Executive Director, Marketing Strategy

Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus.

Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.

Pay Range $131,000 - $148,000

Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.

Staff Level S6

FLSA Status Exempt

Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.

Job Type Full-time

Unionized Position Code Not Applicable

Reporting to the AVP of Marketing Strategy, the Executive Director of Marketing Strategy (ED) serves as a lead marketing strategist for priority initiatives that advance enterprise-wide business goals. This role calls for an effective communicator and collaborator who can bring channel teams together to co-create and execute integrated marketing strategies.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who connects the dots between big-picture marketing vision and practical, implementable plans – someone who understands how marketing and communications can work in tandem to build the brand and advance institutional goals. As a modern marketer, the ED approaches campaigns holistically, bringing creative producers and communicators together to develop and execute effective marketing initiatives, while empowering channel owners to contribute their expertise to shared strategies.

The ED partners closely with university units to understand their business goals and objectives, translating those needs into targeted marketing strategies. Leading a team that works directly with designated schools, colleges, and academic/business units, the ED guides campaigns from concept through completion – leveraging research insights to drive measurable, results-driven outcomes.

• A bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 10 years in marketing strategy development.
• Three or more years of higher education experience, with a focus on enrollment/recruitment marketing and communications is preferred.
• A minimum of five years leading and managing diverse marketing teams.
• A track record of implementing major national omnichannel marketing campaigns which meet or exceeded stated measurable goals.

• Big-picture thinker with the ability to connect dots across multiple campaigns and drive an enterprise-level approach to strategic marketing
• Deep understanding of and experience with brand expression, including how to bring a brand to life
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of people, including senior executive and administrative staff, deans, faculty, and students
• Ability to manage stressful situations in a solution-oriented way, with a positive attitude
• Comfortable working irregular hours as needed
• Demonstrated ability managing staff and teams
• Ability to oversee and execute multiple projects simultaneously and effectively, even under last-minute deadlines and shifting priorities
• Proactive, with a strong sense of initiative
• Functions effectively both independently and as part of a team, with a willingness to assist with routine or last-minute projects
• Excellent ability to collaborate with marketing channel experts to co-create integrated marketing plans from concept through completion
• Ability to partner with schools/colleges and the Digital team to strategize and help drive implementation of targeted digital advertising campaigns that support overall school/college…