Director of Digital Strategy

Director of Digital Strategy

Main Campus - Boston, MA
R09257

JOB SUMMARY

Simmons University seeks an experienced director of digital strategy to join its small, collaborative team of communications professionals. Reporting to the assistant vice president of University brand, the successful candidate will set and implement the full scope of design, development, content management, and governance protocols for the University's central website and related properties. They will lead ongoing maintenance and project-based work in collaboration with established vendors and internal stakeholders; partner closely with communications and enrollment marketing colleagues to deliver successful information architecture and content strategy; and serve as the team's go-to resource and chief troubleshooter for all web-related issues. An ideal hire will demonstrate strong fundamentals in front-end web development alongside broader talents in marketing and/or editorial and creative direction, employing a holistic approach to IA/UX and content utility that can help to unify the university's current efforts in this space within a more centralized digital marketing vision.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Develop, prioritize, and implement requirements related to the ongoing improvement of simmons.edu and other University web properties; advise internal stakeholders on enhancements to structure and capabilities for managing content, assets, and publishing workflows; collaborate with communications team colleagues and department contacts to maintain and update content for effective marketing.
  
• Oversee work carried out under established maintenance contract(s), collaborating with vendor and technology team to deploy timely security, accessibility, and functionality updates; lead same partners in the work of revising processes, schedules, and contracts as necessary.
  
• Direct the recently launched visual rebranding effort for simmons.edu and serve as primary point of contact for vendor; vet and manage requirements, coordinate stakeholder input, and direct the University's involvement in design, development, testing, and deployment.
  
• Coordinate with enrollment marketing colleagues and vendor partners to establish and maintain digital content, forms, landing pages, templates, and subsites, ensuring compliance and/or success with security and accessibility protocols; tagging, tracking, and data accuracy; and brand marketing strategy.
  
• Manage internal content requests and bug ticketing system(s); manage contracts and budgets for vendors, third-party integrations, and related SaaS; lead internal review and revitalization of web standards and governance, contributing to University brand and style guides as needed.
  
• Supervise a small group of communications staffers including CMS administrator, email marketing manager, and potential new hire (to be determined with the incumbent's input).
  
• Identify capabilities gaps across the University and recommend solutions aligned with University goals
  
• Lead projects end-to-end from strategy to execution.
  
• Manage and mentor small teams to support strategic initiatives and successful outcomes
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or 7+ years of hands-on experience
  
• Demonstrated experience in web design and development, especially hands-on work with Drupal and/or WordPress
  
• Advanced skill with HTML and CSS; strong working knowledge of JavaScript
  
• Demonstrated experience with content architecture and creation, site analytics and SEO, web accessibility standards, data collection and security, digital marketing strategy, and the branding of communications across various media
  
• Strong writing and editing skills
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience with website redesign projects
  
• Experience with email marketing platforms and CRMs
  
• Experience in graphic design and multimedia
  

COMPETENCIES

• Foster supportive environment where teams can be creative and innovative
  
• Adaptable to different work and communication styles
  
• Able to influence and move projects from conception to completion
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT & CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Able to operate a computer and other office equipment
  
• Typical office environment
  
• Able to adapt to change in the digital landscape
  
• This role is eligible for a hybrid flexible work arrangement - with some work on campus and some remote work.
  

Required Application Materials:

• Resume
  
• Cover Letter
  

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual's community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices-at all levels, for all positions-ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

Salary Grade
S10

Instructions to Applicants: Please upload all applicable application materials (e.g. resume/cv, cover letter, writing sample, teaching philosophy, etc.) in the Application Materials box on page 2 ("My Experience") of this application. Documents can be uploaded individually or as a combined document (e.g. PDF).

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual's community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices-at all levels, for all positions-ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.


To apply, visit https://simmons.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Simmons-Careers/job/Main-Campus---Boston-MA/Director-of-Digital-Strategy_R09257

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons College is a small, private, non-sectarian College which has educated students for enriching careers and purposeful lives since 1899. Working at Simmons means joining a collaborative, diverse and mission-driven community of educators and professionals.

We prepare students to be leaders for themselves, their communities and the world. Our faculty and staff members lead by example - sharing a commitment to excellence and putting the students first.