Assistant Dean Marketing & Communications

Position: Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications
University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications

Job Profile Title

Director D, Business and Finance, Communications and Marketing

Job Description Summary

Penn Dental Medicine (PDM) seeks an innovative, strategic, and visionary Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications to elevate the School's national and global reputation as the premier leader and authoritative voice in oral health. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Assistant Dean will shape and execute a bold, modernized global brand strategy that leverages the latest tools in AI, digital storytelling, social media, and analytics to position PDM as the world's preeminent thought leader in dental education, research, clinical care, and public oral health advocacy.

This role offers an exceptional opportunity for creativity and entrepreneurship, enabling the development of a transformative approach to strategic communication and engagement.

This role is central to shaping how PDM tells its story not only to academic, clinical, and media audiences but also to alumni, donors, and philanthropic partners whose engagement is essential to advancing the School's mission. Because marketing, communications, and development are deeply interconnected functions, the Assistant Dean will work in close partnership with the Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) team to ensure that institutional messaging supports strategic fundraising priorities, strengthens alumni engagement, and reflects a development-informed lens across all platforms.

The Assistant Dean will oversee comprehensive marketing, communications, brand strategy, and crisis communication functions, guiding PDM's internal and external narrative with clarity, consistency, and innovation. This role requires a forward-looking leader who can drive institutional visibility, steward reputation, and connect stakeholders across the School and University.

Job Description

Key Areas of Responsibility

1. Global Brand Strategy & Reputation Leadership

- Develop and lead a high-impact global brand strategy that positions Penn Dental Medicine as the leading authority on oral health, dental research, and clinical innovation.

- Modernize the School's brand presence using AI-driven marketing, contemporary storytelling, data analytics, and social media innovation to enhance global reach and influence.

- Ensure consistent and compelling brand messaging across all institutional platforms.

- Serve as the strategic liaison to University Communications and global partners.

- Drive visibility campaigns surrounding key institutional milestones.

2. Strategic Communications & Crisis Management

- Serve as key advisor to the Dean and leadership team on sensitive communication issues.

- Lead the development of clear, timely communications addressing crisis…