Director of Marketing and Communications

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director of Marketing and Communications

🔹 Company: Northwest Nazarene University

🔹 Location: Nampa, Idaho, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time

🔹 Category: Higher Education, Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: May 9, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading a team to develop and implement marketing strategies for enrollment growth across various programs
• Overseeing branding, messaging, and marketing campaigns while collaborating with admissions teams and other university departments
• Managing a budget and allocating resources effectively
• Analyzing competitor marketing strategies and campaign effectiveness to inform decision-making
• Fostering a partner-focused ethos across the campus in all matters related to marketing and communications

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of marketing and branding within the higher education context.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Leads and motivates a team of marketing professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and support to achieve team objectives

✅ Develops and implements comprehensive marketing plans and strategies to achieve enrollment growth

✅ In partnership with both admissions teams, identifies effective marketing strategies and activities that reach new students

✅ Ensures that brand building and consistency are achieved and adhered to

✅ Gives primary oversight of all matters pertaining to marketing and communications of the university

✅ Is responsible for the messaging, branding, and overall look of NNU

✅ Ensures that all determined campus programs, entities, and offices have program-specific marketing plans created and executed

✅ Oversees the creation, execution, and analysis of marketing campaigns across various channels (digital, print, social media, website, etc.)

✅ Works with the Office of Academic Affairs when new or re-visioned programs are being considered to provide messaging and strategic plans and equip personnel for program launch

✅ Serves as the institutional liaison for third-party marketing relationships

✅ Manages the marketing budget, allocating resources effectively

✅ Analyzes competitor marketing strategies to identify emerging trends that can inform marketing decisions

✅ Monitors and analyzes the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and initiatives and determine action steps from the analysis

✅ Experience with various marketing channels, including digital marketing, social media, content marketing, and traditional advertising

✅ Maintains a personal portfolio of marketing contacts

✅ Serves as a member of the Enrollment Leadership team

✅ Performs other duties as assigned

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, creativity, and adaptability to effectively manage multiple projects and teams.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or related field

Experience: 5+ years of experience working on a marketing team and 5+ years of experience leading a team

Required Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively convey marketing messages to various audiences
• Experience with various marketing channels, including digital marketing, social media, content marketing, and traditional advertising
• Able to manage several projects at the same time
• Sufficient computer skills to operate the following programs: Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, Slate, Analytics platforms, etc.
• Ability to work on a team or individually
• Skilled in diplomacy, problem solving, and customer service
• Ability to adapt and accept change
• Understanding of marketing and brand strategies within higher education
• Foresight and understanding in higher education issues, best practices, and future trends in marketing
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and interpersonal skills
• Willing and able to make difficult decisions in a timely manner
• Willingness and ability to travel for work
• The candidate must demonstrate high motivation and commitment to the University, including the ability to self-start, multi-task, use deductive reasoning, be calm under pressure, meet deadlines in a deadline-oriented environment, and relate to a variety of personalities under diverse circumstances

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in higher education marketing
• Fluency in additional languages

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in higher education marketing and additional language skills may have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Director of Marketing and Communications in higher education with 5-10 years of experience in Idaho)

Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Plan
• Health Spending Plan
• Tuition Benefits
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Retirement Program

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for evening and weekend events as needed

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Higher Education, specifically focused on graduate and professional studies

Company Size: 201-500 employees, which means there are opportunities for collaboration and growth within a mid-sized organization

Founded: 1913, with a rich history and established reputation in higher education

Company Description:

• Northwest Nazarene University offers graduate and professional studies programs in various disciplines, including Business, Education, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, Counseling, Theology and Christian Ministries
• The university is committed to providing challenging academics grounded in real-world application and experiential learning opportunities
• NNU serves working professionals through accelerated, online, and face-to-face program options

Company Specialties:

• Online Education
• Adult Learners
• Graduate Programs
• Teacher Certification
• Accelerated degree delivery
• MSW
• MBA
• Counseling
• FNP
• Financial Aid
• Nursing
• FNP
• Vocational Ministry
• Doctor of Education
• Doctor of Clinical Psychology
• Degree Completion
• and Working Professionals

