Southern Methodist University
Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications
Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, United States, 75215
Salary Range:
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
About SMU
SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.
SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences , Cox School of Business , Lyle School of Engineering , Meadows School of the Arts , Simmons School of Education and Human Development , Dedman School of Law , Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies .
SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.
Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.
SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.
About the Department:
P erkins School o f Theology is one of the 13 seminaries of The United Methodist Church and one of only five university-related United Methodist theological schools, located in the heart of Dallas, Texas, with an extension program in Houston/Galveston. The faculty and staff of Perkins are committed to our mission of equipping persons for faithful leadership and Christian ministry in a changing church and society. Students study with a faculty, diverse both culturally and in theological perspective, in the School's graduate degree and certificate studies programs. Perkins is Wesleyan by tradition, United Methodist by affiliation, inclusive of diverse Christian expressions, and welcoming of all. The oldest graduate professional School at Southern Methodist University, Perkins embraces its setting in the Southwestern United States while seeking to make theological education accessible, through in-person, hybrid, and distance learning, to students from the region, the nation, and around the world.
About the Position:
This role is an on-campus, in-person position.
The Assistant Dean for Marketing and Communications promotes Perkins School of Theology to its many constituencies, including prospective students, alumni, churches, religious leaders, faculty, staff, students, and the public. The Assistant Dean for Marketing and Communications creatively directs and coordinates project management for all advertisements, publications, e-communications, media relations, social media content, website, and event promotion. The Assistant Dean oversees the production of print and electronic pieces including enrollment materials, publications, and event-related collateral.
Essential Functions:Marketing: Manage all marketing initiatives, including publications, brochures, flyers, videos, etc. that effectively promote the story and impact of Perkins School of Theology. Collaborate with Offices of Development, External Programs/Church, Community Life/Alumni, Sacred Music, Bridwell Library and others to develop a master marketing plan that supports enrollment and event goals. Disseminate creative and effective segmented campaigns to target audiences to amplify degree programs, certificates, and events and thereby generate leads and inquiries. Manage both print and digital advertising initiatives, including interfacing with outside agencies to ensure consistent execution of keyword-based marketing campaigns. In collaboration with the Office of Enrollment Management, ensure that marketing is supportive of enrollment efforts and responsive to seasonal needs in promoting degree programs and admissions opportunities. Oversee the execution of creative and effective social media campaigns, managing the development of all platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Create an annual social media plan reflective of recruitment seasons, annual events, holidays, and observances, pre-building content as needed; oversee distribution via social media management software.Communications: Manage regular and special publications, creating written content and coordinating with faculty and students to redesign publications to be used toward goals and align with the Perkins/SMU brand. Revitalize the monthly email newsletter and increase email performance by highlighting faculty, events, fundraising opportunities, practical tips, and student/alumni voices. Oversee the administration of Perkins website (design, branding, SEO, and approval) in conjunction with SMU OIT. Manage workflows to support internal events, utilizing a network of vendors and contractors (video, photography, graphics, and print). Collaborate in the research and development of innovative ways to utilize communications funnels to reach target audiences and improve digital recruitment experiences for students.Content Creation: Lead the effort to acquire stories that highlight the mission of Perkins School of Theology. Disseminate stories to internal colleagues and external constituencies, building a bank of content to provide as features in marketing, anecdotes for donors, and evidence of how the mission plays a vital role in the world. Attend key academic, enrollment, and fundraising events on the SMU campus or other venues for live social media coverage and active content creation.Administration: Manage direct reports, freelancers, and corporate contracts related to this work. Oversee the SMU Perkins brand and serve as the Perkins ambassador for marketing and brand best practices, educating colleagues to ensure consistency and quality across Perkins. Participate in key leadership meetings that help set, articulate, and coordinate the vision of Perkins.Media Relations: Write and disseminate press releases to the proper channels. Approve all requests to film at Perkins in conjunction with the Office of Legal Affairs. Respond to requests from the various internal SMU offices, including but not limited to the President's Office, the Provost's Office, Vice President for DEA, and AVP of MarCom. Provide strategic council to the Dean and others Perkins leaders regarding speaking remarks, presentations, etc.Other duties: Consult on ancillary multimedia projects - additional web pages, social media accounts, podcasts, etc. - to ensure brand and mission consistency. Perform all other appropriate duties as assigned.Occasional evening/weekend hours may be required.Education and Experience:
A Bachelor's degree is required. A Master's degree is preferred. A degree in marketing, communications or related field is preferred.
A minimum of five years of marketing or communications experience is required. Experience working in higher education is preferred. Experience overseeing projects and organizations, including staff management and budget development is required. Experience collaborating with colleagues across reporting lines and serving on management teams is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.
Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
Candidate familiarity with Christian denominations is preferred.
Candidate ability to be mission-oriented and work comfortably in a theological education is a must.
Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Work, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) and graphic and photo design programs (Adobe Creative Suite).
Candidate familiarity with Sitecore or similar CMS platform, social network sites (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Sprout) and email marketing platforms (Hubspot, Salesforce) is essential.
Physical and Environmental Demands:Sit for long periods of timeCarry/lift 25 lbs.
Deadline to Apply:
Candidate must submit cover letter and resume for full consideration. Please also include any links to your online portfolio, if available.
Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by July 19, 2024.
This position is open until filled.
EEO Statement:
SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu .
Benefits:
SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities , including tuition benefits .
