Director of Strategic Marketing, Communications, and Information Technology - Division for Land-Grant Engagement

The Division for Land Grant Engagement at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a visionary Director of Strategic Marketing, Communications, and Information Technology Services to shape and elevate the division's brand, voice, and digital strategy.

About the Opportunity

In this senior leadership role, you will guide a talented Communications and Technology team in delivering integrated marketing, branding, media relations, crisis communication, and technology solutions that advance division priorities and strengthen the land grant mission. This is a high-impact position for a creative, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and is inspired by the opportunity to support communities across West Virginia and beyond. The Director reports directly to the Associate Vice President and Dean of the Division for Land Grant Engagement.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Lead the development of engaging, mission driven content and campaigns.
• Build strategic partnerships and support recruitment and outreach communications.
• Oversee event marketing and execution that energizes stakeholders and amplifies impact.
• Collaborate closely with University Marketing and central IT units to ensure alignment and innovation.
• Train and empower faculty and staff in effective communication and technology practices.
• Ensure compliance with university policies and brand standards.
• Manage budgets responsibly and strategically.
• Provide executive leadership with data driven insights that drive engagement, innovation, and organizational excellence.
• Provide leadership and guidance regarding strategy, Division/unit goals, employee relations and other issues for Communications and Technology.
• Develop and execute a high-level integrated marketing communications plan for a variety of audiences, including short- and long-term needs, as well as crisis communications plans.
• Identify and research trends in communications and technology to allow the Division to be innovative and nimble, while providing faculty/staff with tools needed to be successful in their positions.
• Work with team to identify resources, technology and programs to engage the Division's broad audience and to further the land-grant mission.
• Identify, shape and manage the development of high-quality content for the Division, including online content, print media, press releases, social media, collateral publications, applications, innovative technology, etc.
• Develop and execute strategic communications guidance to the Associate VP and Dean of the Division, as well as Division/Unit leadership, including crisis communications.
• Work closely with Strategic Marketing and Communications to manage media relations plans, including pitching to media, responding to reporter inquiries, and setting up interviews with administrators.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with a variety of internal and external constituents to effectively promote the Division and its units.
• Strategize new ways to implement and refresh the brand and image of the Division and its three units.
• Work collaboratively with Division's Technology team members and WVU IT to ensure best practices in the areas of information security, networking, software needs, etc.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, integrated marketing communications, public relations or journalism
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in executive or administrative support/office management
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the following:
  • Multi-year progressive experience in communications, technology or a combination of both to enhance marketing, outreach and services to a broad audience.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in the following:
  • Experience in executive and administrative support and office management.
  • Strong supervisory and leadership skills, working with diverse groups
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel (pivot tables), PowerPoint, and Publisher
  • Database experience preferred
  • Financial reporting and budget experience
  • Experience in high level, independent executive position to a major administrator is preferred
  • Experience with working with the public and providing general customer support
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered

• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment

  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong background in communication, marketing, and outreach
• Demonstrated success in building and developing relationships
• Ability to comprehend, research and communicate technical information
• Ability to identify trends, opportunities and innovation to support the organizational needs related to communications and technology
• Ability to supervise and lead a team of creative, innovative professionals
• Demonstrated success in planning and leading large-scale, university or statewide events
  

• Valid driver's license.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.