Director of Marketing

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director of Marketing

🔹 Company: Brandeis University

🔹 Location: Waltham, Massachusetts

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Higher Education

🔹 Date Posted: July 7, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days on-site required)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading integrated strategic marketing programs that impact the university's reputation, recruitment, retention, and revenue.
• Overseeing university-level social media initiatives, strategy, and policy.
• Collaborating across the division and with campus partners to create, execute, and align campaigns to business goals.
• Managing, mentoring, and developing a team of marketing professionals.
• Contributing to departmental and divisional goal setting, work prioritization, and fiscal responsibility.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and project management skills to successfully lead marketing campaigns and teams.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Lead marketing campaigns to support recruitment and reputation (50%)

• Develop and direct measurable marketing strategies and programs that increase reputation and visibility for the university.
• Partner with enrollment management colleagues to provide direction and management for central support of recruitment marketing.
• Manage relationships with stakeholders, including senior academic and administrative leadership, faculty and staff, students, marketing communications collaborators, vendors, and suppliers.
• Work with campus partners, divisional colleagues, vendors, and suppliers to deliver best-value solutions as a diligent steward of university funds.
• Lead and build consensus across interdisciplinary teams to develop and deliver campaign deliverables across various media platforms and channels.

✅ Overall strategy for social media (20%)

• Set high-level strategy for social media platforms and content; manage monitoring, resources, platforms, and policy.
• Partner with strategic communications and media relations colleagues to optimize both earned and paid media; support crisis communications management.
• Provide high-level leadership to guide content strategy, priorities, resource management, and distribution of creative assets in alignment with social media strategy and audience preferences.

✅ Lead, mentor, develop team (20%)

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of marketing and creative professionals, providing leadership and guidance on programs, strategies, tactics, and professional growth.
• Facilitate open communications, collaboration, and shared goals and expectations for strategy, timelines, deliverables, and best practices both with direct reports and within project leadership.

✅ Leadership for brand strategy (10%)

• Collaborate with marketing and creative teams on content and creative strategy that aligns audience insights and preferences with the university brand and compels engagement and actions.
• Ensure proper stewardship of the brand. Voice and visuals must adhere to university position. Ensure appropriate content and exceptional user experience.
• Represent marketing communications in divisional and campus-wide working groups for ongoing initiatives or ad hoc as assigned.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on campaign management, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration to achieve marketing goals.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s in marketing, communication, business, or related field

Experience: 7-10 years of marketing experience with progressing responsibility

Required Skills:

• Proven experience concepting, executing, and measuring complex marketing programs, preferably in higher education.
• Significant experience with digital marketing strategy.
• 3+ years experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Ability to lead both as a manager and through influence to motivate and develop teams while building consensus around goals, ideas, concepts, and solutions.
• Experience developing, leading, and evaluating large complex, integrated campaigns with proven and measurable results.
• Innovative thinker with passion for learning about latest industry trends, best practices, and tools for audience engagement across digital and social platforms.
• Demonstrated understanding of marketing principles, social media strategy, content marketing, and best practices in strategic marketing planning and execution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to collegially work with a variety of people and situations. Fine attention to detail, professionalism, and dependability. Exceptional decision-making skills and ability to make judicious recommendations during crises.
• A motivated and highly-driven individual who can self-manage projects, multi-task, and deliver on timelines; be able to quickly prioritize tasks and duties in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in higher education marketing.
• Fluency in additional languages (beneficial but not required).

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a strong background in marketing, proven leadership skills, and experience in higher education or a related industry are most likely to succeed in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Director of Marketing role in higher education with 7-10 years of experience in the Boston area)

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Tuition Assistance
• 403b Retirement Savings Plan

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of three days per week in-person required.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for similar roles in higher education and the Boston area. Benefits are typical for a higher education institution and may include additional perks such as tuition remission and professional development opportunities.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Higher Education

Company Size: 501-1,000 employees

Founded: 1948

Company Description:

• Brandeis University is a private research university in Waltham, Massachusetts.
• It is known for its strong liberal arts curriculum and commitment to social justice.
• The School of Arts and Sciences is the heart of Brandeis' undergraduate academic experience within the university.