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
About SMU
SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.
SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences , Cox School of Business , Lyle School of Engineering , Meadows School of the Arts , Simmons School of Education and Human Development , Dedman School of Law , Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies .
SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.
Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.
SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.
About the Department:
P erkins School o f Theology is one of the 13 seminaries of The United Methodist Church and one of only five university-related United Methodist theological schools, located in the heart of Dallas, Texas, with an extension program in Houston/Galveston. The faculty and staff of Perkins are committed to our mission of equipping persons for faithful leadership and Christian ministry in a changing church and society. Students study with a faculty, diverse both culturally and in theological perspective, in the School's graduate degree and certificate studies programs. Perkins is Wesleyan by tradition, United Methodist by affiliation, inclusive of diverse Christian expressions, and welcoming of all. The oldest graduate professional School at Southern Methodist University, Perkins embraces its setting in the Southwestern United States while seeking to make theological education accessible, through in-person, hybrid, and distance learning, to students from the region, the nation, and around the world.
About the Position:
This role is an on-campus, in-person position.
The Assistant Dean for Marketing and Communications promotes Perkins School of Theology to its many constituencies, including prospective students, alumni, churches, religious leaders, faculty, staff, students, and the public. The Assistant Dean for Marketing and Communications creatively directs and coordinates project management for all advertisements, publications, e-communications, media relations, social media content, website, and event promotion. The Assistant Dean oversees the production of print and electronic pieces including enrollment materials, publications, and event-related collateral.
Essential Functions:Marketing: Manage all marketing initiatives, including publications, brochures, flyers, videos, etc. that effectively promote the story and impact of Perkins School of Theology. Collaborate with Offices of Development, External Programs/Church, Community Life/Alumni, Sacred Music, Bridwell Library and others to develop a master marketing plan that supports enrollment and event goals. Disseminate creative and effective segmented campaigns to target audiences to amplify degree programs, certificates, and events and thereby generate leads and inquiries. Manage both print and digital advertising initiatives, including interfacing with outside agencies to ensure consistent execution of keyword-based marketing campaigns. In collaboration with the Office of Enrollment Management, ensure that marketing is supportive of enrollment efforts and responsive to seasonal needs in promoting degree programs and admissions opportunities. Oversee the execution of creative and effective social media campaigns, managing the development of all platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Create an annual social media plan reflective of recruitment seasons, annual events, holidays, and observances, pre-building content as needed; oversee distribution via social media management software.Communications: Manage regular and special publications, creating written content and coordinating with faculty and students to redesign publications to be used toward goals and align with the Perkins/SMU brand. Revitalize the monthly email newsletter and increase email performance by highlighting faculty, events, fundraising opportunities, practical tips, and student/alumni voices. Oversee the administration of Perkins website (design, branding, SEO, and approval) in conjunction with SMU OIT. Manage workflows to support internal events, utilizing a network of vendors and contractors (video, photography, graphics, and print). Collaborate in the research and development of innovative ways to utilize communications funnels to reach target audiences and improve digital recruitment experiences for students.Content Creation: Lead the effort to acquire stories that highlight the mission of Perkins School of Theology. Disseminate stories to internal colleagues and external constituencies, building a bank of content to provide as features in marketing, anecdotes for donors, and evidence of how the mission plays a vital role in the world. Attend key academic, enrollment, and fundraising events on the SMU campus or other venues for live social media coverage and active content creation.Administration: Manage direct reports, freelancers, and corporate contracts related to this work. Oversee the SMU Perkins brand and serve as the Perkins ambassador for marketing and brand best practices, educating colleagues to ensure consistency and quality across Perkins. Participate in key leadership meetings that help set, articulate, and coordinate the vision of Perkins.Media Relations: Write and disseminate press releases to the proper channels. Approve all requests to film at Perkins in conjunction with the Office of Legal Affairs. Respond to requests from the various internal SMU offices, including but not limited to the President's Office, the Provost's Office, Vice President for DEA, and AVP of MarCom. Provide strategic council to the Dean and others Perkins leaders regarding speaking remarks, presentations, etc.Other duties: Consult on ancillary multimedia projects - additional web pages, social media accounts, podcasts, etc. - to ensure brand and mission consistency. Perform all other appropriate duties as assigned.Occasional evening/weekend hours may be required.Education and Experience:
A Bachelor's degree is required. A Master's degree is preferred. A degree in marketing, communications or related field is preferred.
A minimum of five years of marketing or communications experience is required. Experience working in higher education is preferred. Experience overseeing projects and organizations, including staff management and budget development is required. Experience collaborating with colleagues across reporting lines and serving on management teams is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.
Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
Candidate familiarity with Christian denominations is preferred.
Candidate ability to be mission-oriented and work comfortably in a theological education is a must.
Candidate must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Work, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.) and graphic and photo design programs (Adobe Creative Suite).
Candidate familiarity with Sitecore or similar CMS platform, social network sites (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Sprout) and email marketing platforms (Hubspot, Salesforce) is essential.
Physical and Environmental Demands:Sit for long periods of timeCarry/lift 25 lbs.
Deadline to Apply:
Candidate must submit cover letter and resume for full consideration. Please also include any links to your online portfolio, if available.
Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by July 19, 2024.
This position is open until filled.
EEO Statement:
SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu .
Benefits:
SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefit s. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities , including tuition benefits .