Director of Marketing and Communications - Ashbrook Center

Position Details

Position Information

Position Title
Director of Marketing and Communications - Ashbrook Center

Job Description

The Ashbrook Center, an independent center at Ashland University, seeks an accomplished and mission-driven Director of Marketing and Communications to lead its communications and marketing efforts as a member of its Philanthropy Team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships, the Director will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that strengthens Ashbrook's brand, expands its reach, and compellingly communicates the impact of its work to donors, partners, educators, students, and the broader public.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional writer and communicator, a creative and strategic thinker, and a collaborative leader who understands how thoughtful communications can deepen relationships and advance Ashbrook's mission.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategy and Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive annual communications and marketing plan aligned with Ashbrook's strategic and philanthropic goals. Provide leadership and counsel on messaging, positioning, audience development, and communications opportunities.
• Brand Management: Protect, strengthen, and elevate the Ashbrook brand, ensuring consistency of voice, message, and visual identity across all communications, platforms, programs, and collateral.
• Content and Storytelling: Lead the creation and production of compelling content that brings Ashbrook's mission and impact to life, including newsletters, annual and donor reports, publications, social media, press releases, website content, and other print and digital materials.
• Digital Marketing: Manage and strengthen Ashbrook's digital presence, including email marketing, social media channels, website communications, and search engine optimization (SEO), with an emphasis on expanding and engaging Ashbrook's audiences.
• Media Relations: Develop relationships with journalists and other members of the media, identify and pitch appropriate stories, coordinate media opportunities, and serve as a spokesperson for Ashbrook when needed.
• Team and Vendor Management: Supervise communications support staff and interns and effectively manage relationships with external agencies, designers, consultants, printers, and other vendors.
• Analytics and Reporting: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for communications and marketing initiatives, using data to evaluate effectiveness, improve performance, and report results to senior leadership and the Board.

This role benefits from regular interaction with the Ashbrook team and therefore welcomes candidates who live in, or would consider relocating to, the Ashland, Ohio area. At the same time, we are open to exceptional remote candidates who share our mission and can maintain a meaningful presence with the team with regular visits to headquarters.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, or a related field is required.
• Ideal candidate will have five to seven (5 to 7) years of professional experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field. Experience in the nonprofit sector is preferred.
• Candidates should possess outstanding writing, editing, interpersonal, and public-speaking skills, along with demonstrated proficiency in social media, email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or Salesforce, and content management systems such as WordPress.
• Familiarity with graphic design principles, digital analytics, and contemporary marketing practices is also important.
• Must be a highly organized and energetic professional with excellent project-management skills, sound judgment, strong emotional intelligence, a collaborative spirit, and possess a deep understanding of, and passion for, Ashbrook's mission.
• Applicant must be currently authorized to work in the United States. Ashland University will not sponsor or take over sponsorship for an employment visa.

Preferred Qualifications

Physical Demands

Anticipated Start Date of New Hire
11/16/2026

Anticipated Number of Hours Working per Week
40

Shift Required?
First

Job Duties

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number
S1158P

Number of Vacancies
1

Desired Start Date
11/16/2026

Job Open Date
10/19/2026

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Quick Link for Internal Postings
https://jobs.ashland.edu/postings/8943