Marketing & Communications - Executive Director of Digital Strategy

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. 

Sacred Heart University is a contemporary Catholic university rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts that cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. SHU upholds a universal perspective, welcoming and valuing diverse faith traditions, including those from religious and nonreligious backgrounds. This catholicity, which is the basis of inclusivity, enriches dialogue, deepens understanding and strengthens our commitment to creating a more compassionate and just world.

The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges–2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools–2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu 
 
To apply

Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Position Summary

The Executive Director of Digital Strategy will be responsible for developing, managing, and executing an integrated digital strategy to advance the university’s mission, increase institutional awareness, and support enrollment growth. This leader will oversee the web operations and social media teams and work cross-functionally with strategic enrollment management, admissions, academic affairs, and other key departments to ensure a cohesive and impactful digital presence.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Digital Strategy Development: Design and execute a comprehensive digital strategy that aligns with university goals, increases brand visibility, supports student recruitment, and enhances engagement across all digital platforms.
• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor the web operations and social media teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Web Operations Management: Oversee the planning, development, and maintenance of the university’s website, ensuring it is optimized for user experience, accessibility, SEO, and lead generation.
• Social Media Strategy and Management: Guide social media strategies to enhance audience engagement, grow followers, and strengthen the university’s online presence, ensuring alignment with the university’s voice and strategic goals.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Partner with strategic enrollment management, admissions, academic affairs and other university departments to integrate digital platforms and optimize enrollment and brand awareness strategies.
  
• Analytics and Optimization: Use data analytics to measure the effectiveness of digital strategies and continuously optimize based on insights, ensuring a high return on digital initiatives.
• Emerging Trends and Technology: Stay current with digital trends, technologies, and best practices to position the university as a leader in digital engagement within higher education.
• Supervise web operations and social media team. 
• Budget Management: Manage digital strategy and advertising budget in coordination with enrollment and academic marketing teams.
• Agency Management and Supervision: Serve as primary point person executing digital marketing campaigns in partnership with external agencies. Drive strategy, coordinate timing and budgeting with MARCOMM, SEM and academic affairs as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes

• Bachelor's degree or related experience
• 5 years of experience in a digital marketing or strategy role. Managerial experience is required, as well as experience in higher education marketing.
• Proven experience planning and executing successful digital strategies and plans.
• Understanding of divisional and University policies and procedures. 
• In-depth knowledge of websites and different digital marketing channels.
• Knowledge of website management and best practice design. 
• Experience with SEO and Analytics tools. 
• Sound ethical decision-making skills, enthusiasm, and respect for confidential issues.
• Project Management. Highly organized, detail-oriented, resourceful, and accountable to schedules and budgets. Proven ability to manage and successfully complete large-scale, multi-faceted projects. Strong project management reporting and analytic skills are a plus. Must be competent at using technology to manipulate data, conduct research, and formulate plans to accomplish goals.
• Collaborator/Liaison. Must be a proactive communicator and a team player, eager and able to anticipate and uncover new opportunities and needs. Should have a personality that facilitates active collaboration with internal departments to support and produce marketing materials. Serves as liaison between Marketing and Communications and Enrollment Planning and as the main contact for all outside marketing groups partnering with the University. Also acts as a steward of the SHU brand identity with regard to enrollment communications. 

Unusual Working Conditions

 Occasional travel required.

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.