Associate Director, Strategic Initiatives, Communications & Marketing

Stanford Graduate School of Business
Stanford's Graduate School of Business(GSB) has built a global reputation based on its immersive and innovative management programs. We provide students a transformative leadership experience, pushing the boundaries of knowledge with faculty research, and offering a portfolio of entrepreneurial and non-degree programs that deliver global impact like no other. We are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in service of our mission of developing innovative, principled, and insightful leaders who change lives, change organizations, and change the world. We invite you to be part of this mission.
The Communications and Marketing Department of the Stanford Graduate School of Business seeks an Associate Director, Strategic Initiatives, Communications & Marketing. The AD Strategic Initiatives is responsible for directing the development and implementation of communication plans and marketing programs for high-visibility Strategic Initiatives across the GSB.
These initiatives may originate in the Dean's Office or External Relations. They include our upcoming campaign and centennial, as well as a new initiative centered around identifying solutions for complex issues at the intersection of business, government, and society. This role will guide communications activities before and after the signature 2024 BSG Forum and other conferences that position Stanford GSB as a vital contributor and leader in addressing these complex challenges, including climate change, rapidly advancing technology, the future of markets, and more.
Reporting to the Chief Communications and Marketing Officer (CCMO), the Associate Director is a key integration role on multiple concurrent projects, proactively working with External Relations staff and the Dean's Office to ensure that communications and marketing are strategically integrated into the development of new GSB initiatives and that programs are effectively implemented.
The ideal candidate has extensive experience in all aspects of communications and marketing. You must be an experienced communicator with demonstrated expertise engaging at a senior level within an organization and be able to collaborate effectively across all levels of the school. Strategic thinking, creativity, and the ability to consider the big picture are required to be effective in this position. Experience with policy analysis or campaign management is a plus.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to help bring to life major school initiatives, with both institutional and real-world impact. You will work on efforts to establish Stanford GSB as a leader in solving global challenges, and you will also work closely with external relations on campaign and centennial communications.
Your primary responsibilities* include:

• Develop, manage, and execute strategic marketing plans/programs that support new major initiatives, originating from the Dean's Office and External Relations.
• Create and manage the execution of integrated communication strategies that leverage the brand strategy, incorporating appropriate channels (i.e., web, email, online, social media, and media relations).
• Define and conduct market research, including competitive benchmarking, identification of market opportunities, and campaign or program analysis. Use the results to make strategic decisions.
• Communicate strategic plans across the organization and/or university to educate and influence stakeholders, including senior faculty and staff leadership, and the Dean's Office.
• Build partnerships with other school, department, event, and channel managers as appropriate.
• Collaborate closely with event management teams to ensure communications are strategic and effective.
• Manage key vendor and consultant relationships.
• May oversee interns and other contingent staff; provide staff training.

To be successful in this position, you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree and eight years of relevant experience; or a combination of education and relevant experience. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior leaders.
• Extensive knowledge of strategic analysis, customer segmentation strategies, and business and marketing planning.
• Demonstrated experience in integrated marketing strategy and execution across channels including digital; and print.
• Demonstrated application of market research and data analysis.
• Excellent project manager with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated experience presenting to senior management.

In addition, preferred requirements include:

• Experience with policy analysis or campaign management is a plus.
• Strategic thinking and creativity are highly desirable.

The expected pay range for this position is $104,000 to $169,000 per year.
Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location and external market pay for comparable jobs.
At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package. The Cardinal at Work website (https://cardinalatwork.stanford.edu/benefits-rewards) provides detailed information on Stanford's extensive range of benefits and rewards offered to employees. Specifics about the rewards package for this position may be discussed during the hiring process.
Why Stanford is for You
Stanford's dedicated 16,000 staff come from diverse educational and career backgrounds. We are a collaborative environment that thrives on innovation and continuous improvement. At Stanford, we seek talent committed to excellence, driven to impact the future of our legacy, and improve lives on a global sphere. We provide competitive salaries, excellent health care and retirement plans, and a generous vacation policy, including additional time off during our winter closure. Our generous perks align with what matters to you:

• Freedom to grow. Take advantage of career development programs, tuition reimbursement, or audit a course. Join a TedTalk, film screening, or listen to a renowned author or leader discuss global issues.
• A caring culture. We understand the importance of your personal and family time and provide you access to wellness programs, child-care resources, parent education and consultation, elder care and caregiving support.
• A healthier you. We make wellness a priority by providing access to world-class exercise facilities. Climb our rock wall, or participate in one of hundreds of health or fitness classes.
• Discovery and fun. Visit campus gardens, trails, and museums.
• Enviable resources. We offer free commuter programs and ridesharing incentives. Enjoy discounts for computers, cell phones, recreation, travel, entertainment, and more!

We pride ourselves in being a culture that encourages and empowers you.
How to Apply
We invite you to apply for this position by clicking on the "Apply for Job" button. To be considered, please submit a cover letter and résumé along with your online application.
* The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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