📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director, Content Strategy and Marketing Operations
🔹 Company: Wayne State University
🔹 Location: Detroit, MI
🔹 Job Type: Full Time, Regular Employee
🔹 Category: Staff/Administrative
🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Expert (7+ years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing comprehensive content strategies
- Leading a team of content strategists and marketing project managers
- Optimizing multi-channel content deployment and measuring its impact
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to define and oversee content creation and distribution
- Managing marketing operations, including budget, process improvements, and cross-departmental collaboration
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and project management skills to successfully drive content marketing efforts and achieve university goals.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive marketing strategies that maximize content performance and impact
✅ Collaborate with teams to define and oversee the creation, production, and distribution of high-impact content across various platforms
✅ Manage, forecast, and prioritize marketing content calendar resource allocations and annual marketing campaigns
✅ Oversee marketing operations, including budget management, process improvements, and cross-departmental collaboration
✅ Lead and manage a team, fostering a collaborative and creative work environment, and recruit, interview, hire, and coach staff
✅ Perform other related duties as assigned
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, team leadership, project management, and operational oversight to ensure effective content marketing and successful campaign execution.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field
Experience: 7+ years of experience in marketing, with a proven track record of building and leading exceptional teams
Required Skills:
- Expertise in creating marketing campaign strategies, crafting key messages, implementing content plans, and defining campaign success
- Ability to create impactful content strategies that align with specific campaign narratives and goals
- Deep understanding of content operations, digital asset management (DAM) systems, technologies, and other tools or workflows
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate findings into actionable strategies
- Excellent communication skills that influence winning outcomes in a cross-functional environment
- Curiosity and ability to transition from strategic thinking to creative execution
- Ability to coach and manage employee performance, as well as recruit and train leads and managers
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in higher education or nonprofit marketing
- Familiarity with marketing automation tools and CRM systems
- Knowledge of the Detroit metropolitan area and its cultural landscape
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should possess a strong blend of strategic, analytical, and leadership skills, along with a proven track record in content marketing and team management.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 (Estimated based on industry standards for a Director-level role in higher education marketing in Detroit)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plans (403b and pension)
- Tuition remission for employees and dependents
- Generous paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending accounts
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with some flexibility for meetings and events
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a Director-level role in higher education marketing in Detroit. Actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1881
Company Description:
- Wayne State University is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan
- Offers a rich, high-quality education with a deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity, and inclusion
- Provides exceptional educational opportunities that prepare students for success in a global society
Company Specialties:
- Administrative and Organizational Studies
- Teacher Education
- Kinesiology
- Health and Sport Studies
- Theoretical and Behavioral Foundations
Company Website: http://education.wayne.edu/
ASSUMPTION: Wayne State University is a large, established institution with a strong commitment to its students and the Detroit community.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Director/Manager
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Vice President/AVP/Dean
Work Arrangement: On-site, with some flexibility for remote work as needed
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a senior leadership role within the University Relations department or other divisions
- Opportunities to mentor and develop team members, fostering professional growth
- Chance to contribute to the university's strategic planning and initiatives
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the university's marketing and communications division.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with access to remote work options as needed
Office Location(s): 5425 Gullen Mall, Detroit, MI 48202
Geographic Context:
- Detroit is a vibrant, multicultural city with a rich history and diverse neighborhoods
- The university's campus is centrally located, offering easy access to downtown Detroit and other attractions
- The city offers a variety of cultural, entertainment, and recreational opportunities
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, with some flexibility for meetings and events
ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and collaborative, with a focus on driving innovative content marketing strategies and achieving university goals.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Initial phone or video screen to assess qualifications and fit
- On-campus interview with the hiring manager and other key stakeholders
- Presentation or case study to demonstrate strategic thinking and content marketing skills
- Final interview with the Vice President/AVP/Dean
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and content marketing expertise
- Leadership and team management skills
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Alignment with the university's mission, values, and culture
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the university's mission and the unique challenges and opportunities of higher education marketing
- Prepare a portfolio or case studies showcasing your content marketing achievements and strategic thinking
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your continued interest in the position
ATS Keywords: Content Strategy, Marketing Operations, Team Leadership, Budget Management, Analytical Skills, Communication Skills, Campaign Strategy, Digital Asset Management, Content Creation, Project Management, Collaboration, Performance Metrics, Creative Execution, Recruitment, Coaching, Process Improvement
ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their strategic thinking, leadership, and content marketing expertise throughout the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress or Drupal
- Marketing automation tools like HubSpot, Marketo, or Pardot
- CRM systems such as Salesforce or Microsoft Dynamics
- Digital asset management (DAM) systems like Canto DAM or Brandfolder
- Project management tools such as Asana, Trello, or Jira
- Analytics tools like Google Analytics or Adobe Analytics
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using a variety of marketing and project management tools to streamline content creation, distribution, and measurement.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in teaching, research, and service
- Integrity and ethical conduct
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Collaboration and partnerships
- Accountability and stewardship
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Creative and innovative
- Committed to the university's mission and values
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you demonstrate a commitment to the university's values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in your work?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully led a team through a significant change or challenge?
- How do you approach balancing strategic thinking with creative execution in your content marketing strategies?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate their alignment with the university's values and work style preferences throughout the interview process.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing competing priorities and stakeholders in a large, complex organization
- Navigating budget constraints and resource limitations
- Adapting to the unique challenges and opportunities of higher education marketing
- Balancing the need for innovation with the university's brand and messaging guidelines
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to address these potential challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a dynamic, complex environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other marketing director roles, this position focuses specifically on content strategy and marketing operations, rather than overall marketing leadership
- Higher education marketing presents unique challenges and opportunities, such as navigating complex organizational structures and balancing institutional brand guidelines with innovative content strategies
- This role offers the opportunity to lead a team and drive content marketing efforts for a large, established institution, with potential for growth and advancement within the university's marketing and communications division
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be aware of the unique aspects of this role and how it compares to other marketing director positions in the industry.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive content strategy for a university-wide rebranding initiative
- Managing a team to create and distribute engaging content for a major fundraising campaign
- Optimizing the university's content calendar and workflows to improve efficiency and effectiveness
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, leadership, and operational aspects of the role and the types of initiatives the director might oversee.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the university's overall marketing and communications strategy?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does the university support the professional development and growth of its marketing and communications team members?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the university's marketing and communications efforts, and how can this role help address them?
- How does the university engage with and support the Detroit community, and how can this role contribute to those efforts?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a candidate's interest in the role, the university, and its mission, while also providing insight into the organization's priorities and culture.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a portfolio or case studies showcasing your content marketing achievements and strategic thinking
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your continued interest in the position
- If selected for an on-campus interview, be prepared to present or discuss a content marketing strategy or case study
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
