Director, Marketing & Communications

Department: WCAS Administration
Salary/Grade: EXS/10

Job Summary:

The Director of Marketing and Communications leads the development and execution of integrated marketing and communications strategies for Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern's largest and most academically diverse school. Serving as both strategist and practitioner, the Director designs and delivers communications that elevate the College's reputation, strengthen engagement with internal and external audiences, and advance institutional priorities.

This role requires a versatile leader who can think broadly about brand and strategy, while also rolling up their sleeves to produce content, manage channels, and cultivate relationships across a complex organization of 62 academic units, 600+ faculty, 5,000 students, and 1,000 staff. The Director is the College's central communications leader, coordinating closely with Alumni Relations and Development, Northwestern's Office of Global Marketing and Communications, and communicators embedded across departments, programs, and centers.

This is a full-time position that works largely on-site with some opportunities for remote work.

The target hiring range for this position will be between $90,000 - $123,000 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Marketing and Communications:

• Lead the planning, development, and implementation of a comprehensive, data-driven marketing and communications strategy aligned with Weinberg College's mission and priorities. Ensure all messaging, design, and communications assets consistently reflect Northwestern's brand standards and the College's identity. Partner with the Dean's Office and operational leaders to design and deliver effective communications in support of institutional initiatives.

Social Media Strategy and Management:

• Serve as the primary strategist and hands-on manager for Weinberg College's social media presence across platforms (currently including Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, and emerging channels). Develop platform-specific strategies to increase visibility, strengthen brand voice, and foster meaningful engagement with faculty, students, alumni, prospective students, and external stakeholders. Create, curate, and schedule original multimedia content, including video, graphics, and stories that showcase the breadth of the College's teaching, research, and community. Monitor trends, identify new opportunities, and recommend innovations to keep Weinberg's social presence dynamic and relevant. Track performance analytics, produce reports, and adjust strategies to maximize reach and impact. Serve as the College's lead consultant to academic units on social media best practices, training, and governance.

Digital and Content Strategy:

• Oversee content strategy and digital presence, including the Weinberg College website, News Center, multimedia storytelling, and publications. Lead data-informed digital marketing efforts, including audience segmentation, analytics, and accessibility compliance. Collaborate with IT, OGMC, and vendors on digital innovation and user experience enhancements. Stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and trends, introducing innovative approaches that increase visibility and engagement.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:

• Provide strategic guidance and shared resources to 60+ unit-level communicators across Weinberg's departments, programs, and centers. Build and maintain strong relationships with campus partners in Alumni Relations and Development, OGMC, and other Northwestern schools. Serve as liaison to University-wide marketing and communications efforts.

Team and Resource Management:

• Supervise one full-time events manager, student employees/interns, and coordinate freelance creative professionals. Oversee marketing and communications budgets, project management systems, and asset libraries to maximize efficiency and impact.

Miscellaneous

Performed other duties

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, journalism, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, or related areas, including strategy development and hands-on implementation.
• Demonstrated success in social media strategy and management across multiple platforms, including content creation, scheduling, and analytics.
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with a track record of building relationships across a complex organization.

Minimum Competencies:

• Strong strategic, creative, problem solving, and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to manage and motivate staff.
• Demonstrated proactivity in engaging with a complex organization.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Effective oral communication skills.
• Effectiveness in setting priorities and discovering new ways to create efficiencies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizations.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and content management systems.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards and best practices for digital communications.
• Experience with photography, video, and multimedia storytelling.
• Familiarity with analytics tools, SEO/SEM, and marketing automation.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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