Senior Director for University Marketing Senior Director for University Marketing University Marketing Search 2432- Posted August 24, 2026 Emporia State University is seeking a strategic, innovative, and collaborative leader to serve as the Senior Director for University Marketing. This position provides leadership for the university's marketing, branding, and creative functions, overseeing an internal marketing team and external agency partners to advance institutional priorities. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Engagement and Chief Marketing Officer, the Senior Director plays a critical role in elevating ESU's reputation, strengthening student recruitment efforts, and supporting academic schools and university initiatives through integrated marketing strategies.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead and steward Emporia State University's brand strategy, ensuring consistency, clarity, and differentiation across all marketing channels, campaigns, and creative assets. Direct, mentor, and develop the university's marketing and creative team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and high performance. Partner with deans and university leadership to design and execute recruitment marketing strategies that support enrollment goals and showcase academic program strengths. Manage relationships with external agency partners, ensuring alignment with university priorities, operational efficiency, and measurable return on investment. Develop annual and multi-year marketing plans that advance institutional objectives, strengthen audience engagement, and support university-wide initiatives. Collaborate with Enrollment Management, Advancement, Academic Affairs, and other campus leaders to create integrated messaging and coordinated outreach efforts. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs), monitor campaign effectiveness, and leverage data-driven insights to optimize marketing strategies and resource allocation. Provide executive-level reporting, recommendations, and strategic insights to the Vice President for Engagement and Chief Marketing Officer to support informed decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications:

A successful candidate must possess a bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field. A minimum of 4 years experience in Marketing leadership may substitute for education. Candidates should have: Demonstrated success leading creative and marketing teams. Experience managing external agency partnerships and integrated marketing initiatives. Expertise in brand strategy, digital marketing, and recruitment marketing. Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to drive strategic decisions. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and leadership abilities.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES

Successful candidates will demonstrate: Strategic thinking combined with a results-oriented approach. Strong relationship-building skills across a wide range of stakeholders. Creative problem-solving abilities and a commitment to continuous improvement. Confidence and professionalism when representing the university to internal and external audiences. The ability to balance long-term planning with day-to-day operational excellence.

COMPENSATION

Compensation will be negotiable based upon education & experience

BENEFITS

Base pay is one component of Emporia State University's total rewards package. We are dedicated to supporting the needs of the "whole you" with our holistic approach to employee benefits by offering comprehensive well-being benefits for you and your family that include: Health insurance Free dental insurance for employees Retirement through the Kansas Board of Regents Paid parental leave Up to 31 days paid vacation and holiday days Tuition reduction and tuition assistance Dependent tuition waiver For full details about our benefit plan offerings, please visit the benefits webpage.

APPLY:

Please upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information of three references online. Consideration of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. A background check is required prior to hire.