<p>As Whitman publicly launches & executes its 2030 Transformation Plan, a bold vision to become a top 25 undergraduate business school in the next five years, elevating the school's brand visibility, reputation, & strategic communications will be critical. The Executive Director will serve as the senior leader and oversee a team responsible for aligning all messaging with Whitman's strategic priorities, academic excellence, & market positioning.</p> <p>This role is critical to driving awareness of our distinctive programs, promoting faculty thought leadership, improving student recruitment, & deepening engagement across all stakeholders including alumni, donors, families, & industry partners. With national rankings rising and new investments in faculty, research, & student outcomes, Whitman must magnify its voice nationally through coordinated, high impact marketing & storytelling.</p> <p>The Executive Director will lead the school's transformation of our communications infrastructure, modernizing digital strategy, strengthening media relations, & merging messaging across departments. This position ensures Whitman is consistently represented as a forward-thinking, innovative business school committed to excellence & impact. As we enter our next phase of growth, this role is vital to our long-term reputation, national & global reach, & relevance.</p> <p>Education and Experience</p> <ul> <li>Bachelor's degree required. </li><li>Ability to develop and execute successful communications strategies and campaigns, with 10+ years of relevant experience in positions of increasing responsibility, and 5+ years in a supervisory or management capacity. </li><li>Exemplary communication skills (verbal and written). </li><li>Ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives at the same time. </li><li>Savvy ability to build relationships and accomplish goals both internally and externally. </li><li>Current or prior experience in higher education, business is preferred but not required. </li><li>Valid driver's license required. </li></ul> <p>Skills and Knowledge</p> <ul> <li>Proven track record of developing and executing successful communication strategies. </li><li>Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. </li><li>Excellent organizational and project management abilities. </li><li>Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. </li><li>Experience in managing and developing high-performing teams. </li><li>Strong understanding of best practice in digital and social media strategies and execution. </li><li>Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders. </li><li>Commitment to the mission and values of the Whitman School. </li></ul> <p>Responsibilities</p> <p>Branding, storytelling and communications leadership:</p> <ul> <li>Lead brand strategy in support of recruiting, enrollment, job placement, philanthropy & partnerships. </li><li>Oversee the marketing & comms program to align with Whitman's strategies & priorities. </li><li>Promote Whitman to internal & external stakeholders with messaging that differentiates & elevates our program. </li><li>Implement best practices & evaluate resources to maximize return on investment. </li><li>Work in collaboration with SU's central team to achieve strategic coverage & align with brand standards. </li><li>Optimize web & digital platforms. </li><li>Oversee creative services & content for digital, social, print & other materials. </li></ul> <p>Organizational leadership:</p> <ul> <li>Supervise and lead a team of marketing and communications professionals, including assessing, identifying, and addressing the needs or gaps in staffing, budget, infrastructure, critical capabilities and external resources. </li><li>Effectively communicate to direct reports and the team as well as key internal constituents (e.g., students, faculty and staff) in conveying the overall organizational vision, plan, and execution. </li><li>Lead, direct and manage the transition of department and unit goals into priorities and the work of individual team members; regularly communicating about long-term goals to reinforce the larger vision and priorities. </li><li>Effectively delegate projects, assignments, and specific areas of responsibility to staff while ensuring consistent communication, efficiency, and production amongst the department. </li><li>Support and monitor progress of staff members. Deliberately develop pathways for professional growth and future leadership needs of the department. </li></ul> <p>Collaboration with other units:</p> <ul> <li>Lead the collaboration with the university's central marketing and communications teams, as well as Advancement and External Engagement teams as needed, to ensure overall brand management and alignment, strategy and execution. </li><li>Manage selection, oversight and relationships with external vendors, agencies, and consultants to extend and make efficient use of staff and resources for MARCOMM purposes. </li><li>Work closely with advancement to align a development communications plan to drive donor awareness and engagement through compelling messaging and tools. </li><li>Implement and oversee a structure with individual departments and programs to prioritize internal goals and requests, structure operational procedures for communications, and establish workflows in Whitman communications that foster productivity and efficiency. </li><li>Create and execute on workshops and training sessions to increase internal capabilities in media relations, social media communications, and understanding of branding strategies. </li><li>Translate broader strategies into clear, specific objectives and plans for divisions and individuals. </li></ul> <p>Communications:</p> <ul> <li>Lead the development of a strategic communications plan and process for the dean and senior leaders. </li><li>Communicate priorities and successes to target audiences and support key initiatives through effective communications materials (digital content, social media, presentations, videos, emails, etc.). </li><li>Engage with leaders and department heads throughout Whitman to remain current on organizational strengths and priorities and to communicate and involve those leaders in the communications agenda </li><li>Prepare regular reports for key stakeholders and partners on communication performance and impact, including with key performance indicators identified in Whitman's transformation plan. </li><li>Additional related duties as required or deemed appropriate to the accomplishments of the responsibilities and functions related to this position. </li></ul> <p>Physical Requirements</p> <p>Not Applicable</p> <p>Tools/Equipment</p> <p>Not Applicable</p> <p>Application Instructions</p> <p>In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.</p>