π Core Information
πΉ Job Title: Director of Marketing
πΉ Company: University of South Florida
πΉ Location: Tampa, FL
πΉ Job Type: On-site, Full-time
πΉ Category: Higher Education
πΉ Date Posted: July 16, 2025
πΉ Experience Level: 5-10 years
πΉ Remote Status: On-site
π Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Strategic leadership in developing and executing comprehensive marketing, branding, and communication initiatives
- Overseeing internal and external communications, digital and print content strategy, media relations, and design
- Elevating the collegeβs visibility, research profile, and impact locally, nationally, and globally
- Maximizing funds raised, donor participation, and engagement of undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking and leadership to drive marketing and communication efforts that align with the college's mission and goals.
π Key Responsibilities
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Develop and implement comprehensive marketing, branding, and communication strategies that support the college's mission, enrollment goals, community engagement, and advancement priorities
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Oversee internal and external communications, including digital and print content strategy, media relations, and design to elevate the collegeβs visibility and impact
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Collaborate with college leadership, faculty, and staff to create and execute strategic communication plans that align with the college's objectives
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Manage and mentor a team of marketing and communication professionals to ensure high-quality work and timely delivery
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Monitor and analyze marketing and communication metrics to assess the effectiveness of strategies and make data-driven decisions
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong leadership, project management, and analytical skills to effectively manage a team and drive marketing and communication efforts.
π― Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
Experience: At least 5-10 years of progressive experience in marketing, branding, and communications, with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership role.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in strategic planning and execution of marketing and communication campaigns
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills
- Familiarity with higher education and/or non-profit environments
- Proficiency in using marketing and communication tools and software
Preferred Skills:
- Experience with fundraising and donor engagement
- Fluency in a second language
- Knowledge of the Tampa Bay area and its media landscape
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a well-rounded marketing and communication professional with a strong background in strategic planning, leadership, and data analysis.
π° Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $80,000 - $120,000 per year. This estimate is based on industry standards for a Director of Marketing role in higher education in the Tampa Bay area.
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement plans
- Tuition assistance
- Generous vacation and sick leave policies
- Flexible work arrangements
Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some evenings and weekends may be required for events and meetings.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
π Applicant Insights
π Company Context
Industry: Higher Education. The University of South Florida is a public research university with a strong focus on student success, research, and community engagement.
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees. As a large university, USF offers a wide range of resources and opportunities for employees.
Founded: 1964. USF has a rich history and has grown significantly over the years, becoming one of the largest universities in the state of Florida.
Company Description:
- USF is committed to empowering students to achieve their goals and make a positive impact on the world
- The university is known for its strong research programs and community engagement initiatives
- USF offers a wide range of academic programs and has a diverse student body
Company Specialties:
- Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Medical Engineering
- Biological Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Management Systems Engineering
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Company Website: https://www.usf.edu/
ASSUMPTION: USF is a large and diverse university with a strong focus on student success and research. This role will play a crucial part in elevating the college's visibility and impact.
π Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior. This role requires a significant amount of experience and leadership skills.
Reporting Structure: The Director of Marketing reports directly to the Dean of the College of Education and oversees a team of marketing and communication professionals.
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time. This role requires a physical presence on campus to effectively collaborate with college leadership, faculty, and staff.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a more senior role within the university or college
- Opportunities to mentor and develop junior team members
- Chance to gain experience in higher education marketing and communication
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, including the chance to make a meaningful impact on the college's marketing and communication efforts.
π Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, with a physical office on the USF Tampa campus.
Office Location(s): 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620
Geographic Context:
- The Tampa Bay area has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers
- The area is known for its vibrant culture, arts, and entertainment scene
- Tampa is home to a diverse population and offers a wide range of housing options
Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some evenings and weekends may be required for events and meetings.
ASSUMPTION: The Tampa Bay area offers a high quality of life, with a diverse culture and a wide range of recreational and entertainment options.
πΌ Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- On-campus interview with the search committee
- Final interview with the Dean of the College of Education
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic planning and execution of marketing and communication campaigns
- Leadership and team management skills
- Analytical and data-driven decision-making skills
- Familiarity with higher education and/or non-profit environments
- Cultural fit with the college and university
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
- Be prepared to discuss your strategic approach to marketing and communication
- Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with a team and manage projects
- Showcase your understanding of the college's mission and how your skills align with its goals
ATS Keywords: Marketing, Branding, Communications, Strategic Planning, Leadership, Team Management, Higher Education, Non-Profit, Data-Driven Decision Making
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their strategic thinking, leadership, and team management skills.
π οΈ Tools & Technologies
- Marketing and communication software (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- Email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used in this role may vary depending on the college's existing infrastructure and the candidate's expertise.
π Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Student Success
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Diversity and Inclusion
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and strategic
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Committed to the college's mission and values
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with USF's commitment to student success and innovation?
- How do you approach collaboration and teamwork in a leadership role?
- How do you stay adaptable and responsive to change in a dynamic work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with USF's values and commitment to the college's mission during the interview process.
β οΈ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team with diverse skills and backgrounds
- Balancing multiple priorities and deadlines
- Adapting to a dynamic and changing higher education landscape
- Fundraising and donor engagement in a competitive environment
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong leadership, adaptability, and strategic thinking.
π Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other marketing roles, this position requires a strong understanding of higher education and non-profit environments
- This role offers the opportunity to work in a large and diverse university setting, with a wide range of resources and opportunities
- Career paths in higher education marketing and communication can lead to senior leadership roles within the college or university
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to other marketing and communication positions.
π Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive marketing and communication strategy for a new academic program
- Managing a team to create and distribute engaging content for the college's website, social media, and email marketing campaigns
- Collaborating with faculty and staff to create and implement strategic communication plans for research initiatives and events
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects in this role will vary depending on the college's priorities and the candidate's expertise.
β Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role support the college's overall mission and goals?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this role?
- How does the college approach collaboration and teamwork among its various departments and stakeholders?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the college and university?
- How does the college measure the success of its marketing and communication efforts?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to ask thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process to demonstrate their interest in the role and the college.
π 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
- Prepare for your interview by researching USF's mission, values, and strategic priorities
- Be ready to discuss your strategic approach to marketing and communication and your ability to work collaboratively with a team
- Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role
β οΈ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.