Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications

Job Profile Title

Director D, Business and Finance, Communications and Marketing

Job Description Summary

Penn Dental Medicine (PDM) seeks an innovative, strategic, and visionary Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications to elevate the School’s national and global reputation as the premier leader and authoritative voice in oral health. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Assistant Dean will shape and execute a bold, modernized global brand strategy that leverages the latest tools in AI, digital storytelling, social media, and analytics to position PDM as the world’s preeminent thought leader in dental education, research, clinical care, and public oral health advocacy.This role offers an exceptional opportunity for creativity and entrepreneurship, enabling the development of a transformative approach to strategic communication and engagement.

This role is central to shaping how PDM tells its story not only to academic, clinical, and media audiences but also to alumni, donors, and philanthropic partners whose engagement is essential to advancing the School’s mission. Because marketing, communications, and development are deeply interconnected functions, the Assistant Dean will work in close partnership with the Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) team to ensure that institutional messaging supports strategic fundraising priorities, strengthens alumni engagement, and reflects a development-informed lens across all platforms.

The Assistant Dean will oversee comprehensive marketing, communications, brand strategy, and crisis communication functions, guiding PDM’s internal and external narrative with clarity, consistency, and innovation. This role requires a forward-looking leader who can drive institutional visibility, steward reputation, and connect stakeholders across the School and University.

Job Description

Key Areas of Responsibility

1. Global Brand Strategy & Reputation Leadership

• Develop and lead a high-impact global brand strategy that positions Penn Dental Medicine as the leading authority on oral health, dental research, and clinical innovation.

• Modernize the School’s brand presence using AI-driven marketing, contemporary storytelling, data analytics, and social media innovation to enhance global reach and influence.

• Ensure consistent and compelling brand messaging across all institutional platforms.

• Serve as the strategic liaison to University Communications and global partners.

• Drive visibility campaigns surrounding key institutional milestones.

1. Strategic Communications & Crisis Management

• Serve as key advisor to the Dean and leadership team on sensitive communication issues.

• Lead the development of clear, timely communications addressing crisis or reputational matters.

• Act as spokesperson when appropriate and manage media relations.

• Oversee institutional messaging for accuracy, clarity, and integrity.

• Draft speeches, remarks, and institutional statements for leadership.

1. Digital Engagement & Content Strategy

• Lead an integrated approach to support academic programs, clinical practices, and research strengths.

• Oversee all print, digital, and social media content for unified quality and voice.

• Guide data-driven marketing initiatives, including CRM optimization and analytics.

• Strengthen internal communication pathways across the School.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to amplify events, campaigns, and achievements.

1. Administrative Leadership & Operational Oversight

• Lead and mentor the communications and marketing team.

• Oversee budgets, resources, vendors, and communications contractors.

• Establish KPIs and evaluation tools to measure strategy effectiveness.

• Ensure timely execution and prioritization in a fast-paced environment.

• Ensure high-quality and evidence-based oral health content across all channels.

Other duties as assigned. Provide and maintain expertise in innovative solutions focused on the responsible stewardship of Penn Dental Medicine and its community experience.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred; 5–7+ years of progressive leadership in marketing or communications, or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

• Demonstrated experience using AI-enabled tools, CRM systems, analytics platforms, and modern digital strategies.

• Strong background in crisis communication and executive advising.

• Proven leadership with experience managing teams and complex initiatives.

• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.

• Ability to thrive under multiple priorities and tight deadlines.

• Strategic, collaborative mindset aligned with institutional values.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Dental Medicine

Pay Range

$133,000.00 - $150,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job’s level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics) , citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law .

Special Requirements Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

• Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

• Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

• Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

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The University of Pennsylvania’s special character is reflected in the wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community and help create an educational and working environment that best supports the University’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship. The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.