Senior Director of Marketing & Strategic Communication

Senior Director of Marketing & Strategic Communication

Located in the state capital, the University of Illinois Springfield is one of three members of the University of Illinois system. The University serves more than 4,000 students in 44 graduate and 56 undergraduate programs.

Application deadline: Open until filled. Priority deadline of July 6th, 2026.

Salary Range: $110,000 - $117,000

The Senior Director of Marketing and Strategic Communication serves as the university's chief communications strategist, leading integrated marketing, brand management and institutional communications to advance university priorities. This role leads the UIS Department of Strategic Communication and partners closely with executive leadership to shape the university's narrative, strengthen reputation and drive measurable outcomes through coordinated, multi-channel strategies. Reports to the Chief of Staff to the Chancellor. Duties & Responsibilities:

• Strategic Communications Leadership: Serves as the university's lead communications strategist with primary focus on guiding and implementing institutional marketing and brand management strategies; provides supervisory oversight of media relations, social media, internal and external communication, executive communication and digital/web strategy. Advises the Chancellor, Chief of Staff, and executive leadership on communications aligned with university goals. Represents the university on system-level communications committees.
• Brand Strategy & Integrated Marketing: Leads efforts to advance and strengthen the university brand through integrated marketing strategies. Develops and directs annual marketing and communications plans and budgets aligned with institutional priorities. Collaborates with internal partners (including enrollment leadership and academic deans) and external vendors to drive enrollment results.
• Institutional Initiatives & Crisis Communication: Directs large-scale communications planning for major institutional initiatives, including crisis communications. Serves as Public Information Officer (PIO) in the UIS Emergency Operations Center when activated.
• Team Leadership & Organizational Alignment: Supervises the assistant director of marketing, director of media strategy and director of web & digital strategy, ensuring coordination across teams and platforms. Drives integration of messaging and evaluates effectiveness of communications efforts.
• Administration & Executive Engagement: Partners with the division's director of business operations on budget management to ensure sound fiscal practices. Serves as an ex-officio member of the Chancellor's Cabinet and contributes to executive-level planning and decision-making.
• Other Duties as Assigned

Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree. At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in marketing, strategic communications or a related field. At least 7 years of supervisory experience, including team leadership and budget oversight. Proven ability to develop and execute enterprise-wide, data-informed marketing and communications strategies aligned with organizational goals, including leading integrated and omnichannel campaigns across brand, public relations, internal communications, and digital platforms. Demonstrated success in positioning and strengthening an institutional brand and translating analytics into actionable strategy. Experience in crisis communications and reputation management. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to write and communicate effectively on behalf of senior executives.

Preferred Qualifications: Higher education experience Familiarity with project management software Familiarity with Drupal content management system Familiarity with Slate Experience managing contracted external partners and vendors

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, and diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and we welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and identities. The University of Illinois System does not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on their real or perceived race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, genetic information, marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws, orders and regulations.

The University of Illinois System conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment. Convictions are not a bar to employment. Background checks will be performed in compliance with state and federal law.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment.

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted by contacting UIS HR at hremployment@uis.edu or call 217-206-6652.