Senior Associate Director, Admissions Marketing

Job Description:

Job Summary:

The Senior Associate Director is an integral part of the Chicago Booth's MBA Admissions team. In conjunction with the Director of Admissions Marketing, this leadership role will plan and lead execution of short and long-term strategic marketing plans that maximize the return on program objectives. Additionally, will fully participate in all aspects of the MBA recruitment, selection, and yield process; ultimately leveraging those experiences to better inform our approach. 

Responsibilities:

• Manage a prospective student lifecycle that increases awareness, engagement, and conversion activities with Chicago Booth, continually guiding audiences toward application submission and matriculation.
• Develop and execute on annual marketing, communication, and Public Relations strategies that further core department objectives. Performance and best practices should drive recommendations - this includes analysis and integration of research, key insights, and observations across a full range of mediums and tactics (e.g. video, blog, social, advertising, online chats, CRM, PR, etc.).
• Lead and project manage cross-functional marketing and communication efforts within a fast-paced environment.
• Develop and distribute messaging and talking points in line with school leadership objectives and branding efforts. 
• Incorporate the voice of customer across all outreach efforts and develop and foster understanding of target audiences/markets through surveys, focus groups, and A/B testing.
• Leverage learnings to innovate across pipeline development, events, and operations activities.
• Oversee a team of three direct reports, responsible for brand, social strategy, and content creation.

Additional  Responsibilities:

• Partner on marketing strategy development and further develop distinct brand positioning (voice, tone, and message) that drives end-to-end communications across the full prospective student lifecycle. Employ a fully integrated approach to Boothâ™s marketing channels and create new opportunities for key audiences to engage Booth â“ both physically and virtually - ensuring consistency with the overall Booth brand.
• Develop and execute a broad communications plan for guiding prospective students towards engagement activities and application submissions. Enhance the efficacy of current outreach activities and inform new initiatives (information sessions, chats, webinars, class visits, new events, partnerships, advertising, list buying, etc.).
• Conduct MBA recruitment, evaluation, and yield activities. Duties include: being âœon call❠to address in-person inquiries, conducting presentations, leading panel discussions, interviewing candidates and evaluating applications, travel and planning, participating in the execution of on campus, off-campus, and digital recruitment efforts, reading and evaluating applications, and mentoring graduate student volunteers.
• Actively participate and contribute to the successful execution of on- and off-campus campaigns/programming geared toward early career pipeline development, prospective students, admitted students, current students, and alumni.
• Secure budget approval and manage the annual marketing/communication/go-to-market plan; secure advertising budget approval and manage effectively in line with objectives.
• Work with additional business units on a number of fronts:
  • Identify synergies and act as a liaison on campaign development and execution with centers; develop marketing objectives, strategies, and tactics.
  • Responsibility for program web presence in line with best practices; innovate and liaise with Central Marketing for changes and updates as needed.
  • Participate as the partner lead on cross-department initiatives.

• Develop a deep understanding of the competitive landscape, top competitor brand positioning, key messages and industry trends.

Education, Experience or Certifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Master's degree in a marketing-, communications-, or business- related area preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of six years of experience in a content marketing/communications position required.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Strong business writing background and good creative writing skills required.
• Attention to detail and experience developing, proofing, and guiding content creation; editorial or journalistic background is preferred.
• Demonstrated command of digital marketing strategies and tactics required.
• Ability to decipher marketing analytics and research for strong insights required.
• Excellent presentation and relationship-building skills required.
• Familiarity with higher education marketing and admissions strongly preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work non-traditional hours required.

Required Documents:

• Resume
• Cover letter

NOTE: When applying, all required documents MUST be uploaded under the Resume/CV section of the application.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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