Director of Strategic Marketing & Communication

The Ohio State University Libraries, one of the nation's leading academic research libraries, has proudly served Buckeyes, the local community, national and global partners and other stakeholders for generations. Pairing a rich heritage with a drive to thoughtfully redefine how the modern academic research library delivers value for our stakeholders, our organization continues to leverage marketing and communications to more effectively connect our audiences to the incredible suite of services and information resources vital to their teaching, learning and research journeys.Candidates should take the time to read all the elements of this job advert carefully Please make your application promptly.As University Libraries continues to deliver on our mission, we seek a dynamic thought leader experienced in strategic marketing, brand management and internal communications to join our team. Reporting to University Libraries' Assistant Dean for Administration and Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications (DSMC) leads the refinement and execution of a modern marketing and communication strategy that aligns with University Libraries vision, mission and strategic agenda.The DSMC innovatively and collaboratively leads organizational efforts around strategic marketing and sub-brand strategy, content strategy and execution, media relations, issues management, public awareness, internal and external communications strategy and integrated omni-channel planning, campaigns and analytics, including but not limited to website, social media, staff intranet, digital platforms, print, graphic media and multimedia. The DSMC develops a deep understanding of our audiences to create marketing initiatives that optimize the dissemination and impact of key messages, by audience, working collaboratively across the whole of University Libraries and in partnership with the university's Office of Marketing and Communications team to ensure consistency and brand alignment.They act as a brand steward and strategic marketing champion for University Libraries bringing to life user-centric strategies, marketing plans and experiences that drive awareness, engagement, affinity and choice with key audiences. The DSMC works closely with University Libraries Executive Committee, University Libraries department heads, our Advancement/Development team and key stakeholders to create and execute comprehensive plans that tell our story, promote our organization's programs, services, outreach and culture and further build on the momentum created by our strategic directions (see strategic directions) as well as the university's strategic plan (see strategic plan) and the university's shared values (see shared values). They lead efforts to effectively communicate our authentic value proposition and highlight how our people, places, collections and services align with and support the needs of our users, create impactful outcomes, shape our culture and contribute to the successful achievement of our goals and that of the broader university.The DSMC is a visionary strategist, strong project manager and expert writer across traditional, digital and multi-media platforms. The DSMC leads and continuously develops a staff currently sized at three.Select areas of focus:In concert with the Vice Provost and Dean of University Libraries and the Assistant Dean, provide leadership and direction for all aspects of University Libraries marketing and communications strategy, both internal and external.Develop initiatives to advance the relevance, resonance and distinctiveness of the University Libraries brand by leveraging modern marketing and communication practices that measurably grow and deepen affinity, audience perceptions, user experience and understanding of our value proposition.Create approaches to effectively communicate the breadth and depth of the people, services and resources available to users.Uncover and synthesize the story threads of faculty, staff, student and stakeholder achievements and highlight the impact of the Libraries partnership in those achievements.Drive editorial strategy and content development; formally and informally lead a team of content creators to leverage consistency across all channels (web, digital, social and print) and adherence to core messaging, voice, style, tone and guidelines along with educating and advising on channel placement; provide key support, knowledge, training and tools to departments within Libraries to address local marketing and communications needs.Further enhance effectiveness of key digital platforms and initiatives related to marketing and communications including local websites, email marketing, and staff intranet.Expand upon the existing University Libraries internal and external messaging strategy framework to shape alignment and create shared understanding on how to effectively and impactfully communicate with different audiences and personas.Represent University Libraries at appropriate university-level functions and develop collaborative working relationships with marketing, communications, media relations, advancement/development, student and alumni engagement professionals across the university.Serve as the main point of contact for all media inquiries and serve as our unit designated media relations and issues