Associate Director of Marketing and Communications

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The School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES) at the University of San Diego seeks a strategic creative and collaborative Associate Director of Marketing & Communications to advance the Schools visibility brand reputation and enrollment goals. This role leads SOLES-wide marketing and communication initiatives including digital content strategy brand management and integrated campaigns that highlight the Schools academic programs mission and impact.

The University of San Diego an engaged and contemporary Catholic institution was founded by the Diocese of San Diego and the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1949. Governed by an independent board of trustees since 1972 USD remains committed to a liberal arts education grounded in the Catholic intellectual tradition and the pursuit of truth goodness and beauty. Inspired by this centuries old tradition of Catholic higher education the University welcomes people of all faith traditions and any or no religious background. The future success of USD relies on the contributions of those who seek to foster the development of engaged global citizens and an earnest confrontation of humanitys urgent challenges.

The Associate Director will work closely with the various SOLES departments and USDs central Marketing and Communications unit to execute integrated marketing campaigns and communication strategies that elevate the SOLES brand while driving awareness engagement and enrollment. The position also supervises student workers and coordinates with an external marketing vendor to ensure timely and consistent production of assets.

This role is ideal for a mission-driven marketing professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and can transform ideas into compelling narratives that resonate with prospective and current students alumni and community audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Marketing and Communications Strategy & Execution

• Develop and implement integrated marketing and communication strategies that enhance SOLES visibility and support recruitment and enrollment goals.
• Produce and oversee digital and print materialsincluding campaigns web content newsletters social media email messaging and promotional assets.
• Identify and elevate storytelling and media opportunities that highlight SOLES programs people partnerships and outcomes.
• Supervise student workers supporting content development social media and promotional activities.
• Manage marketing workflows timelines and collaboration with external vendors to ensure on-brand timely asset delivery.
• Ensure all marketing activities align with USD brand standards and accessibility guidelines.

Brand Strategy & Content Governance

• Steward the SOLES brand by ensuring consistent messaging tone and visual identity across School-level communications and recruitment materials.
• Maintain communication workflows templates content calendars and style guidelines that support distributed content creation across SOLES.
• Provide reference tools guidance and periodic trainings to ensure SOLES faculty staff and units understand SOLES communication standards updates and processes.
• Review materials developed by SOLES centers and institutes to ensure alignment with SOLES and USD communication standards; ownership and execution remain with those units.

Digital Media Analytics & Market Research

• Coordinate updates to SOLES website content and digital assets in partnership with USDs central Marketing team and external vendors.
• Analyze campaigns communication channel performance social media engagement and translate data into recommendations to revise content marketing strategy.
• Work with Assistant Dean to conduct competitive market research to understand program positioning student demographics and enrollment trends.
• Develop KPIs and assist with collection and reporting of communication channel metrics to provide regular updates on the progress towards goals and initiatives.

Event Marketing Support

• Design and implement promotional strategies for SOLES recruitment events signature gatherings and community-facing initiatives.
• Align event marketing efforts with SOLES messaging and brand standards.

Background check: Successful completion of a pre-employment background check.

Degree Verification Requirement: Persons offered employment in this position will be required to provide official education transcripts for degree verification purposes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in communications marketing journalism public relations higher education or related field
• Minimum 4 years of professional experience in marketing communications digital media and/or enrollment-related marketing
• Experience with creative software such as Canva Adobe Photoshop Adobe Illustrator
• Demonstrated writing editing content creation and visual storytelling skills
• Experience with strategic use of database software. Salesforce preferred.
• Proficient experience and knowledge in Google Drive programs.
• Experience working with CRM communications programs such as Constant Contact.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters degree preferred
• Five or more years of related experience preferred.
• Experience in higher education nonprofit marketing or student-serving environments
• Familiarity with CRM CMS email marketing platforms digital analytics or enrollment marketing tools
• Experience supervising student employees or early-career staff

Performance Expectations- Knowledge Skills andAbilities:

Core Competencies

• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Exceptional Networking skills
• Ability to navigate and manage data collection entry and analysis
• Customer/Student Focus
• Collaborative Team-Player
• Initiative/Self-Motivated
• Results Driven
• Organized and Detail-Oriented
• Digital and Visual Content Creator
• Equity- Centered Practitioner

Performance Competencies

• Demonstrates strong time-management skills
• Manages projects with discipline timelines and accountability
• Navigates digital platforms (CRM CMS social media) to support marketing goals
• Uses analytics to inform strategic decisions and improve content performance
• Develops consistent and impactful brand messaging across channels

$5860-6733 per month; Excellent Benefits

The University of San Diego offers a very competitive benefits package including; medical dental vision a retirement contribution given to you by the University and access to on-campus Fitness Centers. Please visit the benefits section of our website to view all of the perks and benefits that USD has to offer.USD: Human Resources: Benefits

The salary range provided in this posting reflects what we reasonably expect to pay for this position. Actual compensation offered or earned is dependent on experience education and other factors including departmental budget.

Click the Apply Now button to complete our online addition please upload a cover letter and resume to your application profile for the hiring managers review. If you have any questions or difficulties please contact the Employment Services Team at

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Closing date:Open until filled

Note: External job postings will be up for at least three days. After that time applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager/committee throughout the posting period. A candidate may be selected at any time which could then close this posting on a date earlier than listed.

The University of San Diego is a smoking and tobacco-free campus. For more information visit Experience:

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