Executive Director of Marketing and Communication

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Executive Director of Marketing and Communication

🔹 Company: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

🔹 Location: Yakima, WA, USA

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Higher Education, Marketing & Communications

🔹 Date Posted: May 14, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 7-9 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading and managing a team of marketing and communication professionals
• Developing and executing strategic communication plans
• Overseeing brand management and ensuring consistency across platforms
• Managing projects from inception to completion
• Implementing a comprehensive communication strategy

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and experience in managing teams and projects.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Leads and manages a team of marketing and communication professionals

✅ Develops and executes strategic communication plans

✅ Oversees all aspects of brand management

✅ Manages projects from inception to completion

✅ Designs and implements a comprehensive communication strategy

✅ Collaborates with internal stakeholders to ensure cohesive and clear messaging

✅ Monitors and analyzes communication efforts to measure success and identify areas for improvement

✅ Performs other related duties as assigned and based on departmental need

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, a proven track record of leading teams, and the ability to create and implement a comprehensive digital strategy.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Experience: 7-9 years

Required Skills:

• Effective communication (both written and oral)
• Independent decision making
• Problem solving
• Project management principles, processes, and techniques
• Coordinating and monitoring the work of others
• Administrative procedures and practices
• Business management and fiscal practices
• Customer service principles and practices
• Human resources principles and practices

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in higher education or a related field
• Knowledge of marketing automation tools
• Experience with CRM systems

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, experience in higher education or a related field, as well as knowledge of marketing automation tools and CRM systems, would be beneficial for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $123,200 - $209,400 per year

Benefits:

• Health Benefits - Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 403b with Roth Option
• Paid Holidays

Working Hours: 40 hours/week

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the job posting and is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The benefits package is comprehensive and includes health benefits, paid time off, retirement savings, and paid holidays.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Higher Education

Company Size: 51-200 employees

Founded: 2005

Company Description:

• Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences (PNWU) is a non-profit medical institution founded in 2005 to increase access to health care in medically underserved areas of the Pacific Northwest.
• PNWU offers degrees in Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Doctor of Dental Medicine, Master of Arts in Medical Science, and Master of Science in Occupational Therapy.
• PNWU is located in Yakima, WA, a city of approximately 95,000, near the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains.

Company Specialties:

• Health Sciences Education
• Community-Based Healthcare
• Interprofessional Education

Company Website: pnwu.edu

ASSUMPTION: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences is focused on providing quality health sciences education and increasing access to healthcare in underserved communities.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level to Senior

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Vice President of University Relations

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow within the University Relations department or other departments within the university
• Opportunity to shape the university's brand and communication strategy
• Chance to work in a dynamic and growing institution

ASSUMPTION: This role offers growth opportunities within the university and the chance to make a significant impact on the institution's brand and communication efforts.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, university campus

Office Location(s): Yakima, WA

Geographic Context:

• Yakima is located in the south-central part of Washington state, near the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains
• The Yakima Valley is a major agricultural and outdoor recreation region
• Yakima is approximately 140 miles from Seattle, 170 miles from Portland, and 200 miles from Spokane

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility based on project needs

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is on a university campus in a mid-sized city with a mix of urban and outdoor recreational opportunities. The work schedule is typical for a full-time role, with flexibility based on project needs.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen
• On-campus interview with the hiring manager and other team members
• Final interview with the Vice President of University Relations
• Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills
• Leadership and team management skills
• Project management skills
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Alignment with the university's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Prepare examples of your past projects and achievements, focusing on those that demonstrate your ability to lead teams, manage projects, and develop strategic communication plans
• Research the university and be prepared to discuss how your background and skills align with the institution's mission and values

ATS Keywords: Marketing, Communication, Brand Management, Strategic Planning, Project Management, Team Leadership, Higher Education

ASSUMPTION: The application process is typical for a mid-sized university, with a focus on assessing communication skills, leadership, and strategic thinking. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and how it aligns with the university's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
• Marketing automation tools (e.g., HubSpot, Marketo, Pardot)
• CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot CRM, Zoho CRM)
• Design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for marketing and communication professionals, with a focus on project management, marketing automation, and CRM systems.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Excellence
• Integrity
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Diversity & Inclusion

Work Style:

• Team-oriented
• Adaptable and flexible
• Results-driven
• Strategic and forward-thinking
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
• Are you adaptable and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously?
• Do you have a strategic mindset and the ability to develop and execute long-term plans?
• Are you committed to the university's mission of increasing access to healthcare in underserved communities?

ASSUMPTION: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences values a collaborative, adaptable, and strategic work environment. Applicants should assess their fit with these values and be prepared to discuss their alignment with the university's mission.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a team with diverse skills and backgrounds
• Balancing multiple projects and priorities
• Working in a dynamic and growing institution with evolving needs
• Adapting to changes in the higher education landscape

ASSUMPTION: This role may present challenges in managing diverse teams, balancing multiple projects, and adapting to changes in the higher education landscape. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience managing these types of challenges.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Marketing Director or Communications Director in a higher education institution or a related organization
• However, this role is unique in its focus on driving the institution's brand and overseeing strategic communication initiatives in a growing university
• Career path opportunities may include advancement to a Vice President or similar leadership role within the university

ASSUMPTION: While this role is similar to other marketing and communication director roles, it is unique in its focus on driving the institution's brand and overseeing strategic communication initiatives in a growing university.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive digital marketing strategy to increase the university's online presence
• Managing a team to rebrand the university and ensure consistent branding across all platforms
• Collaborating with internal stakeholders to develop and implement a strategic communication plan for a new program or initiative

ASSUMPTION: Sample projects for this role may include developing and executing marketing strategies, managing rebranding efforts, and collaborating with internal stakeholders to develop and implement strategic communication plans.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the university's long-term goals for marketing and communication, and how this role fits into achieving those goals?
• How does this role collaborate with other departments within the university?
• What are the biggest challenges facing the university's marketing and communication efforts, and how can this role address them?
• How does the university support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the university's approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how does this role contribute to those efforts?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should ask questions that demonstrate their interest in the role, the university, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the institution's marketing and communication efforts.

📌 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, focusing on your ability to lead teams, manage projects, and develop strategic communication plans
• Prepare examples of your past projects and achievements, focusing on those that demonstrate your ability to lead teams, manage projects, and develop strategic communication plans
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

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