Executive Director of Marketing and Communications H/F

The Organization

Our client is an international higher education institution, recognized for its academic excellence, multicultural environment, and international outlook.

As the institution enters a new phase of transformation and growth, it is looking to strengthen its international attractiveness, positioning and reputation while accelerating the transformation of its marketing, communications and digital capabilities.

We are currently looking for an Executive Director of Marketing & Communications to lead this transformation.

The Role

Reporting directly to Executive Leadership and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the Executive Director will be the institution's strategic lead for Marketing, Communications, Brand and Reputation.

The role will be responsible for developing and executing an integrated strategy supporting student recruitment, acquisition, brand positioning, reputation, alumni engagement and fundraising.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing the overall Marketing & Communications strategy and 2-3 year roadmap;
• Leading international acquisition and student recruitment strategies;
• Driving brand positioning, storytelling and institutional reputation;
• Developing an integrated content and communications strategy across key audiences;
• Leading the digital transformation of the function, including website, UX, CRM, analytics, marketing technology and data;
• Developing a responsible approach to the adoption of AI and emerging technologies;
• Establishing KPIs, dashboards and performance measurement frameworks;
• Leading, developing and structuring the Marketing & Communications team;
• Acting as a strategic adviser to Executive Leadership on brand, reputation, communications and institutional positioning;
• Partnering closely with Enrollment, Development/Fundraising, Academic Affairs, IT and other senior stakeholders.

About You

You have 10+ years of experience in Marketing & Communications, including significant experience at Director, Head of, VP, CMO or equivalent level.

You have worked in an international, complex and/or B2C environment and have demonstrated your ability to combine strategic thinking with strong execution.

Your background includes significant experience in several of the following areas:

• Strategic Marketing & Communications
• Acquisition / Growth Marketing
• Student Recruitment or B2C conversion-driven marketing
• Brand Strategy & Positioning
• Reputation & Corporate Communications
• Digital Transformation
• CRM, Data & Analytics
• AI / Emerging Technologies
• Team Leadership & Organizational Change
• Cross-functional Leadership & Executive Stakeholder Managem

English & International Environment

This role requires native or near-native English proficiency, both written and spoken.

Beyond language proficiency, you should have a strong understanding of Anglo-Saxon professional and cultural environments and be comfortable operating in an international, English-speaking context.

Significant professional or academic experience in an English-speaking country or within an international organization operating primarily in English will be strongly valued.

The ability to communicate naturally and credibly with North American and international audiences is essential to the role.

Professional proficiency in French is a plus.