Associate Director, Communications and Marketing

The University of Washington, Division of Student Life invites nominations, inquiries, and applications for the role of Associate Director, Communications and Marketing, Housing & Food Services. UW seeks an accomplished subject-matter expert who will provide leadership, vision, and direction for departmental communications and marketing resources that support the Housing & Food Services unit.

The Associate Director (AD) will be a change-maker; responsible for creating an innovative and well-coordinated communications strategy and a key member of the Senior Leadership Team. Reporting to the Executive Director, Housing & Food Services, the AD will lead a team of three full-time professional staff, has indirect supervision of an additional 6.5 FTE, and will work in partnership to develop and implement department goals and operations, as well as coordinate department assessment initiatives. 

As the lead professional of the department that will shape and advance the strategy for the Housing & Food Services unit, the AD will ensure the identity of HFS is accurately portrayed in various forms of media as this identity reinforces the mission and values of the Division of Student Life and the University. The AD will sit on the Division of Student Life Assessment Committee, and work to ensure alignment of communications and marketing efforts with the Division of Student Life and the University and involve collaboration with other University departments. Due to the large and diverse customer base served by the Department, unit responsibilities require continuous education on the habits of the audiences to ensure communication is effective. The marketing requirements within the Department are varied, including promoting tangible and intangible benefits to a diverse audience, all of which must comply with Department and University brand parameters.

Competencies and Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and five years of experience in a leadership position managing communications and marketing initiatives that demonstrates:

• The ability to work effectively in a large organization or educational institution
• The ability to assess internal and external customer needs and respond effectively
• Proficiency in strategic planning
• Exceptional communication skills
• Proficiency in conducting assessment/evaluation and in interpreting and applying data to decision-making and effective solutions.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in communications, organizational development, or a related field
• Experience in student housing operations
• Experience in food service operations
• Five years of supervisory experience including performance management
• Project management experience

The University of Washington has retained Opus Partners to support this recruitment. Katie Dean, Associate Partner, and Thomas Lapierre, Senior Associate & Certified Diversity Recruiter are leading the search. For more information or to apply, please contact Thomas at thomas.lapierre@opuspartners.net Applications should include a resume and cover letter that should address your experience related to the position responsibilities and the required and preferred qualifications.

The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.