Senior Director, Marketing

The Office of USC Communications is seeking an innovative, strategic, and results-driven leader to serve as Senior Director, Marketing. This leadership role is responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of comprehensive marketing strategies that elevate the university’s reputation, strengthen audience engagement, and support institutional priorities. Reporting to the Associate Vice President, University Marketing, the Senior Director will oversee day-to-day marketing, creative services, and web operations, lead high-performing teams, manage budgets, and cultivate impactful relationships with key stakeholders, corporate partners, and external audiences. The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with operational excellence and possesses deep expertise in integrated marketing, brand strategy, digital communications, advertising, media buying, and organizational leadership. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and advance the marketing vision of a dynamic and mission-driven institution. The Senior Director, Marketing, will play a critical role in strengthening institutional visibility, engagement, and reputation through impactful storytelling, strategic communications, and innovative marketing initiatives. The university fosters a collaborative and inclusive culture where employees are empowered to contribute ideas, lead with creativity, and make a meaningful impact. This position will be fully onsite at the University Park Campus, 5 days a week. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Leading the development and execution of strategic marketing plans for the university, school, or division. Overseeing integrated marketing campaigns across digital, print, social media, web, advertising, influencer, and emerging platforms. Shaping institutional brand positioning, audience segmentation, journey mapping, and audience cultivation, acquisition, nurturing, conversion strategies. Directing the design, production, and implementation of marketing materials, campaign assets, web, and social content. Leveraging new technologies including AI to develop and drive innovative social media strategies, web, and digital engagement initiatives. Managing the recruitment, training, supervision, and professional development of marketing staff and leadership teams. Establishing departmental priorities, conduct performance evaluations, and oversee staff accountability and growth. Leading the planning, administration, and oversight of assigned budgets and financial resources. Building and maintaining strong relationships with media outlets, corporate partners, government stakeholders, and professional organizations. Serving as a university marketing subject matter expert both internally and externally, educating stakeholders, and establishing KPIs and dashboards. Overseeing external vendors, agencies, and contractors to ensure quality, consistency, and strategic alignment. Participating in institutional strategic planning and organizational initiatives. Perform other related duties as assigned. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations or a related field Seven (7) years of professional experience in marketing Five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership or management experience Strong knowledge of digital marketing, social media, internet marketing, blogs, influencer marketing, and web analytics Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills Expertise in marketing strategy, advertising, and brand management Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and creative problem-solving abilities Experience managing budgets, personnel, and multiple concurrent projects Ability to build meaningful relationships with internal and external stakeholders and to build bridges across teams, departments, schools and the university Experience overseeing design and production of print and digital publications Proficiency in Microsoft Office, social listening software, AI editing tools, and database management tools. Preferred Qualifications: 10+ years of combined professional marketing experience Proven success in leading marketing campaigns, filling the funnel through cultivation, acquisition, nurturing and conversion Track record of successful use of data and analytics to define audiences through segmentation, development of personas, journey mapping, and the user experience to deliver the desired call-to-action outcomes Demonstrated strategic thinking, innovative marketing, and collaborative leadership Required Documents and Additional Information Resume and cover letter required (may be submitted as one attachment). Additionally, please submit a portfolio or examples of marketing campaigns and communications work. The annual base salary range for this position is $213,000-$217,295. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations. To support faculty and staff well-being, USC provides benefits-eligible employees with a broad range of benefits and perks to help protect their and their dependents’ health, wealth, and future. These benefits are available as part of the overall compensation and total rewards package. The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #LI-Onsite Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Minimum Experience: 7 years And 5 years in marketing Minimum Skills: Solid knowledge of internet marketing, social media, blogs and web analytics. Demonstrated exceptional written communication and analytical skills. Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in the design and execution of marketing, communications and public relations activities. Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organizational and personal sales skills. Experience developing and managing budgets, and hiring, training, developing, supervising and appraising personnel. Demonstrated successful experience writing press releases, making presentations and negotiating with media. Experience overseeing the design and production of print materials and publications. Excellent computer skills on Microsoft Office, data base management and publishing software. Ability to manage multiple projects at a time Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree In Marketing Or Communication Or Public Relations Or in related field(s) Preferred Experience: 10 years Preferred Skills: Thorough knowledge of marketing and management. Knowledge of the principles, practices, concepts, methodology, and techniques of marketing. Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated creative and artistic skills. USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at View phone number on click.appcast.io, or by email at View email address on click.appcast.io. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law. Notice of Non-discrimination Employment Equity Read USC’s Clery Act Annual Security Report USC is a smoke-free environment Digital Accessibility If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser: USC is a leading private research university located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles – a global center for arts, technology and international business. As the largest private employer in the city – responsible for more than $5 billion annually in economic activity in the region – we offer the opportunity to work in a dynamic and diverse environment, in careers that span a broad spectrum of talents and skills. As a USC employee, you will enjoy excellent benefits and perks, and you will be a member of the Trojan Family - the faculty, staff, students and alumni who make USC a great place to work. Application help If you need assistance during the application process, see our application help. 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