Associate Director of Admission, Content Director

Department: Undergraduate Admission
Salary/Grade: EXS/10

The expected salary for this position is between $94,000 - $102,000 per year, in alignment with departmental equity and market data.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Admission and Director of Marketing & Audience Engagement, the Associate Director of Admission, Content Director is a member of the Office of Undergraduate Admission's senior team who manages communications collateral, creative direction, content calendars, and marketing initiatives across all admissions channels, including print, email, web, digital and social media, video, and in-person presentations. You will help build innovative resources and touchpoints to enhance brand awareness, engage a range of audiences, reach new populations, and ensure any prospective student who wants to connect with Northwestern has an opportunity to do so. The position primarily serves as a dedicated integrated marketing specialist, with limited responsibilities for recruitment and file review. Your role will entail oversight of an internal communications team, close liaising with Northwestern's central marketing unit, collaboration with other communications leads across campus, and managing relationships with outside vendors.

Our marketing & communications philosophy prioritizes meaningful connections with students and their supporters. Even in the marketing space, we approach our work as educators-our content and programming are designed to help talented students from all backgrounds understand the value of higher ed, navigate the college process, and envision themselves at Northwestern. You will join a collaborative, student-centered staff who celebrate innovative approaches in higher ed, and who find joy and pride in admissions work.

Some evenings and weekend work required. Frequent travel by airplane. 1 - 3 weeks of annual travel, frequently outside Illinois, required. Ability to lift 20-pound boxes of recruitment materials.

Specific Responsibilities :

Functional area leadership, Content Director communications:

• Together with the Director of Marketing & Audience Engagement, develops an integrated marketing plan for Undergraduate Admissions.
• Serves as creative and editorial lead for Undergraduate Admissions; produces the unit's written content and other communications collateral across all areas.
• Manages a team of admission staff with responsibilities for web, print, email, digital, video, and social media.
• Inventories and updates all public-facing collateral to ensure consistency of voice and value propositions.
• Plans and produces all Undergraduate Admissions email campaigns in collaboration with the Director of Recruitment & Communication Operations.
• Manages content and digital programming calendars to ensure coordination and consistency across all admissions channels.
• Liaises with Northwestern's Office of Global Marketing Communications on print projects, social media strategy, and website development.
• Manages vendor relationships and stays current on the higher-ed vendor landscape to propose innovative marketing initiatives.
• Conducts surveys, data analysis, and reporting to assess ROI on marketing activities, refine strategy, and optimize budget.

Admissions leadership:

• Serves as a senior member of the Admissions team, with limited responsibilities for recruitment, travel, and file review.
• Conducts presentations on and off campus for various audiences and stakeholders.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree.

• Minimum five years of experience in a marketing & communications role with increasing leadership responsibilities.

• Outstanding writing, editing, and communication skills.

• Creative, innovative, and highly organized.

• Expertise with CRM tools and social media platforms.

• Impeccable judgment, discretion, and diplomacy.

• Strong speaking/communication skills and ability to speak effectively before audiences of up to 500 or more.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

• Valid driver's license and frequent business travel by plane.

• Ability to work effectively under time and volume pressures. Must be able to meet deadlines.

• Ability to lead a team effectively.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues.

• Ability to communicate inclusively with all members of the Northwestern community.

• Ability to meet department and University goals.

• Ability to work outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher, particularly in an area related to communications, marketing, and/or higher ed.
• Experience working in higher education, preferably in enrollment.
• Proficiency in video editing skills and software.
• Familiarity with Slate Technolutions database and CRM, particularly its Deliver email campaign capabilities.
• Proficiency in SEO and web analytics.
• Basic graphic design proficiency and experience with the Adobe Software suite.
• Appreciation for Northwestern's academic culture and community values.
• Commitment to college access and opportunity.
• Collaborative spirit and sense of humor.

Benefits:

At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful and competitive benefits. The available benefits package for this position will include health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; paid vacation and holidays; paid medical/sick and parental leave; tuition benefits for the employee and dependents; pre-tax and flex spending accounts for commuting and dependent care; generous retirement savings options; and wellness programs. For a comprehensive overview of available benefits, including eligibility details, visit us at to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at to learn more .

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