Company Specialties:

• Undergraduate education
• Research
• Social justice and community engagement

Company Website: brandeis.edu

ASSUMPTION: Brandeis University is a well-established institution with a strong reputation in higher education. It offers a comprehensive range of academic programs and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Vice President for Marketing and Communications

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with a minimum of three days per week on-site required

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance to a senior leadership role within the Marketing and Communications division.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Chance to gain experience in higher education marketing and leadership.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the Marketing and Communications division and the broader university community.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-campus, with hybrid work arrangement available

Office Location(s): 415 South St, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, US

Geographic Context:

• Waltham is a suburban city located west of Boston, Massachusetts.
• The university is situated on a beautiful, wooded campus with easy access to nearby amenities.
• The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with plenty of cultural, recreational, and dining options nearby.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Hybrid work arrangement with a minimum of three days per week in-person required.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility while still providing ample opportunities for in-person collaboration and team building.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• On-campus interview with a panel of stakeholders
• Final interview with the Vice President for Marketing and Communications

Key Assessment Areas:

• Marketing and campaign management skills
• Leadership and team management abilities
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving
• Communication and interpersonal skills

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant marketing and leadership experience.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with digital marketing strategy and social media management.
• Demonstrate your understanding of higher education marketing and the university's brand.

ATS Keywords: Marketing strategy, campaign management, social media, team leadership, higher education, branding, stakeholder management, project management, digital marketing

ASSUMPTION: The interview process is designed to assess the candidate's marketing and leadership skills, as well as their fit with the university's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Marketing automation platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Sprout Social)
• Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is beneficial but not required. The university may provide training and support to help the successful candidate develop the necessary skills.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Academic excellence
• Diversity and inclusion
• Community engagement
• Integrity and accountability

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Data-driven and strategic
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Committed to continuous learning and improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
• Are you comfortable using data and analytics to inform marketing strategies?
• Can you adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously?
• Are you committed to lifelong learning and professional development?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Brandeis University's values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the university's mission.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Balancing strategic planning with hands-on campaign management
• Working with diverse stakeholders and managing expectations
• Adapting to a hybrid work environment and maintaining team cohesion

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong project management skills, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on higher education marketing and leadership within a university setting.
• Compared to similar roles in other industries, this position offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic and mission-driven environment.
• Career progression may involve moving into a senior leadership role within the Marketing and Communications division or transitioning to a related role within the university.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, leadership, and hands-on campaign management, making it an attractive opportunity for marketing professionals looking to advance their careers in higher education.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive social media strategy to increase the university's online presence and engagement
• Leading a cross-functional team to create and implement a marketing campaign to support a new academic program launch
• Conducting market research to inform the development of targeted marketing campaigns to specific audiences

ASSUMPTION: These projects are representative of the types of initiatives the Director of Marketing might lead, but the specific focus and scope would depend on the university's priorities and the successful candidate's areas of expertise.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the university's marketing and communications priorities for the next year, and how this role will contribute to achieving those goals?
• How does the Marketing and Communications division collaborate with other departments and divisions across the university?
• What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Marketing and Communications division and the broader university community?
• How does the university support work-life balance for its employees, particularly those in hybrid or remote roles?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) used to measure the success of marketing campaigns, and how are they tracked and reported?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help the candidate understand the role's priorities, the university's culture, and the opportunities for professional growth and development.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Brandeis University careers portal
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing and leadership experience, as well as your understanding of higher education marketing and the university's brand.
• Prepare for your interview by researching the university's mission, values, and recent marketing campaigns.
• If selected for an on-campus interview, plan to arrive early to familiarize yourself with the campus and allow extra time for traffic.
• Follow up with the hiring manager within 24 hours after your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.