Director of Marketing and Communications

Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) seeks a visionary Director of Marketing & Communications to enhance the university's presence in Nebraska and beyond. This is an exciting time to join NWU, as we recently collaborated with Ologie on a brand refresh to amplify our story, deepen our impact, and elevate our reputation. The Director of Marketing & Communications will play a central role in continuing to bring this vision to life, ensuring NWU is seen, heard, and celebrated across our region.

If you are a strategic thinker, a creative leader, and a marketing innovator ready to make a real impact, we encourage you to apply. The incumbent will be reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing. This role is a strategic leadership position, responsible for developing and executing marketing initiatives that drive enrollment, community engagement, institutional pride, and support for institutional advancement and fundraising efforts. The Director will implement data-driven campaigns, oversee digital marketing efforts, and ensure that NWU's brand resonates with prospective students, families, alumni, and the greater community.

Responsibilities

Brand Strategy & Awareness

• Develop and execute a strategic marketing plan to increase awareness and engagement with NWU at the state and regional level.
• Build and maintain a compelling brand presence through digital, social, print, and traditional media.
• Stay informed on emerging marketing trends and technology to effectively engage various audiences and identify opportunities for growth and differentiation.

Community Engagement & Visibility

• Elevate NWU's profile and brand recognition through targeted outreach, sponsorships, partnerships, and engagement initiatives.
• Strengthen relationships with local businesses, civic organizations, and community leaders to enhance NWU's visibility.
• Develop creative campaigns that position NWU as an essential part of the Lincoln community.

Enrollment & Digital Marketing

• Drive enrollment marketing efforts through compelling storytelling, lead generation, and digital engagement.
• Oversee website strategy, SEO, content development, and digital advertising to ensure NWU reaches prospective students where they are.
• Analyze campaign performance and continuously optimize marketing strategies based on data insights.

Creative & Content Development

• Develop and oversee the production of engaging content, including video, photography, written stories, and social media campaigns.
• Ensure marketing materials are high-quality, brand-aligned, and audience-focused.
• Deploy a platform that empowers users across campus to create content using university-approved templates and branding elements, ensuring consistency and alignment with institutional standards.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead a team of marketing professionals, fostering collaboration, creativity, innovation, and accountability.
• Partner with admissions, advancement, and academic leadership to support enrollment, fundraising, and institutional priorities.
• Work closely with faculty, staff, and students to create compelling content that highlights NWU's achievements and impact.
• Work closely and proactively with internal and external stakeholders to amplify NWU's messaging and awareness.
• Develop an efficient project management process which creates shared expectations for customer service and ensures thorough preparation while allowing the department to remain agile and responsive to market demands.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, business, or a related field; master's degree preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in marketing, branding, or communications, preferably within higher education or a mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and developing a staff, including setting priorities, providing feedback, and fostering a collaborative team culture.
• Proven track record of increasing brand visibility and community engagement.
• Expertise in digital marketing, content strategy, and data-driven decision-making.
• Strong leadership and team management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to develop message strategy and coordinate creative execution.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to create strong relationships with both campus and community constituents.
• Passion for Nebraska Wesleyan University's mission and the role of higher education in transforming lives and communities.

How to Apply:

To apply, please upload a cover letter, resume or curriculum vita, and the names of three professional references at the following URL: NWU encourages applicants to address how one or more of NWU's Core Values align with their personal values and characteristics and/or how they would contribute to them at NWU in their cover letter or a separate document. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Nebraska Wesleyan University provides equal educational and employment opportunities to qualified persons in all areas of university operation without regard to religion or creed, age, genetic information, gender identity and expression, sexual identity and orientation, veteran status, disability, marital status, race, or national or ethnic origin, in compliance with state and federal laws, including but not limited to Title XII, Title IX, and the ADA. E-Verify, EOE.

Please visit the NWU website for more information about our institution: nebrwesleyan.edu