Executive Director for Marketing & Strategic Communications (Dedman School of Law)

Executive Director for Marketing & Strategic Communications (Dedman School of Law) Join to apply for the Executive Director for Marketing & Strategic Communications role at Southern Methodist University . About SMU SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high‑achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to benefit from small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study, and innovative programs. The university serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students across eight degree‑granting schools, including Dedman School of Law. About the Position This on‑campus, in‑person role leads the Dedman Law Marketing and Communications team in creating and executing a cutting‑edge strategy that highlights the law school’s strengths. The Executive Director manages the school's brand image and messaging across digital, print, and social media channels, collaborates with the Dean and staff to craft communications plans for key external audiences, and works with media outlets to enhance the law school’s visibility regionally, nationally, and globally. Essential Functions Develop and implement the communications strategy and marketing campaign to showcase Dedman School of Law, working with the Dean and staff to craft a plan for external audiences. Oversee the school’s brand image and messaging across the website, email communications, and social media; manage a team responsible for web, email, and social media presence, and oversee the creation of printed materials, newsletters, annual magazine, media pitches, fundraising letters, videos, presentations, and speeches. Establish and maintain relationships with media contacts; oversee public relations to promote and enhance the school’s reputation, ensuring alignment with SMU brand guidelines across print and digital outlets. Create content for the website, press releases, alumni magazine, social media, stakeholder correspondence, and videography, including scripts and storyboards. Liaise with faculty and staff to represent and promote Dedman Law; stay aware of scholarship, events, programs, and clinic accomplishments for publicization. Assist the Dean and school administration with board meetings, events, lectures, and programs. Track deadlines, gather alumni/peer school/employer outreach data for rankings, report results to administration, and identify new relevant rankings. Coordinate and communicate directly with key alumni and stakeholders for events and Distinguished Alumni Awards. Oversee and track the marketing and external relations budget. Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in marketing or communication. Minimum of seven (7) years of marketing and communication experience, ideally at a university, law firm, professional school, nonprofit, or similar organization. Experience with CRM systems and data management required; preference for Blackbaud or Salesforce CRM and Salesforce Marketing Cloud. Strong executive‑level management skills to lead the Marketing and Strategic Communications Office. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities At least seven years of communications or marketing experience in higher education or related fields. Autonomous decision‑maker with strong judgment, capable of managing a team and prioritizing projects under deadlines. Creative and strategic thinker with strong interpersonal, verbal, written, editing, and organizational skills. Strong problem‑solving and project management expertise, with attention to detail and accuracy. Availability to attend some evening or weekend events as needed. Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and Adobe Creative Cloud. Physical and Environmental Demands Sit for long periods of time. Deadline to Apply December 7, 2025. EEO Statement SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, View phone number on click.appcast.io, View email address on click.appcast.io. Benefits SMU offers a competitive array of health and related benefits, including health, dental, and vision plans, wellness programs, and retirement options. Employees also have access to professional and personal development opportunities, tuition benefits, and a supportive environment that encourages growth and achievement. Primary Location USA‑TX‑Dallas Job Details Job Category: Marketing and Communications Organization: Dedman School of Law Schedule: Regular Status: Manager with Direct Reports Type: Full‑time #J-18808-Ljbffr Southern Methodist University