Executive Director of Branding and Marketing, Business Strategies Office

$175,000 - $175,000/Yr

The University of Texas System - Austin, TX

Full-time - Executive

Onsite - Austin, TX

Educational Services

About the position

The Executive Director of Branding and Marketing is a key member of the Business Strategies team within the Office of the Senior Vice President (SVP) and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the University of Texas at Austin. This position is responsible for leading the branding and marketing initiatives across the SVP/COO's portfolio, with a strong focus on the rebranding and promotion of the 'Discovery to Impact' initiative both internally and externally. The role is pivotal in enhancing the university's operational excellence and improving the student experience through effective marketing strategies. The Executive Director will collaborate closely with senior leaders, including the Associate Vice President for Communications and Engagement and the Associate Vice President for Discovery to Impact, to develop and implement a comprehensive marketing communications strategy that aligns with the university's priorities. In this role, the Executive Director will manage integrated marketing communications plans for various university projects, ensuring maximum impact through innovative marketing strategies across multiple media channels. The position requires effective communication with colleagues and stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes in marketing initiatives. The Executive Director will also be responsible for developing and executing multi-channel advertising and branding plans that reinforce the university's brand and support special events showcasing university programs and accomplishments. This includes extending the university's national brand into areas of growth through effective messaging and design, as well as managing strategic messaging, crisis communications, and earned media opportunities. The Executive Director will create processes and strategies for communication throughout all phases of marketing campaigns, clearly defining objectives, timelines, and milestones for each project. This position is expected to contribute significantly to the university's branding efforts and overall marketing strategy, making a meaningful impact on the institution's visibility and reputation.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, evaluate, and refine a comprehensive marketing communications strategy for Discovery to Impact and other University priority projects.
• Lead and manage integrated marketing communications plans for University priority projects within the Office of Business Strategies to achieve maximum and measurable impact.
• Utilize innovative marketing strategies across all media channels to contribute to the attainment of University priority projects.
• Communicate with colleagues and constituents about marketing initiatives and work with University partners to create successful outcomes.
• Develop and implement multi-channel advertising and branding plans.
• Create and execute marketing communications that reinforce the University brand and support special events that showcase University programs and accomplishments.
• Extend the University's national brand into specified areas of growth by utilizing effective brand messaging and design.
• Work cross-functionally on strategic messaging, executive messaging, crisis communications, and earned media opportunities.
• Create processes, procedures, and strategies for communication at all phases of a campaign.
• Clearly define objectives, timelines, and milestones for all projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college with major coursework in communications, marketing, Internet technology, or a related field.
• 15 years of experience in marketing (traditional & digital), with demonstrated experience in marketing project management including projects with paid search advertising, integrated campaigns, website management, and direct mail campaigns.
• Demonstrated experience with content management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and communicate with team members and maintain positive partner relationships.
• Ability to foster a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work well under pressure and to consistently meet deadlines while maintaining a high attention to detail.
• Expert-written, verbal, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Experience with writing and editing for grammar, spelling, and punctuation accuracy.
• Experience developing program-level conversion-based marketing campaigns.
• Experience in managing multiple projects and production schedules is required.
• Knowledge of traffic measurement tools (Google Analytics, Webmaster Tools, Alexa, and Raven) and search engine tools.
• Knowledge of search marketing tools (Google Adwords, YouTube, Bing) and various digital advertising channels including display, search, and network placements.
• Knowledge of keyword optimization, search positioning, and traffic visibility to maximize brand message to appropriate audiences.
• Ability to optimize website content, messaging, and advertising to SEO standards.
• Ability to strategize and develop marketing plans at a broad level.
• Ability to implement brand initiatives and successfully measure the results.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working in a startup setting while also understanding the dynamics of a higher education or state agency environment.
• Working knowledge of the communications landscape in a higher education or state agency environment.
• Project management certification or other documented mastery of project management principles.

Benefits

• 403(b)
• 457(b)
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with employer matching funds
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card