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Associate Director of Marketing & Communications

Associate Director of Marketing & Communications

Department: Marketing and Communications

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

The Associate Director of Marketing and Communications is a strategic team leader who supports the development and implementation of multi-channel marketing and communication campaigns, content strategy and brand visibility efforts. Reporting to the Executive Director of Communications, this role works collaboratively with the communication systems, design and web strategy teams to execute initiatives that promote student recruitment, retention, advancement and community engagement. This person will assume the role of department leadership in the absence of the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications.

With a strong background in digital marketing, content creation and campaign strategy, the Associate Director ensures alignment with GRCC's institutional goals and brand standards. This position also contributes to the continuous improvement of marketing strategies and supports public relations initiatives in partnership with the Executive Director.

The Associate Director supervises marketing and communications staff, providing leadership, mentorship and performance management to ensure high-quality output and professional growth. This role is responsible for delegating tasks, setting priorities, and fostering a collaborative and innovative team environment that supports departmental and institutional goals.

Requisition ID: 926

Employee Group: https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/employee-groups-resources/employee-groups/meet-confer

Schedule: 40 hours/52 weeks

Compensation: OM3; $80,692 Annually

Benefits: https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/benefits-insurance/medical-plans/new-hire-benefit-enrollment

Reports to: Executive Director of Marketing and Communications

Posting Opens: 07/10/2025

Posting Closes: 07/24/2025

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead the development and execution of annual, multi-channel marketing and communication campaigns that align with institutional goals.

• Supervise and mentor staff, encouraging professional growth and fostering a culture of creativity, accountability and excellence.

• Assist with the planning and execution of brand, recruitment and retention campaigns that span digital, social, print and broadcast media.

• Develop and implement SEO strategies to improve search rankings and visibility for priority programs and pages.

• Plan and manage digital advertising strategies, including paid search, display, social media ads and retargeting campaigns in collaboration with the digital advertising vendor.

• Manage the department's project management and ticketing system to ensure efficient workflow, timely task execution and alignment with team priorities.

• Collaborate with the web team to ensure website content and structure support SEO, accessibility and marketing goals.

• Collaborate with the communications systems team to utilize CRM tools (e.g., email marketing, marketing automation) and create targeted campaigns that enhance lead generation and campaign effectiveness.

• Guide the development of compelling content that reflects GRCC's brand voice and engages diverse audiences.

• Help track, analyze and report on key performance metrics for advertising, digital engagement and campaign ROI; use data to inform decision-making.

• Ensure brand consistency across all platforms and college departments by managing the editorial guide.

• Support executive-level communications, including institutional messaging, media relations and public-facing events, as needed.

• Maintain strategic partnerships with external vendors, community organizations and agencies to enhance GRCC's reach.

• Contribute to crisis communications planning and execution, under the guidance of the Executive Director.

• Serve as acting department lead in the absence of the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications. This includes providing strategic oversight, approving department priorities and deliverables, representing the department in cross-campus meetings, supporting executive communications and ensuring the continuity of operations and decision-making.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Education Credentials

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, public relations or a communications-related field required.

• Minimum of 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications or public relations with demonstrated success in campaign development.

• At least three years proven experience supervising and mentoring staff.

• Prior experience in higher education, healthcare or nonprofit marketing is strongly preferred.

Skills

• Strategic leadership and team management

• Integrated digital marketing expertise

• Data - Drive decision making

• Exceptional communication and collaboration

• Project and workflow management

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

• Regular office setting with required extended screen use.

• This is a full-time position requiring a presence on campus during normal working hours, with occasional night or weekend work.

• Occasional travel for conferences, training and professional networking.

• GRCC will comply with any mandated health and safety requirements. Compliance information is available on our http://www.grcc.edu/policies.

BENEFITS

• Health Coverage: Six https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/benefits-insurance/medical-plans options, including one with no health insurance premiums.

• Time off: Enjoy substantial https://www.grcc.edu/sites/default/files/docs/humanresources/MeetConferHandbook_05222024.pdf.

• Wellness Program: Access resources for physical and mental wellbeing, and an https://www.grcc.edu/employers-community/ford-fieldhouse

• Continuous Learning: https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/grants-department and https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/finance-administration/employee-reimbursement/tuition-benefit.

• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with our https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/payroll/annuities-retirement-information, including the state retirement plan or a 401A with a 12% employer contribution.

NEXT STEPS / APPLICATION PROCESS

• Please complete an application:https://www.grcc.edu/jobs. Submit a cover letter and resume.

• The opportunity to apply for this position will close at the end of the day on the close date referenced at the top of this job posting.

• Grand Rapids Community College is an equal opportunity employer. Visa sponsorship is not available.

NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

Grand Rapids Community College creates an inclusive learning and working environment that recognizes the value and dignity of each person. It is the policy and practice of GRCC to provide equal educational and employment opportunities regardless of age, race, color, religion, marital status, sex/gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, height, weight, national origin, disability, political affiliation, familial status, veteran status or genetics in all programs, activities, services, employment and advancement including admissions to, access to, treatment in, or compensation in employment as required by state and federal law. GRCC is committed to reviewing all aspects of GRCC programs, activities, services and employment, including recruitment, selection, retention and promotion to identify and eliminate barriers in order to prevent discrimination on the basis of the listed protected characteristics. The college will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any person for bringing charges of discrimination or participating in an investigation. Further information may be obtained from the EEO Office or the Office of General Counsel, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3295.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/6375298

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