Job Description

Working/Functional Title

Director of Digital Marketing

Position Summary

BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY

University Advancement is seeking a Michigan-based strategic and innovative Digital Marketing Director who has a keen understanding of digital fundraising in the higher education sector. This role will lead our digital marketing efforts to enhance our online presence, engage current and potential donors, and drive digital donor relations and alumni engagement initiatives through effective audience journeys. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of digital marketing strategies and trends, especially as they pertain to higher education fundraising. The ideal candidate will develop and implement strategies for enhancing collaboration, empower digital content creators, and create synergies between alumni relations, development teams, including college development and/or alumni relations officers. They act as a digital marketing expert across UA and campus in matters relating to planning and developing digital marketing strategies for alumni and donors; provide thought leadership; and gather, report, and provide analytics on digital marketing strategies for greater alignment and amplification of alumni and donor-facing communications across the university.  

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic planning and campaign management: 

• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute a comprehensive digital marketing strategy to increase donor and alumni engagement. 
• Campaign Management: Be a strategic partner in the development of digital fundraising campaigns that exceed expectations and use digital marketing best practices across multiple channels, including email, web, and paid advertising, often in close partnership with key alumni relations and development partners.  

Content development:

• Content Development: Collaborate with internal teams to create compelling content that resonates with alumni, parents, and potential donors and friends, emphasizing the impact of their contributions. 

Audience Engagement: 

• Audience Engagement: Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including alumni office and development teams, to build a strong network of support. 

Team Leadership and Client Relations: 

• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of digital content creators, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and best practices. Also serve as the primary point of content for internal and external clients. 
• Political savvy and the ability to develop strong working relationships with diverse internal and external stakeholders. 
• Trends & Insights: Stay updated on the latest trends in digital marketing, fundraising, and higher education, implementing best practices to enhance our strategies. 

Analytics, reporting and content optimization: 

• Analytics and Reporting: Monitor, analyze, and report on campaign performance metrics, utilize data to drive continuous improvement and inform future strategies. 
• SEO & SEM: Optimize web content for search engines and manage pay-per-click (PPC) advertising campaigns to enhance visibility and drive traffic. 

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Journalism, Telecommunications, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, or related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in public and media relations; composing, editing and publication production; news, broadcasting, and print media; and/or marketing, advertising, and creative services; graphic design; word processing; desktop publishing; web design; presentation; spreadsheet and/or database software; public presentation or radio production; or computer programming/technology; and/or experience in a field related to are of employment; may require management and supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field; Master’s degree is a bonus.

• 5+ years of experience in digital marketing, with a strong emphasis on fundraising and higher education. 

• Proven track record of successful digital fundraising and engagement campaigns and experience with CRM software. 

• Experience building and maintaining web presence through Sitecore or similar content management system. 

• Exceptional analytical skills with a strong ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable insights. 

• Proficient in digital marketing tools (Google Analytics, SEO/SEM tools, email marketing platforms, social media management tools). 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences. 

• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. 

If you review this job description and have done many of the responsibilities, or have transferable skills, we want to hear from you and welcome your application! 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume and cover letter

Special Instructions

HOW TO APPLY

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Patricia Karam, Director of Recruitment at [email protected] . 

Work Hours

8 am - 5 pm with possible evenings and weekends

Website

Advancement.msu.edu

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Bidding eligibility ends November 5, 2024 at 11:55 P.M.

About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

Connections working at Michigan State University

Job Tags

Work experience placement, Remote job, Flexible hours, Weekend work, Afternoon shift,

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