Director for Digital Content and Website Communications

About the role

The Director for Digital Content and Website Communications provides strategic leadership and management for the University of Mount Saint Vincent's digital communications ecosystem, advancing the institution's brand, voice, and strategic priorities across all digital platforms. As a key member of the Office of Advancement's Marketing and Communications team, this position plays a critical role in advancing the University's Plan for Strategy by developing innovative digital communications strategies and initiatives that strengthen enrollment, institutional reputation, alumni engagement, and more.

Working in close partnership with the Associate Vice President for Marketing and the Senior Director for Communications, the Director serves as a strategic leader responsible for expanding the University's digital presence, enhancing institutional storytelling across social media, and positioning the University for continued success in an evolving digital landscape. This role is central to building a fully integrated Marketing and Communications team, providing leadership in website communications, digital content strategy, multimedia storytelling, and emerging technologies that support institutional growth.

As the University's lead for digital content and website communications, the Director oversees strategy, governance, creation, optimization, compliance and performance across the University's websites, social media channels, multimedia platforms, and evolving search environments - including Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and AI-powered discovery platforms.

The Director works closely with internal and external consultants on technical aspects of website development, including peripheral / embedded tools and platforms, to facilitate the engagement needs of various audiences and performance of institutional initiatives.

The Director collaborates extensively with campus leadership, academic and administrative departments, and external partners to create compelling digital experiences that advance the University's mission and strategic priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive digital content and website strategy aligned with the University's Plan for Strategy, institutional priorities, enrollment goals, advancement initiatives, and reputation-building efforts.
• Serve as the University's strategic lead for website communications, overseeing content, governance, user experience, accessibility, performance, and ongoing optimization across umsv.edu, umsvathletics.com, and related digital properties.
• Partner with the Associate Vice President for Marketing and Senior Director for Communications to develop and execute integrated digital campaigns and storytelling initiatives across web, social media, multimedia, and other digital channels.
• Serve as a primary steward of the University's digital voice, brand, and messaging across websites and social media, ensuring content is compelling, consistent, accurate, accessible, and audience-centered.
• Lead the development, editing, publishing, and optimization of digital content, including website copy, landing pages, multimedia, and social media content.
• Oversee website content strategy and management, including information architecture, navigation, content governance, user experience, content audits, and coordination with internal and external web/technology partners.
• Collaborate with campus leadership, academic and administrative departments, and University partners to translate institutional priorities into effective digital experiences and content, including annual web updates and community guidelines.
• Lead initiatives in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and AI-powered discovery, ensuring University content is structured and optimized for evolving search and information environments.
• Use analytics, audience insights, and performance data to evaluate digital content and website effectiveness and make strategic recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Oversee social media strategy and content development, identifying opportunities to increase engagement, reach, storytelling, and connection with key University audiences.
• Direct and collaborate on multimedia content, including photography, videography, graphic design, and emerging formats, ensuring alignment with University brand and communications standards.
• Manage digital projects, vendors, consultants, and technology partners, including website enhancements, integrations, redesigns, and other initiatives that advance the University's digital presence.
• Monitor emerging digital technologies, platforms, audience behaviors, and higher education trends and recommend innovative approaches that strengthen the University's visibility and engagement.
• Provide guidance and training to campus partners on website content, social media, accessibility, SEO/AEO, brand standards, and digital best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in marketing, communications, journalism, digital media, public relations, or a related field.
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in digital communications, content strategy, website management, marketing, communications, or a related field; higher education experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing digital content and website strategies that support organizational goals and measurable outcomes.
• Strong experience managing or providing strategic oversight of websites and content management systems, preferably WordPress, including content governance, information architecture, user experience, and optimization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of SEO, AEO, analytics, digital performance measurement, and emerging AI-powered search and discovery platforms.
• Excellent writing, editing, storytelling, and communication skills, with the ability to develop compelling content for multiple audiences and platforms.
• Experience managing social media strategy and content across multiple platforms, with an understanding of evolving digital trends and audience behaviors.
• Experience working with web developers, designers, IT professionals, agencies, consultants, and other external partners on digital projects.
• Knowledge of digital accessibility, user experience principles, and mobile-first content practices.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud or comparable tools and experience working with multimedia content, including photography and video.
• Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and effectively advise senior leaders and campus partners on digital strategy.
• Creative, proactive, adaptable, and solutions-oriented approach, with a strong interest in emerging technologies and the evolving digital landscape.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in marketing, communications, higher education, digital media, or a related field.
• Experience leading digital strategy or website communications in higher education or another complex organization.
• Experience with website redesigns, CMS migrations, digital transformation initiatives, or enterprise-level web projects.
• Experience with enrollment marketing, advancement communications, alumni engagement, or institutional reputation initiatives.
• Experience leveraging generative AI, AEO, or emerging search and discovery technologies.

Salary Range

$100,000 - $110,000 per year

Benefits

• Generous paid time off beyond the time the University is closed for holidays, including vacation, and sick leave.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 100% employer sponsored Life Insurance & LTD benefits.
• 403(b) Retirement plan with employer matching.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Tuition benefits for employees and their dependents.
• Employee Assistance Program.