Marketing & Communications Manager, Wesley Seminary

Duties and Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Brand Stewardship
  • Develop and implement comprehensive marketing and communication strategies that advance Wesley Seminarys mission and strategic plan in collaboration with the University Marketing and Communications team
  • Serve as steward of Wesley Seminarys brand identity ensuring consistency with University brand standards while honoring the Seminarys theological and institutional distinctives
  • Act as the primary liaison between Wesley Seminary and the University Marketing team fostering strong communication shared planning and mutual accountability
  • Provide strategic marketing and communications support for Seminary-wide initiatives such as VIA Journeys and 21st Century Church ensuring alignment with Wesley Seminarys mission brand and institutional priorities while supporting initiative-specific goals
    
    
• Integrated Marketing & Communications Execution
  • Lead the planning coordination and execution of Seminary marketing initiatives including:
    • Writing and distributing announcements stories and feature content
    • Creating maintaining and optimizing web content
    • Developing print and digital marketing collateral
    • Managing video and multimedia projects
    • Designing and executing targeted email campaigns
  • Support the launch visibility and ongoing communications of strategic initiatives (e.g. VIA Journeys) including pilot communications partner-facing materials and stakeholder updates in coordination with initiative leadership
    
    
• Storytelling & Content Development
  • Oversee the creation of compelling content that tells the story of Wesley Seminary through:
    • Strategic copywriting and editorial leadership
    • Graphic design direction
    • Photography videography audio and digital storytelling
  • Translate academic theological and ministry initiatives into accessible and engaging narratives for diverse audiences
  • Translate complex initiatives research findings and pilot learningsincluding ecosystem-based programs such as VIA Journeys and 21st Century Churchinto clear compelling narratives for churches partners donors and institutional audiences
    
    
• Web & Digital Strategy
  • Serve as primary administrator for Wesley Seminarys Content Management System (CMS) including:
    • Directing the Seminary web strategy and user experience
    • Ensuring timely updates content accuracy and platform integrity
    • Enhancing engagement accessibility and discoverability
      
      
• Email Marketing & Communications
  • Direct and manage all Seminary email communications including:
    • Weekly and quarterly newsletters
    • Alumni and donor communications
    • Program-specific campaigns and announcements
  • Ensure consistent voice messaging and branding across all digital communications
    
    
• Social Media Leadership
  • Manage and provide strategic oversight of all official Wesley Seminary social media platforms (Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn and YouTube)
  • Provide guidance and quality control for Seminary-related subaccounts (programs initiatives houses)
  • Develop social strategies that strengthen engagement visibility and mission alignment
    
    
• Advertising & Media Planning
  • Collaborate with the University Media Buyer and Marketing team to develop and execute Wesley Seminarys annual media plan
  • Partner with University Marketing and Communications on campaign design placement and performance evaluation
    
    
• Collaboration & Institutional Alignment
  • Participate in University Marketing planning meetings and initiatives to ensure Seminary priorities are represented and aligned with institutional goals
  • Advise Seminary leadership on marketing strategy and communication implications of new programs and initiatives
  • Collaborate closely with Seminary leadership initiative directors and program teams to align marketing and communications efforts with evolving priorities pilot timelines and strategic objectives
• Team Leadership
  • Provide leadership supervision and professional development for the Media and Communications Specialist
    
    
• Media & Podcast Initiatives
  • Support and advance Seminary podcasting and media projects positioning Seminary leaders as thought leaders and practitioners
    
    
• Analytics & Performance Measurement
  • Track analyze and report marketing and communication metrics to:
    • Evaluate effectiveness
    • Inform strategy o Strengthen recruitment engagement and donor communication efforts
  • Monitor and report engagement and reach metrics for strategic initiatives including VIA Journeys and 21st Century Church to inform communications strategy and support continuous improvement

Qualifications:According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

• Bachelors degree in Marketing Communications Journalism Public Relations or a related field; Masters degree preferred

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in strategic marketing and communications leadership preferably within higher education nonprofit or faith-based organizations

Required Skills

• Proven ability to work effectively within a dual-reporting structure and collaborative matrixed environment
• Strong understanding of brand management digital marketing content strategy and integrated communications
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated strength in storytelling and copywriting
• Experience managing websites CMS platforms email marketing systems and social media channels
• Working knowledge of multimedia production including photography videography and audio content
• Experience using marketing analytics and performance metrics to guide strategy and decision-making
• Demonstrated cultural humility and ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences
• Alignment with Wesley Seminarys Christian mission theological commitments and values

IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement

IWU in covenant with Gods reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan tradition commits to build a community that reflects Kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment for living teaching and learning which exhibits honor respect and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences our community authentically values each members earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement that exhibits Christs commandment to love all humankind.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C. Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.