CGU-Director of Digital Marketing
Claremont Graduate University - Lexington, KY
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ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Strategy & Integrated Campaign LeadershipDesign and execute a comprehensive digital marketing strategy aligned with CGU’s institutional goals and multi-year priorities.Lead digital strategy for major institutional initiatives translating strategic aims into audience-specific campaign plans, content architecture, and measurable conversion goals across enrollment and philanthropy.Build integrated campaign calendars that align paid, owned, and earned channels (web, email, search, social, landing pages, digital storytelling, and select print extensions).Enrollment Growth & Audience DevelopmentCreate targeted recruitment campaigns tailored to specific audiences, programs, and stages of the decision journey to meet or exceed inquiry/application goals.Strengthen segmentation and personalization strategies for graduate audiences, including program interest, career goals, geography, and affinity-based messaging.Partner with Admissions/Enrollment on funnel strategy, nurture design, and performance optimization (lead quality, conversion, yield).Philanthropic Marketing & Donor EngagementServe as a strategic collaborator with Advancement leadership to improve communications, storytelling, and digital marketing efficacy across channels supporting philanthropic priorities.Develop and optimize donor-facing digital experiences that support acquisition, cultivation, and stewardship (e.g., initiative pages, campaign landing pages, narrative “impact pathways,” and updates that demonstrate progress and outcomes).Establish a digital measurement approach for philanthropic engagement (traffic quality, lead capture, donor journey progression, conversion signals), translating insights into clear recommendations for leadership.Channel Management & OptimizationDirect and optimize digital marketing strategies and campaigns, including SEO, SEM, email marketing, organic/paid social, and emerging digital tactics.Partner with the AVP of Marketing to extend digital content into traditional channels (TV/radio/print) when appropriate and measurable.Manage digital marketing budgets, ensuring efficient spend allocation tied to KPI targets for enrollment and philanthropy.Web, UX, and ConversionOwn performance of CGU’s web ecosystem (priority pathways, campaign landing pages, key program pages), improving user experience, accessibility/compliance, and conversion outcomes.Establish and maintain a testing/optimization practice (A/B testing, messaging tests, landing-page iteration, UX refinements) to improve conversion and engagement.Analytics, Reporting, and Executive Decision SupportProvide data-driven insights across channels to inform senior leadership decisions, including clear dashboards, campaign readouts, and actionable recommendations.Define success metrics for major institutional priorities, including audience growth, engagement quality, lead progression, and narrative performance (what stories move audiences to act).Team, Vendors, and Content ProductionSupervise agency and in-house resources to create content and execute campaigns with speed, quality, and brand consistency.Guide development of content systems that support sustained storytelling (faculty/student research narratives, outcomes snapshots, thought leadership, and partnership stories), ensuring consistency across platforms.Stay informed on marketing technology and emerging best practices; recommend tools/process improvements that strengthen performance and measurement.REQUIREMENTSBachelor’s degree in marketing, business, communications, or related field.Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive marketing experience, with a strong emphasis on integrated digital strategy and performance marketing.Demonstrated success leading campaigns tied to measurable outcomes (growth, lead generation, conversion, or revenue), with comfort operating across both brand and performance objectives.Strong analytical, leadership, and project management skills; ability to translate complex priorities into clear plans and execution.Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling judgment across digital formats; ability to elevate human-centered narratives with evidence and outcomes.Experience in higher education, mission-driven organizations, or complex stakeholder environments strongly preferred.Working knowledge of web analytics, SEO/SEM, paid social platforms, email marketing/automation, and accessibility best practices.CLASSIFICATION AND STATUSThis is an exempt, 12-month, benefits-based position.Onsite position. Hybrid options available depending on nature of the role, and at managerial discretion.BENEFITSWe are committed to supporting the well-being and professional development of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includesMedical, Dental and Vision insuranceGroup life insuranceRetirement plan with a 7% employer contribution — no employee match required (after 1 year of service)Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidaysWinter closure in December, subject to institutional approvalTuition reimbursement program available to eligible employees and their dependents for approved coursework, subject to plan guidelines and institutional policiesSUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Oversee social media managers, copywriters, designers, developers, freelancers, agencies, and student workers as needed to support communications operations.REPORTS TO:A.V.P. of MarketingHOURS: The regular hours for this position are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. Hours may vary due to the needs of the university. Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.Physical ActivitiesAscending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ ConstantlyMoving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ ConstantlyRemaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ ConstantlyMoving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ ConstantlyAdjusting or moving objects up to __ pounds in all directions.☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ ConstantlyCommunicating with others to exchange information.☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ ConstantlyRepeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ ConstantlyOperating machinery and/or power tools.☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ ConstantlyOperating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ ConstantlyAssessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ ConstantlyEnvironmental ConditionsLow temperatures.☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ ConstantlyHigh temperatures.☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ ConstantlyOutdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ ConstantlyNoisy environments.☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ ConstantlyHazardous conditions.☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ ConstantlyPoor ventilation.☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ ConstantlySmall and/or enclosed spaces.☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ ConstantlyNo adverse environmental conditions expected.☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ ConstantlyPhysical DemandsSedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.☐ Never ☐ Occasionally ☒ ConstantlyLight work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.☐ Never ☒ Occasionally ☐ ConstantlyMedium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ ConstantlyHeavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.☒ Never ☐ Occasionally ☐ Constantly
Created: 2026-02-06