management liaison.Engage with consortia partners, including OhioLINK, Big Ten Academic Alliance and others to leverage industry best practices and advance the reputation of University Libraries among peers.Other related responsibilities as required. Consistently demonstrates commitment to our values and promotes an organizational culture of Discovery, Connection, Equity, Integrity, and Stewardship (see strategic directions) as well as dedication to advance the work of the Administration unit. All other duties as assigned.Required Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in marketing, business, journalism or other discipline related to the marketing field of practice or an equivalent combination of education and experience.At least seven years of relevant experience in leading strategic marketing and brand management.Demonstrated experience in translating insights, including user experience, into sound omni-channel marketing strategies and integrated marketing plans in alignment with organizational goals and objectives.Demonstrated ability to combine strategic thinking with creative writing and effective execution.Previous experience in audience segmentation, brand positioning and messaging development.Proven ability to be creative in identifying and executing media opportunities as well as managing successful social media campaigns across varying platforms based on stakeholder channel preferences.Ability to track and interpret analytics in this space.Excellent oral, written and presentation skills.Desired Qualifications:Master's degree in marketing, business, journalism or other discipline related to the marketing field.Demonstrated ability to work effectively and innovatively in a collaborative and complex environment that has multiple stakeholder audiences; ability to work comfortably with ambiguity, to progress multiple priorities/projects simultaneously and flexibility to accommodate shifting priorities.Proven ability and success in leading, developing and supervising a team.Experience in higher education marketing and knowledge of alumni relations and/or fundraising marketing.Experience with Drupal.The posting range for this position is $110,000-$143,000. Please submit cover letter and resume with the online application. This posting will close after 14 days.About The Ohio State University LibrariesThe Libraries promotes innovative research and creative expression, advances effective teaching, curates and preserves information essential for scholarship and learning at Ohio State, and shares knowledge and culture with the people of Ohio, the nation, and the world. Libraries faculty and staff live these values in all that we do: Discovery, Connection, Equity, Integrity, and Stewardship. Learn about our strategic directions here.The Libraries' greatest resource is our faculty and staff. Their expertise produces value beyond the collections and their commitment to continual improvement and innovation is one of the most significant ways the Libraries meets the diverse and evolving information needs of university students, faculty, and staff, alongside scholars throughout Ohio and the world. As a global leader, the Libraries is actively engaged in local, statewide, national, and international initiatives to help shape the future of academic research libraries. These activities and the innovations that result enhance our ability to acquire, manage, and preserve emerging information resources, support knowledge creation, and enable its effective transmission to future learners. Information about the Libraries is available at library.osu.edu.The Libraries strives to provide welcoming, supportive environments for all to pursue and share knowledge. The Libraries is guided by our strategic priorities that facilitate, celebrate and honor diversity, inclusion, access and social justice. All positions are expected to contribute to building and advancing this environment and we encourage candidates to apply who share these values.Become part of the Buckeye family. Ohio State's main campus is one of America's largest and most comprehensive. As Ohio's best and one of the nation's top-20 public universities, Ohio State is further recognized by a top-rated academic medical center and a premier cancer hospital and research center. As a land-grant university, Ohio State has a physical presence throughout the state, with campuses and research centers located around Ohio. Learn more about being a Buckeye at visit.osu.edu/discover.Benefits that support your wellbeing. Ohio State offers a comprehensive benefits package with a variety of options to meet your unique needs. Ohio State's total rewards package includes benefits that support employees' health, finances, work-life balance, and education. Learn more about our outstanding benefits at hr.osu.edu/benefits.Columbus: Full of excitement and opportunity. Columbus is the largest and fastest-growing city in Ohio, with a vibrant blend of arts and culture, including inspired culinary, fashion, music, and entertainment scenes, exciting collegiate and professional sports, and an open, entrepreneurial spirit. With a burgeoning downtown, lively urban districts and a diverse array of welcoming neighborhoods, it's a city that invites exploration. Learn more about the nation's best-kept secret at visit.osu.edu/experience.#J-18808-Ljbffr

Created: 2024-10-29