Executive Director of Marketing and Communications

Job DescriptionThe Executive Director of Marketing and Communications serves as Alfred State College's Chief Marketing Officer, providing strategic and operational leadership for the College's integrated marketing, branding, and communications enterprise. Reporting to the Vice President for Enrollment Management and serving on the President's Council, the Executive Director leads the development and execution of comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that elevate Alfred State's visibility, support enrollment and institutional advancement goals, and strengthen the College's reputation regionally and beyond.This role serves as the College's chief architect of brand strategy and institutional storytelling, ensuring that communications and marketing initiatives align with institutional priorities and advance Alfred State's mission. Acting as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, the Executive Director provides strategic guidance on public relations, messaging, reputation management, and emerging marketing trends while helping ensure that communications efforts support the broader institutional strategy.The Executive Director collaborates closely with senior leadership, Enrollment Management, Institutional Advancement, Athletics, academic departments, and other campus partners to develop a unified marketing vision that ensures consistent and compelling messaging across all platforms. The position emphasizes implementation excellence through strong team leadership, cross-campus collaboration, and the use of data-informed decision-making, audience segmentation, and modern digital marketing practices to achieve measurable outcomes.The Executive Director leads a high-performing professional team and oversees a fully integrated marketing operation that includes:Public Relations and Media StrategyCreative Services and Brand ManagementPhotography and Visual StorytellingWeb Strategy, Digital Marketing, and Emerging TechnologiesSocial Media Strategy and Content DevelopmentPrint and Mail Services Center, including an in-house design team and full digital printing press operationThe Executive Director ensures alignment of all institutional messaging with Alfred State's distinctive brand promise “Pioneers Are Pros.” Through a balance of strategic leadership and operational excellence, the Executive Director fosters fresh ideas, innovative marketing approaches, and a culture of collaboration that positions Alfred State for continued growth and success.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & PlanningDevelop and execute a comprehensive marketing and communications plan aligned with strategic priorities, enrollment objectives, and advancement goals.Serve as the College's chief brand steward, ensuring consistency, clarity, and impact across all communication channels.Advise senior leadership and the President's Council on brand positioning, market trends, reputational risk, and strategic messaging.Enrollment & Revenue FocusLead data-informed marketing strategies that drive recruitment, conversion, retention support, and institutional advancement.Partner closely with Enrollment Management and Institutional Advancement to support revenue-generating initiatives.Apply best practices from consumer and online retail marketing to higher education enrollment strategy.Digital Innovation & Emerging TechnologiesOversee digital marketing strategy development, including SEO/SEM/AEO, paid media, CRM-driven communications, marketing automation, and analytics.Champion forward-thinking web strategies, including AI-enhanced personalization, user experience optimization, and future-focused digital engagement tools.Monitor and implement emerging marketing technologies and trends to maintain competitive positioning.Communications & Media RelationsDirect institutional public relations strategy, including media engagement, crisis communications, and proactive reputation management.Collaborate with SUNY System Administration marketing and public relations teams to align institutional messaging and amplify statewide visibility.Operational & Team LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop a collaborative, high-performing marketing and communications team.Oversee project management workflows to ensure efficiency, quality control, and timely execution.Provide guidance and high-level oversight of the College's Print and Mail Services Center, supporting campus-wide communications and production needs.Why This Is a Distinctive Leadership OpportunityThis is more than a traditional marketing leadership role- it is an opportunity to shape the trajectory of a thriving institution with strong momentum and presidential partnership.The Executive Director Of Marketing And Communications WillWork closely with the President and senior leadership team as a member of the President's Council, contributing directly to institutional strategy and visibility.Step into the role at a moment of strength and forward momentum, including:A newly relaunched institutional website built for growth and digital engagement.A healthy and strategic digital marketing budget designed to support targeted enrollment marketing and brand expansion.A fully operational in-house digital printing and mail center, including variable data and personalization capabilities.A talented in-house creative and design team, supported by video production and photography expertise with strong visual storytelling capacity.Lead marketing for a College experiencing strong and growing enrollment.Support and amplify the remaining public phase of a successful $40 million capital campaign, reinforcing institutional advancement and philanthropic impact.Steward a bold and differentiated brand ? “Pioneers Are Pros” – that is authentic, distinctive, and uniquely positioned within SUNY and the broader higher education marketplace.This role offers the rare combination of executive influence, operational capability, financial support, and institutional momentum. The next leader will not need to build infrastructure from scratch – they will build upon a strong foundation and elevate it to the next level.Job RequirementsRequired QualificationsMaster's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field; or ten plus years of progressive experience with bachelor's degree required.Four plus years in leadership roles in marketing and communications or similar.Demonstrated success in leading integrated, multi-channel marketing strategies.Expertise and proficiency in digital marketing, analytics, performance measurement and enrollment-focused campaign development.Proven experience in brand management and institutional positioning.Strong strategic thinking, project management, and organizational leadership skills.Experience managing budgets and external agencies.High level of integrity and ability to manage confidential information appropriately.Willingness to work flexible hours as needed.Preferred QualificationsExperience in higher education marketing or a similarly complex mission-driven organization.Experience translating consumer or online retail marketing strategies into measurable audience growth and conversion outcomes.Understanding of higher education trends and communication strategiesFamiliarity with AI-driven marketing tools, web personalization strategies, and marketing automation platforms.Experience collaborating within large systems such as SUNY or multi-campus organizations.Key SkillsStrong written and verbal communicationLeadership and team managementDigital marketing expertise (social media, SEO, AEO, analytics)Experience with CRM systems and marketing automation toolsProficiency in content management systems and email marketing platformsBrand management and developmentBudget management and strategic planningCrisis communication and reputation managementAbility to translate complex academic concepts for diverse audiencesTechnical ProficienciesSocial media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok)Analytics tools (Google Analytics, social media insights)CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Blackbaud, Slate)Digital advertising platformsProject management toolsVisa sponsorship is not available for this position. If you currently need sponsorship or will need it in the future to maintain employment authorization, you do not meet eligibility requirements. Additionally, please note that Alfred State College is not an E-Verify employer. Additional InformationThe salary for this position starts at $105,000 and is commensurate with education and experience. Employees are also offered EXCEPTIONAL BENEFITS! We offer extensive healthcare and retirement options, including the opportunity for a pension. Furthermore, we prioritize a harmonious integration of work, personal life, and academic endeavors to support your overall work-life balance and effectiveness.Benefits Options IncludeHealth Insurance:Cost effective health insurance premiums with 73% to 88% covered by the employer.PPO or HMO option for personalized healthcare solutions.Exceptional fertility benefits available.Accumulated sick leave can cover a health insurance premium in retirement.Dental And VisionNo cost dental and vision benefits for employees and eligible dependents.Educational SupportTuition benefits to invest in your continuous learning and professional development.Paid Time OffNew employees are eligible for up to an impressive 22 vacation and 13 paid sick days per year, increasing with years of service.Up to 13 paid holidays annuallyPaid parental leaveRetirement PlansVarious retirement options, including a defined benefits (pension) plan. With the pension, retired employees receive a defined monthly income for the rest of their life.Additional pre- and post- tax voluntary retirement savings options are available.