneurial and can-do spirit.
• Highly collaborative in all aspects of measurable outcomes.
• Commitment to continuous improvement of self, others, and the university.
• Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills; strong research and analytical skills; and experience in the development and management of strategic plans.
• Exceptional management, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic and analytical skills.
• Strategic thinker with an ability to execute innovative and bold plans.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a strong ability to inspire people and decisions.
• Understanding of and appreciation for the history, mission, vision, core values, and strategic goals of a Catholic university, with a sincere willingness to deepen understanding.
• Ability to co-create and communicate a university-wide vision.
• Meticulous attention to detail, self-starter, goal-oriented and able to work independently and initiate follow-through.

Education and Experience :

• Bachelor's degree in business administration with a focus on Marketing or a related advanced degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• Five to seven years of marketing, brand creation, brand cultivation, or similar required. Preference for non-higher education experience.
• Certified Professional Marketer, Digital Marketing Certifications, and / or Project Management Certification is preferred.
• Strong leadership skills to build and inspire and motivate a marketing team is required.

Additional Information :

Employment with Our Lady of the Lake University is contingent upon the applicant undergoing a background investigation.

OLLU seeks to attract, develop and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administrators. The University is committed to diversity and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities. EOE

Our Lady of the Lake University uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov / E-Verify.

Application Instructions :

Must submit resume / CV

Letter of interest

Any certifications associated with the position.