Executive Director, University Marketing and Communications

To build upon a record of success and in support of its newly named Chancellor, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville invites applications and nominations for the position of Executive Director of University Marketing and Communications. The Executive Director of University Marketing and Communications (UMC) will partner with Chancellor James T. Minor, whose term began March 1, 2022, to provide strategic and tactical counsel on matters involving the representation of the University to local, national, and international interests and internal constituents. The successful candidate will lead an enterprise function that is responsible for addressing the strategic communications and integrated marketing needs of the University, including the Edwardsville, Alton and East St. Louis campuses. The next Executive Director will help shape the future of the institution. The individual selected will be tasked with raising the visibility of the University, enhancing the brand position, maximizing engagement via digital and print mediums, and initiating a visual evolution. The successful candidate will lead and contribute to visionary strategies that produce both qualitative and quantifiable outcomes for the betterment of the University.

Reporting directly to the Chancellor, the Executive Director of UMC is a member of the Chancellor’s Council university leadership team. The Executive Director is responsible for developing and leading a comprehensive unit to support the University’s strategic initiatives. The selected candidate will oversee the activities of the division of University Marketing and Communications, while responsible for managing an overall budget of approximately $3 million. The Executive Director is responsible for:
-Leading a multifunctional team, while also supporting executive communications from the Chancellor;
-Utilizing market research to foresee trends and to effectively drive institutional priorities and UMC objectives;
-Developing and building SIUE’s reputation and brand position among constituent groups, including prospective students, alumni, donors, current and prospective employees, as well as external communities;
-Increasing regional, national and international awareness of, as well as interest in SIUE, its programs, its distinguished faculty, research, beautiful campus and facilities, evolving athletics programs, affordable excellence and more through appropriate channels;
-Developing relationships and partnerships in the greater St. Louis and Metro East communities;
-Coordinating and collaborating with the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, as well as the SIUE Foundation.

Other responsibilities in line with the professional duties of this position may be assigned. 

Emphasizing teaching, research and public service programs, SIUE is a premier metropolitan university with more than 13,000 students enrolled. Founded in 1957, SIUE is a fully accredited public institution— beautifully situated in Edwardsville, Illinois on 2,660 acres just 25 miles from St. Louis. SIUE provides students with a high quality, affordable education that prepares them for successful careers and lives of purpose. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students receive equips them to thrive in the global marketplace. SIUE is classified as a doctoral/professional institution in the Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education system.

SIUE has been recognized nationally for excellent programs and a commitment to service. The University awards degrees in 44 undergraduate and 68 graduate programs, including trans scriptable certificates, encompassing the arts and sciences; nursing; education, health and human behavior; business; and engineering. The Schools of Dental Medicine and Pharmacy award professional degrees in dental medicine (D.M.D.) and in pharmacy (Pharm.D.). Doctoral programs are available in Nursing and Educational Leadership. Cooperative doctoral programs (Ph.D.) in engineering, history, environmental resources and policy, and computer science are offered in conjunction with SIU Carbondale. SIUE competes at the Division I level in intercollegiate athletics. The Edwardsville campus also includes University Park, a research park established to support economic development. SIUE has three campuses located in Alton, East St. Louis, and Edwardsville. Proximity to the St. Louis area with a population of 2.75 million people enhances SIUE’s energy and vitality while its three campuses provide strong leadership to the metro east, the second most populated area in the state of Illinois with 750,000 individuals.

SIUE is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism. In June 2020, SIUE established an Anti-Racism Task Force to make substantive and transformative changes necessary to realize the university’s values through principled and intentional actions. The university is in the process of refining its strategic plan and enhancing its brand position. 

To Apply for this Vacancy:
Candidates must upload and attach the following documentation to their application package in SIUE’s HireTouch system: 
-Resume/curriculum vitae
-A comprehensive cover letter that addresses how their accomplishments, strengths, and experiences match the qualifications for the position
-The names, addresses, e-mails and telephone numbers of 3-5 professional references.

In addition, the search committee is strongly requesting that all applicants submit a writing sample, of no more than two-pages, of how you have contributed to a campaign that merged elements of writing, photography, video and/or graphic design in the service of developing authentic equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice messaging.

When uploading your required documents, please ensure you attach them to the correct position using the drop-down box to label.  Failure to follow this step may keep Hiring Managers from reviewing your materials. Incomplete application packages will result in a delay of review and/or non-review.  Applicants will be subject to a background check and/or drug screening prior to an offer of employment. When applying through the HireTouch system, please be sure to complete all of the updated 2022 forms that are attached to the job located under your Applicant Profile box (refresh browser if needed).

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville nurtures an open, respectful, and welcoming climate that facilitates learning and work. SIUE is committed to education that explores the historic significance of diversity in order to understand the present and to better enable our community to engage the future. Integral to this commitment, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville strives for a student body and a workforce that is both diverse and inclusive. We strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups, including women, members of racially minoritized groups, and individuals with disabilities, to apply.  For more on our Statement of Diversity, visit SIUE Mission, Goals and Plans 

-Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business, journalism or a field related to the position required, advanced degree preferred.
-A minimum of seven (7) years progressively responsible experience in marketing and communications fields, with experience in a higher education environment preferred.

Ideal candidates will have demonstrated excellence leading innovation in the development and use of digital communications and marketing technologies; Proven experience engaging local, regional and national media; A track record of successfully developing and leading a full-service communications organization that employs talented and client-oriented professional staff in a diverse environment; Be a persuasive communicator, with proficiency in communicating effectively with diverse audiences, through writing and speaking; Demonstrated experience managing crisis communication situations with positive results; Experience in managing equity, diversity, inclusion and social justice messaging; Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting and translating a strategic vision into an operational model; Experience managing, developing and coaching a team and its members; Experience planning and managing significant budgets and resources.