Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

Title: Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications
Division Name: University Advancement
Department: University Marketing & Communications

Job Summary

The Assistant Director for Digital Marketing and Communications provides strategic leadership and hands-on execution for integrated digital marketing initiatives that advance Illinois State University’s institutional priorities and strengthen engagement with key audiences. This position is responsible for planning, implementing, and optimizing multi-channel digital campaigns across social media, digital advertising, and web platforms, using data and performance insights to inform strategy and continuous improvement. Working collaboratively with colleagues across University Marketing and Communications, University Advancement, Enrollment Management, and campus partners, the Assistant Director ensures digital storytelling and campaign messaging are aligned with the University’s brand, mission, and values. The role requires a balance of strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and technical expertise, supporting major institutional initiatives while contributing to the ongoing evolution of Illinois State University’s digital marketing practices.

Additional Information

University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$80,000 annual

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree or equivalent in business administration, marketing, communications, or a closely related field.
2. Ten (10) years of professional level, progressively more responsible marketing and communications experience, which must have included project management, messaging, and content creation.
3. Understanding of the rules of grammar; copy editing skills; attention to detail; a strong commitment to accuracy.
4. Ability to write/edit clear and cogent copy.
5. Ability to work under deadline pressure and manage multiple projects at one time.
6. Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word suite is required.
7. Demonstrated ability to work with a committee structure and in partnership with multiple client/office on any given project.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Master's degree in communications, journalism, English, or a closely related field.
2. Knowledge of and ability to apply the Illinois State University Editorial and Visual Identity Standards Manual, The Chicago Style Manual, and the Associated Press Stylebook, as well as other similar references in copyediting.
3. General knowledge of the process for print publication and a basic understanding of software such as Office suite and OU Campus.
4. A thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word suite.
5. General knowledge of the process for print publication is preferred as is basic understanding of software such as Office suite and OU Campus.

Work Hours

Core work hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday

Functional Expectations

Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation:

1. Remain at a workstation for extended periods.
2. Effectively communicate on a daily basis.
3. Move about in various locations across campus as needed to complete day-to-day work.

Proposed Starting Date

April 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Resume
Cover Letter
Reference List
Writing sample - An example of your work that was either published online or in print
Transcripts - See Special Instructions section for additional options

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Optional Applicant Documents

Certification of Retirement Annuity

Please