Director of Communications & Marketing
Cairn University
On-site
Pennsylvania, United States
Director of Communications & Marketing
The Office of University Advancement at Cairn University is inviting qualified individuals to apply for the position of Director of Communications & Marketing.
Position Summary
The Director leads the team responsible for the design and implementation of the overall marketing and communications strategy for Cairn University. This position is responsible for identifying and expanding the University’s target audience, building comprehensive social media marketing campaigns, planning and reviewing digital content, strengthening the University print publications, and creating effective communication strategies to maintain and increase annual student enrollment and brand positioning. In addition, this position is responsible for internal messaging, visual identity, and campus aesthetics. The Director reports to the Senior Vice President for University Advancement and will lead a team of professionals who are instrumental in helping accomplish communication and marketing strategies on behalf of the University.
Essential Responsibilities
- Assist in writing, strategizing, and implementation of the Strategic Enrollment and Integrated Marketing Plan.
- Establish or reinforce internal University guidelines to properly communicate with a consistent voice, maximize marketing effectiveness, and ensure consistent application of marketing and communications strategies among the various internal University departments.
- In conjunction with the President’s Office, participate in the vision casting and implement strategic decisions on external affairs.
- Oversee the University’s website development and functionality.
- Manage the timely creation of social media messaging that attracts, informs, and recruits our target audience, promotes University events, and identifies the University and faculty as experts in their respective fields.
- Develops and implements the University's communications policies, guidelines, and practices with respect to external communications, positioning, and branding.
- Create and implement public relations policies and programs that ensure positive public relations through interaction with the media, University constituencies, the public, and employees and students.
- Evaluate the necessity and effectiveness of print media; strengthen current offerings or propose and develop alternate options.
- In conjunction with the University admissions office, coordinate the development of student recruitment literature.
- Oversee strategic creation of videos for use on the web and in digital content campaigns.
- Serve as an internal consultant for various departments which produce web-based or written collateral on their own events (concerts, sports events, conferences, etc.) to ensure that all public relations efforts are unified and reflect the University's mission and quality standards.
- Work with various academic and support departments to ensure consistent, strong branding oversight and delivery of internal and external events.
- Select, train, and develop the Office of Marketing & Communications team.
- Provide timely performance evaluations for individuals/team members.
Proficiencies and Requirements
Qualified applicants should have a master’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a closely related field and have a minimum of three years of prior experience at the manager or director level in a business, marketing and/or communications setting.
Proficiencies required for this position include:
- Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials. In addition, the director should be able to demonstrate hands-on knowledge of social media trends, posts and graphics.
- A strong understanding of Cairn’s mission, place in the market, and capability to promote the strengths of the University.
- Ability to use independent judgment in managing and imparting information to various levels within the University.
- Outstanding interpersonal and community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community that build relationships and negotiate partnerships inside and outside the organization.
- Demonstrated poise, tact, and diplomacy.
- Knowledge of organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures.
- Demonstrated experience and effectiveness in conceiving, developing, and implementing strategic directives.
- Demonstrated experience and proven ability in brand management, creative strategy, and art direction in a leadership capacity.
- Strong demonstrated leadership of organizations, individuals, teams, and projects; ability to set strategic direction, develop effective plans, obtain buy-in and motivate all to successfully complete projects.
- Exceptional demonstrated experience managing and supervising staff of professionals including all aspects of performance management and supervision (hiring, coaching, motivating, performance evaluations/feedback, progressive discipline, workflow management, team building, etc.).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to provide or facilitate group instruction, to represent the University and in the community, and to write clear and on-target recommendations, reports, and policies.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk while developing strategies, reviewing materials, and working on a computer or digital platforms.
- Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, mobile device, and standard office or media equipment.
- Visual and auditory ability to review, edit, and approve written, visual, and digital content, and to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Occasional walking and movement across campus or to external sites for meetings, events, photoshoots, and public relations activities.
- Occasional lifting, carrying, and set up of marketing materials, signage, or media equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
- Physical stamina and flexibility to attend and support University events that may occur outside standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, and special occasions.
- Sustained mental focus and attention to detail required for managing multiple concurrent projects, deadlines, and communications initiatives.
- Ability to remain composed and professional while working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines.
- Capacity to lead and collaborate effectively with a team of creative professionals, faculty, administrators, and external partners.
- Adaptability to emerging technologies, evolving media platforms, and changes in marketing and communication strategies.
This position requires adherence to University communications, branding, and public relations standards, and may include occasional travel for meetings, conferences, or professional events.
The compensation level of this position is dependent on the selected candidate’s professional work experience, familiarity with communication and marketing strategies within academia/higher education and demonstrated skill in strategic communication and/or marketing leadership.
Serving at Cairn University
Located in Langhorne, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Cairn University exists to educate students to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world as biblically minded, well-educated and professionally competent men and women of character. Students earn bachelor’s degrees in various areas including Bible, Education, Music, and Business Administration; and graduate degrees in Business, Divinity, Education, Organizational Leadership, Worship and Music, and Counseling.
Cairn is a conservative evangelical institution within the protestant tradition that employs faculty and staff who profess Jesus Christ as personal Savior; agree to Cairn’s Statement of Faith and Community Life Covenant; and serve students in a ministerial capacity through imparting and upholding biblical instruction, prayer, and mentoring. Members of the faculty are required to integrate biblical instruction in their respective professional subject areas. All members of the Cairn community are obligated to affirm, agree with, and align with the University Foundational Statements. During the application process, applicants will have the opportunity to review these statements and must agree to affirm and support the position of the University, if hired. Applicants are also asked to provide a Personal Testimony of salvation as part of the application process.
To apply, please follow the link below. You may upload and submit your resume/CV and cover letter and unofficial transcripts with the application.
Ineligible for sponsorship of H1B visa.
Cairn University does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or other protected characteristics, in administration of its educational, employment and admissions policies.