Manager, Brand Marketing

The Division of Marketing & Communications (MarComm) aims to strengthen DUs strategic position locally, regionally, and nationally through data-driven and authentic storytelling across multiple channels with focused support on the university's value drivers: academics and research; enrollment and admissions, athletics, and advancement. Whether through public or media relations, digital strategies, social media, print, podcast, issues or crisis management, community relations or thought leadership and training, MarComm drives results through narratives that involve words, pictures, and design. With true understanding of and connection with our diverse audiences, we aim to foster collaborative problem solving, creativity and innovation. MarComm speaks with a unified, authentic, and resonant voice to strategically advance the University of Denver

To promote and protect DUs reputation.
To inspire students to enroll and engage.
To increase inclusion.
To strengthen the University.

MarComm's mission, vision and values make it imperative that everyone in our community feels safe and included. The participation and input of all members should be valued and respected, while every voice should have the opportunity to be heard. The division's community-created, shared sense of belonging definition is, "a shared senseofbelonginginMarCommmeans building a collaborative, trusting community where we feel and are safe, valued, and appreciated being ourselves as we contribute to something meaningful." Our collective achievements are enhanced by the open exchange of ideas - particularly when diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences are embrace

Position Summary

This position is responsible for identifying and executing on opportunities for increasing our brand reputation in the eyes of multiple audiences. Working alongside MarComm team members and partners across campus, the Brand Marketing Manager understands that every touchpoint is an opportunity to impact DU's reputation and leads by example to encourage and empower all DU employees to be brand ambassadors.

The ideal candidate will be able to identify and act upon opportunities for brand engagement and messaging, and has talents in both strategic thinking and practical execution. Well-versed in content marketing, social media, and brand experiences, this person will be able to connect the many dots being produced in MarComm and across the University to create compelling and engaging brand moments for all audiences.

Essential Functions

Brand Marketing and Experience Management

Develop, distribute and optimize marketing toolkits intended to support and empower faculty and staff to accurately represent and promote DU
Manage the MarComm swag inventory and identify and source products and giveaways to support marketing campaigns and efforts
Identify opportunities for DU brand involvement such as sponsorships, partnerships, speaking opportunities, and more
Collaborate with campus partners and MarComm colleagues to generate excitement and awareness of DU's 3 signature events, leading to strong attendance and an exciting atmosphere
Identify and capitalize on opportunities to shape experiences, create memories and gather quality brand content throughout the year
Oversee execution and management of brand marketing activations and coordinate with MarComm teams for on-site event coverage
Monitor peer/competitor institutions' brand marketing for trends, design concepts and creative approaches to ensure DU stands apart

Maintain an authentic commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and understanding of how brand marketing can align with this commitment Content Marketing

Create and execute an annual content marketing strategy that achieves three primary goals: (1) extend the reach, visibility and affinity for the DU brand; (2) increase traffic and engagement for content on a variety o platforms; (3) attract potential students, donors, peer institutions, thought leaders and others to engage with the DU brand

Leverage capabilities across the department and other campus partner units to curate comprehensive, compelling stories distributed through multiple channels and media platforms
Serve as primary steward of DU's brand in marketing copy and collateral to ensure consistent representation of brand voice and tone. Assist with creation of marketing content as needed.
Identify and execute distribution strategies for collaborative storytelling projects to ensure content is served to the right audiences at the right time. Distribution channels may include web properties, social media platforms, email, radio and podcast advertising, on-site displays, and more.
Ensure marketing best practices are implemented into stories amplified for brand marketing purposes, including but not limited to conversion optimization and calls-to-action, SEO strategies, and tailoring the user journey for content engagement
Maintain the university-wide proof point library in conjunction with campus partners, and establishing SOPs, systems and standards for updating and disseminating content for use in marketing materials across campus

Oversee the social media team, strategy and content to engage with DU's target audiences and effectively build community and brand affinity on social platforms Management and Reporting

Serve as lead project manager for brand marketing projects and content packages in support of division and university strategic goals and initiatives

Draft strategic briefs and other internal guiding documents to assist all team members with common understanding and achievement of project goals