Director of Marketing and Communications

Director of Marketing and Communications

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. This position provides leadership for institutional marketing, communications, media relations, digital engagement, and brand strategy.

The Director of Marketing and Communications will serve as the University's chief marketing and communications strategist, developing and implementing integrated marketing and communications initiatives that support enrollment growth, advancement efforts, community engagement, and the University's mission. This individual will work collaboratively across campus while strengthening the University's presence within the Great Falls community and beyond.

This position requires a primarily on-campus presence in Great Falls, Montana.

Position Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• 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.
• Develop executive communications and ensure consistent messaging across the institution.
• 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.

Budget and Resource Management

• 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.
• Monitor return on investment for marketing and communication activities.

Communication and Collaboration

• Partner with departments across campus, including Enrollment Management, Athletics, Advancement, Academic Affairs, and Student Affairs, to ensure consistent institutional messaging and brand alignment.
• Develop and 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.

Policy, Compliance, and Crisis Communications

• Collaborate with Risk and Compliance, Facilities, Security, and senior leadership to develop and implement crisis communication plans and protocols.
• Ensure communication practices support institutional policies and organizational risk management objectives.

Community Engagement

• Identify and cultivate opportunities that strengthen the University's visibility and engagement within the Great Falls community.
• Represent the University in community partnerships, events, and public-facing initiatives that enhance awareness and goodwill.

Professional Development

• Remain current on emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in higher education marketing, branding, social media, digital engagement, and crisis communications.
• Participate in professional organizations, conferences, and networking opportunities to continuously strengthen leadership effectiveness and organizational impact.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a closely related field.

Experience

• Demonstrated professional marketing experience.
• Proven leadership and supervisory experience.
• Successful experience developing and implementing strategic marketing and communications initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Higher Education, or a related field.
• Three to five years of leadership experience in marketing and communications.
• Experience in higher education, nonprofit organizations, healthcare, or mission-driven institutions.
• Experience with crisis communications, media relations, brand management, and digital marketing analytics.

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.

Working Relationships

The Director of Marketing and Communications develops and maintains collaborative relationships with:

• University leadership, faculty, staff, and students
• Enrollment Management, Athletics, Advancement, and Academic Affairs
• Community partners and organizations
• Local, regional, and national media outlets
• Providence St. Joseph Health leaders
• External marketing agencies and consultants