Senior Director, Marketing and Communications

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

As the 4th largest public college of education in the country and the 3rd largest college at UGA, the Mary Frances Early College of Education ( MFE COE) improves the lives of residents of Georgia and beyond through our instruction, research, and service. The MFE COE is a comprehensive college with disciplines focused on teacher preparation, counseling and human development, communication sciences, human movement sciences, career development, student affairs, and educational administration and policy. We place significant emphasis on graduate education with approximately 40% of our students at the graduate level, making us the second largest college at UGA with respect to graduate education.

Regular office hours with flexibility based on college needs.

Review of applications will begin immediately. Full consideration will be given to applications received by September 14, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

The Senior Director of Marketing and Communications provides strategic leadership and vision for the College's marketing and communications enterprise. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive, data-driven communications and marketing strategy that advances the College's mission, strengthens its brand, and ensures integrated, consistent messaging across all platforms and units.

This role oversees branding and messaging, directs the creation of high-impact marketing materials-including those supporting fundraising and development-and executes the communication strategy through publications, news releases, promotional pieces, and key relationships that elevate the College's visibility. Additional responsibilities include supervising a team of six, guiding digital and media strategies, leveraging analytics to optimize web, social, and advertising performance, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to align College communications with university-wide initiatives.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Strategic Leadership & Planning: Developing and implementing a comprehensive communications and marketing plan for the College; overseeing budget planning and resource allocation; and ensuring integrated, consistent messaging across all platforms and units.

Branding & Messaging: Managing College-wide messaging and brand identity; directing the conceptualization, design, and production of marketing and communication materials, including those supporting fundraising and development efforts; and writing and editing content for development communications, websites, and annual giving appeals.

Team Management: Supervising the Office of Marketing and Communications staff and coordinating efforts across departments to maintain coherent themes and messaging. Providing leadership, mentorship, and strategic direction to team members to ensure high-quality, impactful work in an integrated communications and marketing environment where collaboration and coordination are critical to success.

Institutional Advancement & External Relations: Collaborating with leadership to promote research achievements, aligning College communications with university-wide strategies, and building relationships with central communications offices and external stakeholders.

Digital & Media Strategy: Working with the web team to maintain current, strategic website content and overseeing the promotion of research news, major scholarly achievements, outreach, and student and alumni news on the College's social media platforms. Overseeing digital advertising for academic programs and events, including monitoring return on investment and realigning strategy based on outcomes.