Position Overview

The marketing strategist is a key leader in strategy and creativity. This person is responsible for creating and managing both short- and long-term marketing plans for KU Marketing Communications and its partners (clients). The marketing strategist leads the development of strategic plans that solve our partners needs and align with overall marketing priorities for the University of Kansas. This person also ensures that the creative executions of those plans adhere to strategic objectives, time lines, and budgets. The marketing strategist brings creative vision to marketing plans, strategically suggests tactics in a variety of media, and works closely with the marketing strategy and creative teams to produce high-quality work that meets brand standards and strategic objectives. Additionally, this person will often lead key strategic projects for KU Marketing Communications.

Job Description

50% Marketing Strategy Development and Client Relationship Management
Develop, plan, and lead the overall strategic direction of campaigns and marketing initiatives, both short- and long-term, for Marketing Communications and key partners. Regularly write, present, and manage the execution of short- and long-term marketing plans. Work closely with the marketing strategy team to develop measurable objectives and evaluate projects against those standards. Lead the development of key strategic documents-campaign and project plans, strategic and creative briefs, etc.-with key stakeholders and teammates. Provide regular reports and updates to teammates and partners on the status and effectiveness of various tactics and/or campaigns. Cultivate a fully engaged understanding of partner needs and possible solutions. Develop key insights about our various target audiences; conduct market research as needed.

25% Support Content Development
Support the development of creative work within the Marketing Communications team, at times taking a lead role. Present work to clients and indicate how the solutions and ideas meet the requirements of the strategy. Review creative materials and ideas against strategy and approve or suggest changes to art directors, designers, copywriters, and editors. Participate in creative development meetings and support the concept-development process. Help create an atmosphere that nurtures creativity and innovative solutions. With project managers, focus the creative team's efforts to ensure that, collectively, we deliver work that meets or exceeds industry standards and is on time and within budget.

20% Marketing Leadership
Partner with the KU Marketing Communications leadership team to develop effective strategies and to both evolve and differentiate the KU brand with appropriate audiences. Review project requests with the marketing strategy team to determine appropriate assignments and deadlines. Meet and work collaboratively with the associate director of marketing strategy and leadership group to ensure consistent and timely work output that meets agreed-upon goals. The marketing strategist regularly provides presentations on industry trends and opportunities to grow the KU brand.

5% Other Duties
Attend or lead staff and client meetings. Plan, strategize, trouble-shoot, and seek solutions for a wide range of partners and issues. Work collegially with staff and partners in a team environment. As needed, prepare and present proposals, job-status reports, and other research or evaluations.


Required Qualifications

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college, university, or school in journalism, advertising, public relations, strategic communications, or a closely related field.

At least 3 years of professional experience in some combination of the following areas: brand strategy, consumer research, copywriting, editing, account or project management, strategic business planning, content marketing strategy, design, or art direction, or similar role in an agency setting or in-house marketing unit .

Preferred Qualifications

An excellent portfolio that demonstrates a clear vision and approach to strategic communications, ideally with a diversity of projects and styles.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Significant experience creating marketing strategies for a variety of projects, such as print and digital executions, online advertising, internal communications, etc., with proven conceptual and creative abilities.

A rich customer/client relationship development and management philosophy.

Experience with CRM principles and tools.

Experience developing successful creative campaigns.

Experience in developing brand strategy or campaign plans.

A deep understanding of creative disciplines: design, interactive development, copywriting, editing, and content strategy.

Experience working with teams on large-scale, long-term projects.

Experience with account and/or project management principles, especially in an agency or in-house marketing setting.

Project-management and prioritization skills to establish and manage critical deadlines for self and team.

Excellent analytical and process-oriented skills.

Excellent presentation skills.

A team player, but one with self-initiative, a strong work ethic, and a positive attitude.

Self-motivated with strong attention to detail and the desire to contribute to issue-identification and problem-solving.

Able to respond to direction and adapt to frequent changes in project tactics, creative strategy, and/or deadlines.

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