Job Description
Job no: 506686 Work type: Full-Time Location: University City - Philadelphia, PA Categories: Drexel University, College of Engineering Job Summary The Executive Director of Marketing & Communications is a pivotal inaugural role responsible for setting the strategic vision and leading the implementation of a comprehensive, integrated marketing and communications strategy for Drexel’s College of Engineering and Computing (CoEC). Comprising three schools, this newly integrated academic unit reflects a strategic opportunity to more clearly articulate and amplify Drexel’s long-standing strengths across engineering, computing, biomedical and information sciences, bringing them together under a unified identity with national and global relevance. This role calls for a visionary marketing and communications leader who can unify brand, recruitment and reputation-building efforts to elevate the College’s visibility, distinctiveness and impact across regional, national and international markets. The Executive Director—in close partnership with University Marketing & Communications (UMAC), Enrollment Management and the Provost’s Office—will design and lead marketing strategies that support enrollment growth across undergraduate, graduate, and online programs by strengthening demand generation, prospective and admitted student engagement, and overall funnel performance. Reporting directly to the Dean of the College of Engineering & Computing (CoEC), the Executive Director will serve as a strategic advisor translating institutional priorities into actionable marketing and communication plans that drive measurable outcomes in enrollment, fundraising and academic reputation, including research visibility and thought leadership. The role will build and lead a high-performing, integrated CoEC marketing and communications team, manage the College’s marcom budget, and oversee the adoption of emerging marketing technologies (e.g. CRM automation, digital advertising, analytics, and AI-enabled tools) to improve effectiveness and accountability and return on investment. In close coordination with UMAC, the Executive Director will ensure brand consistency and policy compliance across all channels, while carving out a distinctive, prestigious identify for CoEC that reflects the scale, ambition and interdisciplinary strength of the new College. The successful candidate will be an experienced leader and team builder with a strong record of launching new initiatives in complex organizations. Intellectual curiosity, sound decision making, creative problem-solving, and the ability to thrive in an entrepreneurial academic environment are essential, as is a demonstrated ability to use data and performance to guide strategy, experimentation and continuous improvement. Essential Functions Strategic Leadership & Vision: Collaborate to create a marketing strategic plan for the new college of engineering and computing (CoEC) and three schools within the college. Lead the integration and strategic direction of a unified CoEC Marketing and Communications team that aligns brand, recruitment, and revenue objectives across Biomed, CCI, and CoE. Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy that communicates CoEC’s vision, accomplishments, and impact—enhancing visibility, reputation, and rankings nationally and internationally, both internally and externally. Partner with the CoEC leadership, specifically the Executive Dean, Offices of Graduate and Undergraduate Students Services, Enrollment Management, and Finance to set and achieve annual enrollment and revenue targets through coordinated marketing strategies. Use data and market research to inform decision-making, experiment quickly, and scale programs that produce measurable results. Ensure all tactics align with a clear strategic framework. Team Building & Operational Management: Build and lead a high-performing, collaborative team, fostering a culture of innovation, collegiality, and alignment with institutional priorities. Nuture relationships with UMAC and Enrollment Management & Student Success (EMSS) to align priorities, strategies and tactics. Advise CoEC leadership, faculty and staff with respect to University brand platforms, insights, policies and central strategies. Act as the college-level resource for all marketing and communications needs at the college, monitor and advocate for adherence to related policies, guidelines and initiatives. Contribute to the Drexel marketing and communications community by participating in planned events, sharing best practices, surfacing opportunities, and other activities to elevate the university strategically and operationally. Manage