Director of Marketing and Communications

Erikson Institute

About Erikson:

Founded in 1966, Erikson Institute is the nation's premier graduate school in child development. We improve the lives of young children and families through graduate and continuing education in child development, social work, and early childhood education, as well as through community programs and policy research. Erikson is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. We offer a variety of employee benefits, including excellent health and dental plans, life/disability insurance, transit stipend, matching retirement contributions, and more.

http://www.www.erikson.edu


Position Details

Director of Marketing and Communications
Job
Full-time
12/6/2017
Chicago Illinois
Chicago, IL

Erikson Institute is the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their full potential.

Erikson Institute houses the premier graduate school in child development and uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families.

Our impact and influence is further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, and advocacy and policy leadership.

The Director of Marketing and Communications will be responsible for Developing and executing a strategic marketing and communications plan that promotes a consistent, compelling brand and message to prospective and current students, alumni faculty and staff, funders, and civic and corporate partners.

Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement and CMO, serves as a member of senior staff, acting as a strategic adviser and collaborative partner to, Erikson’s Vice Presidents and Directors, and all faculty and program leaders.

Leading a team of 4 in-house staff and external consultants to implement the marketing and communications program across a variety of channels including, print, presentations, video, visual and digital media, advertising, media relations, community relations, special events, email and the web.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Overseeing and executing high-quality marketing and strategic communications, either directly or in close partnership with relevant administrative and academic units that support:

  • Admissions recruitment and materials for prospective students and influencers
  • Messaging and materials that inspire and motivate donors and funding partners and stakeholders
  • Storytelling in all forms that conveys the distinctive contributions and lifelong value of Erikson Institute in the lives of its constituents
  • An active media relations program that cultivates relationships with traditional and nontraditional media, pitches stories proactively and responds to media requests
  • Creative and multimedia content that convey cross-cutting institutional narratives as well as the priority activities of the institute’s departments
  • Digital and print materials and storytelling that convey the impact of Erikson Institute scholarship, research, and the activities of academic programs and centers
  • Production of periodicals and digital newsletters, and a collaborative relationship with Institutional Advancement and Alumnae Relations
  • Digital communications including websites, social media, and analytics
  • Speechwriting and messaging for the President and other senior leaders
  • Special events both on and off campus
  • Anticipating and mitigating adverse or potentially negative issues that may impact the institute’s reputation; maintaining issues management and crisis communications plans and providing counsel to senior leaders in the event of a crisis
  • Developing an internal communications program that builds pride in Erikson Institute as well as trust and confidence in organizational decision-making
  • Making use of available market research to understand the competitive landscape, design effective marketing tactics, and spearheading additional research as needed
  • Developing and regularly reporting on a set of metrics for measuring the effectiveness of marketing and communications initiatives
  • Overseeing the day-to-day activities of the marketing and communications function including budgeting, planning, and staff development.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s Degree; Masters in Marketing preferred.
  • At least 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, and public relations, for a complex mission-based organization. 
  • An understanding of B2C marketing, student recruitment, fundraising, and community relations is important. 
  • Proven success in planning and executing marketing plans to meet revenue goals. 
  • Experience in strategic planning, budgeting, evaluating and managing projects, and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Success in building effective teams and mentoring staff is required. 
  • Demonstrated experience in communicating with a variety of audiences, (i.e., faculty, staff, students, trustees, alumni) and media is desired. 
  • Knowledge of best practices in message development, media relations, graphic design, video, websites, social media, print publications, event planning, and use of market research to make informed decisions is essential.


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