Executive Director of University Relations

Job Type:Staff

Job Description:

The Executive Director of University Relations has the primary responsibility of development, implementation and measurement of an integrated communications and marketing strategy to build, drive and support the image and reputation of Kansas City University. The Executive Director oversees the organization’s branding, digital and traditional marketing, event planning, public relations and collaborative community outreach activities. The Executive Director will help cultivate and foster deep, meaningful relationships with KCU stakeholders while enhancing awareness, building recognition and support from our various constituencies. This position is responsible for championing the KCU brand, promoting the KCU Mission and defending the University’s Vision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees the planning, development and execution of KCU’s marketing and advertising initiatives and ensures the organization's message is strategically distributed across channels and to targeted audiences
• Drives the development, execution and evolution of a comprehensive marketing philosophy, brand strategy and University image
• Responsible for creating Annual Marketing Communications framework for KCU which includes the creation of similar plans for areas of strategic importance
• Ensures all marketing communications plans and initiatives are established in accordance with the University’s strategic plan and senior leadership priorities
• Provides strategic guidance and structure to the communications, marketing and public affairs team to ensure unified execution and implementation of all departmental responsibilities in order to produce high-quality internal and external messaging
• Leads all brand marketing strategy and development with responsibility for oversight of brand positioning materials and correlating marketing and communications strategy and plans
• Supports Philanthropy & Alumni Relations by providing marketing and communication support in alignment with institutional priorities to support alumni engagement, annual fundraising goals and capital campaign efforts
• Collaborates with Enrollment Management and other related university departments to oversee the development and production of key enrollment marketing materials and communications for graduate admissions
• Serves as a key advisor to the President through the Universities crisis communications program
• Leads relationships with external service providers to ensure materials are being produced at the highest level of excellence
• Promotes the University as a best in class leader in Health Science Education and community outreach
• Periodically serves as the University’s spokesperson
• Responsible for monitoring news, social media, and other publications in identifying trends and opportunities to maintain our media presence

Qualifications:

• Leadership experience in marketing, brand management, creative development, communications, social media strategy development and implementation
• Master’s degree in any discipline with focus on communications, marketing, journalism or related field. Equivalent years of experience may substitute for education
• 10-12 years of experience in marketing communications leadership with demonstrated responsibility for organizational wide programs and projects
• 10 years of experience directing creative freelancers, such as illustrators, artists, videographers, writers, and others
• 10 years of experience managing and coaching multi-person marketing staff
• Public/non-profit or Higher Education communications and/or marketing experience preferred
• Proven success in leveraging the brand to generate awareness and engagement
• Excellent verbal communication with strong writing skills in a variety of formats

Equal Opportunity Employer

KCU is committed to promoting an equal employment opportunity workplace. Equal opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information (GINA), physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, ancestry, military and/or veteran status, and/or any other status protected by applicable Federal, state or local law.

Annual Security Report

KCU is committed to providing a safe campus for students, faculty, and staff. Our annual campus security report lists campus crimes and statistics for the campus and public areas around campus for the last three years, in accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act.

Thank you for your interest in a career at KCU!