Director of Enrollment Marketing and Communications

Company: Southern Methodist University
Location: Dallas
Posted on: April 25, 2025

Job Description:

Description

Salary Range:

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Director of Enrollment Marketing and Communications provides leadership for the marketing and communication efforts for the Division of Enrollment Services (DES), as well as the primary marketing support for Undergraduate (UG) Admission to realize the University's goals, recruitment goals and initiatives.

Essential Functions:

• Create an annual marketing strategy & communication continuum in collaboration with SMU University Marketing and Undergraduate Admission Marketing Committee. Use SMU and national marketing data to strategically engage various markets. Ensure the DES/Admission print, web, and digital presence reinforce key messages, reflects the SMU brand, and supports recruitment goals for student quality and diversity.
  
• Create effective publications, electronic mail, text, social media, web site and other communication methods, both print and electronic for DES and UG Admission. Create original designs and write copy for undergraduate recruitment within all communication vehicles. All work to be done within determined budgets and seeking the most cost effective measures.
  
• Develop touch points and strategies for using social media and other e-communications. Implement project plan that includes design, list tracking, delivery, evaluation and analysis. Track communication and marketing by media type and constituency.
  
• Integrate DES and communication messages through SLATE CRM. Ensure that all communication projects are approved through the appropriate channels in order to meet production deadlines. Strategies and tactics to achieve desired goals should be based upon data and analysis.
  
• Hire, train, mentor, evaluate and supervise staff.
  
• Serve as liaison to SMU University Marketing. Attend meetings/conferences. Attend all division and team meetings, as well as attend staff development activities; support admission programs as requested.
  Qualifications
  
  Education and Experience:
  
  A Bachelor's degree is required for the role.
  
  A minimum of seven (7) years of experience is required.
  
  Graphic design experience, including creation of initial concept and determining visual design is required. Experience developing and implementing marketing plans (short and long term) is desirable.
  
  Previous work experience in creating and overseeing the production process of marketing communications is strongly preferred. Experience in higher education or the not-for-profit sector (e.g. community organizations, the arts, or K-12 schools) is desirable. Experience managing the marketing needs of large diverse entity with a myriad of audiences (e.g. prospective students, alumni) is preferred.
  
  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  
  Candidate must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.
  
  Candidate must possess strong project management and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.
  
  A strong understanding of marketing principles and practices is essential. Candidate must be a highly strategic, results-driven professional with the ability to create a vision for the marketing and communication strategy of Admission. A proven track record to turn a marketing and communications strategy into concrete goals and project plans in the designated time frame, as well as successfully execute it across various marketing and communication platforms is essential. Candidate must be an innovative thinker/leader with the ability to implement creative solutions in line with a marketing and communication strategy. Must also be a self-starter with ability to work on and own multiple projects from beginning to end. Must also be comfortable and confident operating in a lean, team oriented, fast paced, start-up environment.
  
  Software Skills: Must possess the ability to use data, analyze results, identify trends and develop strategies. Must also demonstrate a strong working knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office and MS Excel. Working knowledge of design programs such as QuarkXPress, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop is a plus. Working knowledge of HTML and Liquid markup is a plus. Detailed knowledge of working within SLATE/CRM would be an asset.
  
  Physical and Environmental Demands:
  • Sit for long periods of time
  • Bend, Stand, Handle objects (dexterity)
  • Reach above shoulders
  • Carry/Lift up to 25 lbs.
  • Drives motorized equipment Deadline to Apply:
    
    Open until filled.
    
    EEO Statement:
    
    SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu.
    
    Benefits:
    
    SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
    
    SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
    
    The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.PandoLogic. Keywords: MARCOM Director, Location: Dallas, TX - 75201 , PL: 597127857

Keywords: Southern Methodist University, Cedar Hill , Director of Enrollment Marketing and Communications , Executive , Dallas, Texas