Executive Director, Marketing
Apply NowCompany: Kennesaw State University
Location: Kennesaw, GA 30144
Description:
About Us
Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower our 47,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia . We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision . Come Take Flight at KSU!
Location
(Primary Location for Job Responsibilities) Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.
Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.
Job Summary
Leads the university's marketing strategy to drive growth, strengthen brand presence, and engage diverse audiences. Develops and implements innovative marketing initiatives that align with the university's mission and goals. Collaborates with all university units to create cohesive campaigns that enhance the university's reputation and attract students, faculty, staff, donors, and other key audiences. Directs collaborative marketing efforts (both traditional and digital), website development, and SEO. Partners with campus and Strategic Communication and Marketing teams to formulate multichannel strategies for brand enhancement and enrollment objectives. Aims to establish KSU's reputation as a leading public university in Georgia and nationwide. Develops strategies that unify marketing, advertising, and branding across all platforms.
Responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Leads the development and execution of the university's long-term marketing strategy, aligning with institutional goals
2. Oversees strategic marketing to achieve branding, enrollment, and retention goals and enhance KSU's visibility and reputation
3. Leads digital strategy to optimize digital channels, driving traffic and guiding applicants and students
4. Oversees marketing research to strengthen KSU's market position and manage strategies with external agencies
5. Evaluates and enhances the effectiveness of marketing campaigns by leveraging market research and analytics
6. Manages and mentors a diverse marketing team, fostering creativity and innovation
7. Participates in departmental decision-making and leads strategic marketing efforts
8. Ensures consistency across initiatives by collaborating with key departments
9. Provides strategic insight and collaborates with creative services for brand consistency
10. Identifies and addresses challenges and opportunities impacting KSU's standing
11. Allocates marketing resources strategically to support key initiatives
12. Oversees contracted advertising services and negotiates with vendors
13. Develops customer journey maps and personas
14. Reports on ROI and KPIs, directing scorecard reporting for marketing and web presence
15. Prepares annual marketing plans and ensures budget adherence
16. Analyzes enrollment trends and acts to increase market share
17. Monitors competition and suggests unique positioning strategies for KSU
Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in related field
Other Required Qualifications
Current, valid, and unrestricted driver's license
Required Experience
Ten (10) years marketing experience including a minimum of five (5) years of leadership & development experience
Preferred Qualifications
Additional Preferred Qualifications
Google Analytics Certified
Certified in SEO tools such as SEM Rush, Screaming Frog, etc.
Web Development Certified Google Adwords Certified
Preferred Educational Qualifications
An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field
Preferred Experience
Experience in higher education marketing or similar sector
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
ABILITIES
Strategic thinker who can turn vision into action.
Creative problem-solver who adapts strategies in a dynamic environment.
Results-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
Proven ability to lead, inspire, and manage high-performing teams.
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one-time meeting assigned deadlines
KNOWLEDGE
Strong understanding of marketing trends, especially in higher education, digital strategies, and media landscapes.
Proven experience in brand management, digital and traditional marketing, and content creation across multiple platforms.
Strong understanding of current digital marketing channels.
Knowledgeable in online marketing tools and best practices.
Hands-on experience with SEO/SEM, Google Analytics, and CRM software.
SKILLS
Excellent leadership, team-building, and coaching skills.
Demonstrable success in designing and implementing digital and traditional marketing campaigns.
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Equal Employment Opportunity
Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.
For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu
Other Information
This is a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time
Background Check
Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening
results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.
All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.
https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf
Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower our 47,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia . We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision . Come Take Flight at KSU!
Location
(Primary Location for Job Responsibilities) Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.
Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.
Job Summary
Leads the university's marketing strategy to drive growth, strengthen brand presence, and engage diverse audiences. Develops and implements innovative marketing initiatives that align with the university's mission and goals. Collaborates with all university units to create cohesive campaigns that enhance the university's reputation and attract students, faculty, staff, donors, and other key audiences. Directs collaborative marketing efforts (both traditional and digital), website development, and SEO. Partners with campus and Strategic Communication and Marketing teams to formulate multichannel strategies for brand enhancement and enrollment objectives. Aims to establish KSU's reputation as a leading public university in Georgia and nationwide. Develops strategies that unify marketing, advertising, and branding across all platforms.
Responsibilities
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Leads the development and execution of the university's long-term marketing strategy, aligning with institutional goals
2. Oversees strategic marketing to achieve branding, enrollment, and retention goals and enhance KSU's visibility and reputation
3. Leads digital strategy to optimize digital channels, driving traffic and guiding applicants and students
4. Oversees marketing research to strengthen KSU's market position and manage strategies with external agencies
5. Evaluates and enhances the effectiveness of marketing campaigns by leveraging market research and analytics
6. Manages and mentors a diverse marketing team, fostering creativity and innovation
7. Participates in departmental decision-making and leads strategic marketing efforts
8. Ensures consistency across initiatives by collaborating with key departments
9. Provides strategic insight and collaborates with creative services for brand consistency
10. Identifies and addresses challenges and opportunities impacting KSU's standing
11. Allocates marketing resources strategically to support key initiatives
12. Oversees contracted advertising services and negotiates with vendors
13. Develops customer journey maps and personas
14. Reports on ROI and KPIs, directing scorecard reporting for marketing and web presence
15. Prepares annual marketing plans and ensures budget adherence
16. Analyzes enrollment trends and acts to increase market share
17. Monitors competition and suggests unique positioning strategies for KSU
Required Qualifications
Educational Requirements
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in related field
Other Required Qualifications
Current, valid, and unrestricted driver's license
Required Experience
Ten (10) years marketing experience including a minimum of five (5) years of leadership & development experience
Preferred Qualifications
Additional Preferred Qualifications
Google Analytics Certified
Certified in SEO tools such as SEM Rush, Screaming Frog, etc.
Web Development Certified Google Adwords Certified
Preferred Educational Qualifications
An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field
Preferred Experience
Experience in higher education marketing or similar sector
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
ABILITIES
Strategic thinker who can turn vision into action.
Creative problem-solver who adapts strategies in a dynamic environment.
Results-oriented with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
Proven ability to lead, inspire, and manage high-performing teams.
Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one-time meeting assigned deadlines
KNOWLEDGE
Strong understanding of marketing trends, especially in higher education, digital strategies, and media landscapes.
Proven experience in brand management, digital and traditional marketing, and content creation across multiple platforms.
Strong understanding of current digital marketing channels.
Knowledgeable in online marketing tools and best practices.
Hands-on experience with SEO/SEM, Google Analytics, and CRM software.
SKILLS
Excellent leadership, team-building, and coaching skills.
Demonstrable success in designing and implementing digital and traditional marketing campaigns.
Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem-solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management, and presentation skills
Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)
Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills
Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette
USG Core Values
The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .
Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .
Equal Employment Opportunity
Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.
For additional information on this policy, or to file a complaint under the provisions of this policy, students, employees, applicants for employment or admission or other third parties should contact the Office of Institutional Equity at English Building, Suite 225, eeo@kennesaw.edu
Other Information
This is a supervisory position.
This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
This position will be required to drive.
This role is considered a position of trust.
This position does not require a purchasing card (P-Card).
This position may travel 1% - 24% of the time
Background Check
- Standard Enhanced
- Education
Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening
results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.
All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job-based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre-employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.
https://www.usg.edu/hr/assets/hr/hrap_manual/HRAP_Background_Investigation_Employment.pdf