Company Website: https://nnu.edu/academics/graduate-professional-studies/

ASSUMPTION: Northwest Nazarene University is a well-established institution with a strong reputation in higher education, offering a range of graduate and professional studies programs tailored to working professionals.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to senior, with the opportunity to grow and make a significant impact on the university's enrollment and branding efforts

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Vice President for Enrollment Management, with oversight of a marketing team and collaboration with admissions teams and other university departments

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time, with flexibility for remote work as needed

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to advance within the enrollment management or marketing departments
• Opportunities to expand the university's reach and impact through innovative marketing strategies
• Chance to work with a diverse range of programs and departments, gaining a broad understanding of the university's offerings

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the university's enrollment and branding efforts.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a modern and collaborative work environment

Office Location(s): 623 S University Blvd, Nampa, ID 83686-5800, US

Geographic Context:

• Nampa, Idaho, is a mid-sized city with a cost of living lower than the national average
• The city offers a mix of urban and rural living, with easy access to outdoor recreation and cultural attractions
• NNU is located in a residential neighborhood, with nearby amenities and a peaceful campus setting

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for evening and weekend events as needed

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Northwest Nazarene University is collaborative and supportive, with a strong commitment to the university's mission and values.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• On-campus interview with the hiring manager and other key stakeholders
• Final interview with the Vice President for Enrollment Management
• Background check and reference checks

Key Assessment Areas:

• Marketing and branding strategy
• Leadership and team management skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Understanding of higher education marketing trends and best practices

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant marketing and leadership experience, as well as your understanding of higher education marketing
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills
• Research Northwest Nazarene University and be prepared to discuss how your values and goals align with the university's mission

ATS Keywords: Marketing, Communications, Branding, Enrollment Growth, Higher Education, Leadership, Team Management, Digital Marketing, Social Media, Content Marketing, Traditional Advertising, Analytics, Budget Management, Competitor Analysis

ASSUMPTION: The interview process at Northwest Nazarene University is thorough and designed to assess the candidate's fit for the role and the university's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Slate (Customer Relationship Management software for higher education)
• Analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics)
• Marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
• Graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred, but not required, as the university provides training and support for new hires.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Christ-centered
• Compassionate
• Inclusive
• Innovative
• Stewardly

Work Style:

• Collaborative
• Adaptable
• Data-driven
• Creative
• Results-oriented

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong commitment to the university's mission and values?
• Are you comfortable working in a collaborative, team-based environment?
• Do you have a proven track record of success in marketing and branding within higher education?
• Are you able to adapt to change and thrive in a dynamic work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Northwest Nazarene University values candidates who are aligned with the university's mission and values, as well as those who demonstrate strong leadership, collaboration, and adaptability skills.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a team with diverse skills and backgrounds
• Balancing multiple projects and priorities
• Working within a budget and allocating resources effectively
• Keeping up with emerging trends and best practices in higher education marketing
• Collaborating with various university departments and stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong leadership, communication, and project management skills, as well as a deep understanding of higher education marketing trends and best practices.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Marketing Director or Marketing Manager in higher education, but with a specific focus on enrollment growth and branding
• Unlike other marketing roles, this position requires a strong understanding of higher education marketing trends and best practices
• Career progression in this role may include advancement to a Vice President or Senior Director of Marketing and Communications within higher education

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on enrollment growth and branding within higher education, requiring a specific set of skills and knowledge.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive marketing plan to increase enrollment in a specific graduate program
• Creating and executing a targeted social media campaign to reach prospective students in a specific demographic
• Analyzing the effectiveness of a marketing campaign and making data-driven recommendations for improvement
• Managing a team to rebrand the university, ensuring consistency and adherence to brand guidelines across all marketing channels

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for this role, from strategic planning and execution to data analysis and team management.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the top priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does this role collaborate with other university departments and stakeholders?
• What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for success in this role?
• How does the university support the professional development and growth of its marketing team members?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the university's enrollment and how can this role address them?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to assess the candidate's fit for the role, as well as their understanding of the university's mission, values, and priorities.

📌 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 marketing and leadership experience, as well as your understanding of higher education marketing
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills
• Research Northwest Nazarene University and be prepared to discuss how your values and goals align with the university's mission
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your continued interest in the position

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