Founded in 1956, National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) is the oldest accredited naturopathic medical school established in North America. NUNM continues its vision of innovation and leadership by offering superior education and training in natural medicine. Our programs blend traditional healing knowledge with modern science in challenging curricula. NUNM offers degree programs in naturopathic medicine, Chinese medicine, integrative medicine research, nutrition, global health, integrative mental health and integrative health sciences. Located in Oregon near the heart of the beautiful Pacific Northwest city of Portland, the City of Roses, NUNM students, faculty, and staff enjoy the many benefits of living in a green and culturally thriving city.

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Director of Marketing and Communications is a senior-level producer with responsibilities for strategic development, implementation, analysis, and leadership of the University’s marketing and communications function. This position oversees day-to-day operations, including budgeting, staff development, project management, and content creation, while working closely with internal and external stakeholders to enhance the university's brand visibility, student recruitment, and community engagement.  The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing a marketing team, leveraging data-driven strategies, and engaging diverse audiences, with a preference for experience in higher education and a passion for integrative medicine.

This position has an option to work hybrid (in-person for the first 2-3 months and then 2-3 days/week and as needed).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
DIRECT REPORTS:

• Marketing and communications staff members
• External contractors and vendors

STRATEGIC DUTIES:

• Collaborate with the VP of Advancement and Strategic Communications to develop and execute comprehensive marketing and communications strategies that elevate NUNM’s brand visibility and public image, support student recruitment and retention, and build awareness of the university’s mission, programs, patient care, events, and outcomes.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of marketing department that include budgeting, scheduling, project management, staff development, content creation, and vendor management.
• Support internal department and functional leaders to promote their respective goals via multi-channel content strategies, paid digital advertising support, and communications best practices.
• Engage external stakeholders in support of academic, research, and healthcare initiatives, including prospective students, patients, donors, legislators, partners, and media.
• Partner with university leadership to contribute to internal communications efforts that help inform and engage NUNM’s virtual and on-campus communities.
• Lead the visual design and implementation of digital and print communications, such as admissions and event materials, branded merchandise, annual publications, campus signage, photography, web landing pages, drip campaigns, newsletters, advertising.
• Develop and execute high-quality written and multimedia content that aligns with the university's goals and priorities for websites, social media platforms, publications, and email campaigns to engage both internal and external audiences.
• Promote a culture of care and continuous improvement through humility, good listening, and a willingness to compromise, where needed.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with journalists and community partners and spokesperson for crisis communications.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of five years’ relevant work experience; preference for candidates with experience in higher education.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in managerial position. Demonstrable success managing a team which is both inclusive and collaborative.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REQUIRED:

• Passionate about the NUNM mission for teaching and healing.
• Proven ability to serve and engage successfully with a variety of stakeholders, including academic leaders, faculty, staff, students, media, partners, and donors.
• Experience with departmental operations, including strategic planning processes, budgeting, and resource management. Demonstrated ability to manage a budget in a changing environment.
• Data-driven decision maker with demonstrated competency in digital lead-generation and engagement technologies, including CRMs, paid search and social media advertising, WordPress, and Google Analytics.
• Experience and strength in adapting brand communications for unique and influential audiences. Strong communications skills, written and verbal.
• Corporate and crisis communications experience with an understanding of issues facing higher education and health care.
• Successful track record of developing and managing external engagement campaigns that drive measurable brand impact.

PREFERRED:

• Experience in recruitment marketing for graduate or medical academic programs
• Knowledge of integrative medicine philosophies and modalities.

About National University of Natural Medicine

The national University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) is the Leader in Natural Medicine. Integrative medicine at NUNM is collaborative and addresses health concerns with teams of naturopathic physicians and acupuncturists who offer effective treatment options to achieve optimal health and well-being.

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