Director, Institutional Communications & Content

Denison University seeks an experienced and skilled marketing communications professional to serve as its next director of institutional communications & content. Reporting to the associate vice president of university communications & marketing, the director of institutional communications & content is a key partner on communications matters across Denison’s campus and routinely leads high-impact projects alongside talented and collaborative cross-functional teams. With content creation and management being a primary focus, this role leads a group of talented, experienced writers and works closely with a team of exceptionally creative University Communications & Marketing colleagues, including social media, photo/video, design, digital, and web development professionals. Denison seeks applicants with at least 7 years of experience implementing internal and external communications and marketing content strategies for brands, including developing thoughtful communications plans, compelling editorial content, and persuasive marketing materials. The ideal candidate will possess advanced skills in the following four areas: exceptional writing and editing (both editorial and marketing), detail-oriented project management, communications and content planning, and a demonstrated ability to build collaborative, effective partnerships.

Division Overview

University Communications & Marketing advances Denison's strategic priorities through integrated marketing, communications, and brand management. The department develops strategies and campaigns that strengthen the university's reputation, support student recruitment, deepen alumni engagement, and increase visibility among key audiences.
 

Responsibilities

Campus Communications Management (30%)

• Collaborate with leaders across campus on communication strategy

• Translate university priorities into communications plans that inform internal audiences.

• Partner with departments to develop internal communications for email, web, and print.

• Improve the effectiveness, consistency, and coordination of campus communications.

• Maintain high standards of accuracy and quality with an attention to detail.

Marketing Content Development (25%)

• Create and execute marketing content plans with cross-functional creative teams.

• Create compelling, persuasive, audience-centered promotional copy and content.

• Contribute to the development of channel-optimized brand content experiences.

• Guide narrative structure, message hierarchy, user journeys, and multimedia integration.

• Learn and apply the latest AEO, SEO, and digital content optimization best practices.

News, Publication, & Editorial Storytelling (25%)

• Develop news articles about campus announcements and updates for web and print.

• Showcase the experiences of Denison’s audiences in digital news stories and features.

• Maintain UCM’s editorial calendar aligned with key events and tentpole moments.

• Support the planning, writing, editing, and production of Denison Magazine.

Content Planning & Project Management (20%)

• Manage workflows, editorial calendars, project deadlines, and content coordination.

• Provide strong editing support and feedback to strengthen audience impact.

• Use analytics and audience insights to learn from and strengthen content effectiveness.

• Monitor trends in internal communications, AI, digital storytelling, and audience behavior.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.

• Exceptional writing (editorial and marketing), editing, and organizational skills.

• At least seven years of experience in content planning and marketing communications.

• Experience creating communications for both internal and external audiences.

• Experience developing project timelines and managing projects for on-time delivery.

• A demonstrated ability to build deeply collaborative and effective partnerships.

• Experience as both a supervisor and a manager of cross-functional teams.

• Strong knowledge of editing and AP style, and an attention to detail.

• Demonstrated understanding of AEO, SEO, and evolving digital discoverability practices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in higher education, corporate communications, or agency environments.

• Magazine, publication, and print collateral development experience.

• Proactive and reactive media relations and reputation management experience.

• Social media content development and digital advertising experience.

• Experience analyzing content performance data and developing monthly reports.

• Familiarity with Google Workspace, Drupal, Hubspot, Asana, Emma, and Slack.

Why Choose Denison? 

Denison University is a leading private liberal arts college located in Granville, Ohio, just 25 minutes east of Columbus, Ohio,  one of the fastest-growing innovation economies in the Midwest. Founded in 1831, Denison is nationally recognized for its rigorous academics, strong career preparation, and commitment to experiential learning. Through programs such as Denison Edge and partnerships with regional employers, startups, and civic organizations, Denison actively connects talent to opportunity across the central Ohio economy.

Denison provides a number of staff-focused benefits, with some highlights:

• 10% contribution to your retirement

• 22 annual paid vacation days + 3 floating holidays

• Free parking and gym membership

• Free classes for employees

• Full tuition coverage for dependents

Want to learn more about us? Visit Denison.edu for more information. 

Salary Range: 90,000 - 100,000