Director for Marketing

Job Description

For over 160 years, the University of Washington has been a hub for learning, innovation, problem solving and community building. Supporting this legacy and important public mission—with the goal of making the UW the world’s greatest public university, as measured by positive impact—guides everything we do in University Advancement. Bringing together development; alumni and stakeholder engagement; marketing and communications; and advancement operations, we advance the UW’s impact by developing meaningful connections that foster pride, advocacy and philanthropic support.  

The University of Washington Tacoma is a growing, urban-serving university that is deeply invested in its local and regional community. As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UW Tacoma is dedicated to innovative teaching, scholarship and to engaging the community in mutually beneficial partnerships and collaborations. UW Tacoma’s commitment to diversity and accessibility for all is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth.

UW Tacoma has an exciting opening for a Director for Marketing. This is a full-time permanent position.

The Director of Marketing at UW Tacoma leads the University's efforts to build reputation, deepen stakeholder engagement and grow visibility. They translate UW Tacoma's mission and brand into compelling, audience-focused campaigns that connect with prospective students, families, alumni, donors and the greater community.

Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Branding & Communications, this role will oversee an integrated marketing program spanning digital, print and emerging channels. The Director will supervise a Senior Designer and Senior Web Developer and partner closely with colleagues across Admissions, Advancement, the Office of the Chancellor and other campus units to ensure marketing activity is coordinated, brand-consistent and measurable.

What You Will Do

Strategic Marketing Leadership (30%)

• Develop and lead an integrated, multi-channel marketing strategy aligned with UW Tacoma’s enrollment, fundraising, brand and reputational goals.
• Create and manage annual marketing plans that translate strategy into clear priorities, target audiences, channel approaches, budgets and measurable outcomes.
• Serve as the primary marketing partner for the Office of Admissions, collaborating on strategy for undergraduate and graduate recruitment pipelines.
• Ensure all marketing efforts are consistent with UW Tacoma’s brand positioning and the broader University of Washington brand framework.
• Prioritize high-impact marketing initiatives and allocate team resources accordingly, balancing strategic long-term goals with urgent institutional needs to maximize measurable outcomes.
• Provide strategic counsel to campus leadership; serve on divisional and university-wide committees.
• Support institutional issues management and crisis response in partnership with campus leadership and Marketing & Communications.

Content & Creative Direction (25%)

• Brief, direct and review creative assets, including copy, design, photography and video, to ensure brand alignment and campaign effectiveness.
• Partner with the Director of Communications and creative staff to surface and develop compelling stories about UW Tacoma’s people, programs and impact.
• Maintain quality and consistency across all marketing team deliverables, from paid ads to print collateral to vendor-produced work.
• Create content that reflects and celebrates UW Tacoma’s commitment to an inclusive, diverse campus community.

Digital Marketing & Analytics (25%)

• Own UW Tacoma’s digital marketing presence with trusted vendor partners: paid search (SEM/PPC), SEO, generative AI answer engines, social media advertising, programmatic display and email marketing.
• Set performance benchmarks, monitor campaign analytics and produce regular reporting on reach, engagement, conversion and return on investment.
• Use data-driven insights to continuously refine audience targeting, messaging, channel mix and budget allocation.
• Oversee website marketing strategy in partnership with digital staff, ensuring content and UX support recruitment and brand goals.
• Actively identify and evaluate emerging marketing technologies — including AI-powered tools — that could enhance reach, personalization, or efficiency; pilot and implement where appropriate.

Team Leadership & Management (20%)

• Directly supervise and mentor marketing staff; establish clear priorities, timelines, protocols and quality standards.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team culture where staff feel supported, challenged and valued.
• Manage relationships with external agencies, media buyers, freelancers and consultants; oversee scopes of work, contracts and budgets.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications 

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be forwarded to the Hiring Department.

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, advertising, journalism or related field AND five years of experience in marketing or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven success in integrated, multi-channel marketing and brand strategy.
• Experience leading, developing and motivating high-performing marketing teams.
• Strong expertise in paid search, SEO, social media, programmatic advertising and email marketing.
• Proficient in marketing analytics and translating data into actionable insights.
• Experience managing agencies, vendors and marketing budgets.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation communication skills.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Experience in higher education marketing, including recruitment, enrollment, or advancement communications.
• Knowledge of brand governance within large organizations or institutions.
• Proficiency with CMS platforms (e.g., Drupal, WordPress) and digital analytics tools.

Additional Application Requirement

Writing samples will be requested during the recruitment process for this position. The University Advancement Recruiting office will reach out with more information.

What You Can Expect

• Hybrid-work schedule with four days in the office and one day eligible for telework per week. 
• Cubicle/open workspace environment that may result in higher noise levels and visual distractions.
• Occasional evenings or weekends may be required, as necessary.
• Access to reliable transportation for local travel and willingness to travel when necessary.

#UWUAJOBS

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$108,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$112,116.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

Not Applicable

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.