Marketing & Communications - Executive Director of Media & Content Strategy

As the second-largest 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 more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral 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: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computer Science & Engineering; College of 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, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2024 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, 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 ED of Media & Content Strategy is responsible for integrating a comprehensive media placement and content strategy to enhance the university’s brand visibility and impact. This role will lead the integration of earned and paid media strategies, working closely with the public relations, social media, digital strategy, and enrollment marketing teams. Leveraging data and analytics, the director will ensure media efforts align with institutional goals, maximize reach, and optimize performance
Principal Duties & Responsibilities
• Coordinate with communications team, digital media team and content team to develop and support the execute a strategic media placement plan that integrates earned, social and paid media efforts to build awareness and engagement.
• Collaborate with the public relations team to amplify university stories across media channels and strengthen relationships with journalists and influencers.
Partner with the social media and digital strategy teams to align paid and organic content strategies for maximum reach and engagement.
• Work with the enrollment marketing team to ensure paid media campaigns effectively integrate content strategy that support student recruitment and retention efforts, reputational awareness and fundraising efforts.
• Utilize data analytics and performance metrics to inform media strategy, optimize campaigns, and report on ROI.
• Identify opportunities for high-impact storytelling that support institutional priorities and resonate with key audiences.
• Stay ahead of media trends, emerging platforms, and best practices to continuously enhance strategy.
• Manage media planning budgets as appropriate, liaise with national media strategy agency, support vendor relationships, and performance tracking.
• Serve as point person to integrate media, content and storytelling strategy across all teams, channels, and platforms.
• Other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, journalism, data analytics, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5-7 of experience in media strategy, digital marketing, or public relations, preferably in higher education or a similarly complex organization.
• Proven experience in media buying, earned media strategy, and performance analytics.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into strategic action.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and storytelling abilities.