Job description
The Office of Communications at Oberlin College and Conservatory seeks a dynamic Director of Web and Digital Strategy to shape the future of Oberlin’s website and other digital marketing and communications initiatives. The Director will be the architect of Oberlin’s web strategy and shape how Oberlin uses digital communications tools and platforms to achieve our most important goals, including recruiting new students to Oberlin, and building Oberlin’s brand. This is a full-time, in-person position reporting to the Vice President for Communications.
The Director will manage a Web Developer and a CMS and Web Content Specialist, as well as partner with colleagues in the Office of Communications responsible for visual brand and design, content development, and social media. The Director is a key member of the Office of Communications leadership team, contributing their expertise to the broader marketing and communications strategy of the organization. The ideal candidate will bring a strategic mindset, collaborative approach, and a forward-looking, optimistic sensibility to the Director role.
Job Functions:
- With input from stakeholders across campus, develop a forward-looking, shared vision for Oberlin’s public facing website (oberlin.edu) that takes into account the strategic needs of the institution, stewardship of Oberlin’s brand identity, and the operational needs of key offices and departments across campus
- Lead the development oberlin.com and other digital properties, including intranet, email marketing, and other digital communications platforms for both external and internal audiences
- Collaborate with the Director of Content on Oberlin’s web content strategy and implementation
- Collaborate with the Art Director and Visual Brand Manager on the web and digital design strategy and implementation
- Work to support Oberlin’s goals related to various constituent groups including prospective students and families, current students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors and friends, the media, and the broader community
- Routinely collaborate with and provide strategic counsel to colleagues across campus regarding best practices and emerging trends in website development and digital marketing
- Work collaboratively with colleagues in the Office of Communications to create and execute coordinated, multi-channel marketing and communications strategies
- Create and cultivate a web governance structure that supports Oberlin’s strategic objectives, along with the policies and processes needed to maintain effective web governance
- Ensure that Oberlin’s website and other digital properties align with Oberlin’s brand standards and use consistent voice, tone, and style
- Ensure that Oberlin’s website and other digital properties meet current standards for usability and accessibility, and comply with all relevant laws and regulations
- Utilize analytics, market research, and other tools to ensure that Oberlin’s website and digital communications are optimized to achieve Oberlin’s highest priorities
- Build and maintain a five-year outlook that outlines key upcoming projects and priorities for the web team
- Lead all web and digital projects for the Office of Communications, ensuring completion on time and within budget
- Oversee the web team budget, negotiate and manage relevant contracts, and manage relationships with vendors and service providers.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience
- A demonstrated track record of supporting institutional goals and furthering an institution’s mission through the development of websites and other digital communications channels
- Up-to-date knowledge of web and digital marketing trends
- Knowledge of the strategic and technical aspects of web development, usability, and accessibility
- Functional skills in HTML and CSS
- Understanding of marketing and communications strategy
- Proficiency in utilizing digital metrics, KPIs, and market research insights to drive engagement and traffic
- Experience as a successful manager, with the ability to manage and motivate a web team
- Strong collaboration and communications skills
- Prior experience managing complex projects
- Ability to plan and manage a budget
- Competency in writing and editing for the web
- Experience managing Drupal 10 or an equivalent CMS.
This is a campus-based position, and is not eligible for hybrid or remote work.Applicants should include three professional references.Applicants should include a link to their digital portfolio.
How to apply
Oberlin College is committed to the creation and nurturing of a diverse community of individuals through inclusive excellence. Diversity involves recognizing the value of differences and the inclusion of all members of the community including those that experience discrimination or under representation. This is a core value of the organization as we strive for a culturally diverse student body, faculty and staff that reflect the multicultural nature of the nation and our world and bring unique strengths and abilities, which contribute, to our institution. Oberlin College and Conservatory is an equal opportunity employer.
