Director, Integrated Marketing and Communications

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Northeastern Illinois University Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, the Director of Integrated Marketing and Communications will play a crucial role in driving the development and execution of strategic marketing and communications plans to promote the University.

Job Description:

This position involves leading marketing staff responsible for developing and executing integrated marketing communications, leveraging content, and implementing marketing campaigns to grow enrollment and improve awareness of the University among strategic populations and stakeholder groups. The role requires collaborative and strategic decision-making skills, ensuring alignment with NEIU's goals while fostering innovation and excellence in marketing practice.

• Direct public relations, content, and creative marketing staff.

• Manage relationships with external agencies, production vendors, and consultants, including issuing bids following university procurement processes.

• Guide the implementation of paid digital advertising campaigns and content creation, leveraging internal staff and agency partners.

• Serve as a marketing resource and thought leader, providing expertise on best practices in marketing tactics and strategies.

• Advise University leadership, including Deans and Department Heads, on effective content strategy and media placement.

• On occasion, represent the University at public relations events.

• Led the university marketing design staff to implement the NEIU brand.

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of advertising and marketing initiatives by establishing KPIs to measure campaign performance and effectiveness.

• Work with the Marketing and Communications Executive Director to develop marketing plans, forecasts, and tracking mechanisms.

• Work with University staff to oversee content creation, ensuring high-quality writing, editing, and design across multiple channels.

• Serve as a university brand steward to colleges and other departments to ensure the adoption of brand identity standards and compliance.

• Foster collaboration within the Division of Marketing and Communications to promote NEIU's academic excellence and enhance brand visibility.

Minimal Qualifications:

• Proven experience in marketing and communications, preferably in a university or academic environment.

• Strong media relations and public relations experience.

• Understanding of graphic design principals.

• Strong leadership and project management skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

• Proficiency in analytics to drive marketing decisions.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

• 3-5 years of experience in advertising, media planning/buying, creative production, project management, and external agency management.

• Three years of experience in digital marketing & strategy, creating marketing briefs, tailored content by paid digital placement, and different social platforms.

• Strategic skills to interpret communication research and needs of the university into actionable campaigns.

• Strong writing skills.

• 3-5 years of Management Experience: leading agencies, cross-functional teams, and/or direct reports.

• A bachelor's degree is required; a graduate degree, M.A., or MBA is preferred. Emphasis on marketing, communications, or advertising is strongly preferred.

The ideal candidate is an excellent writer with strong collaborative and strategic decision-making skills, a commitment to innovation, and a track record of excellence in marketing practices. This role is essential in driving the University's promotional efforts and achieving its strategic objectives.

(This position requires a background check.)

Salary: $90,000 - $100,000

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

Copies of unofficial transcripts are accepted; however, official transcripts for all earned degrees will be required of candidates selected for final interviews.

Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals.Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.