Director of Brand Strategy (Marketing Leader)

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team focused on brand story, brand communications, and social media.
• Shape Kelley's brand position and voice, delivering narratives that reinforce the school's reputation for excellence, innovation, and impact.
• Develop and implement earned media strategies and thought leadership communications to refine and advance Kelley's global reputation.
• Monitor brand performance and health through research and analysis, and refine strategies accordingly.
• Report to the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications and collaborate across various functions to ensure brand alignment.
• Develop and lead comprehensive brand strategies, stories, and social media initiatives aligned with Kelley's mission and strategic goals.
• Oversee creation and maintenance of brand guidelines and toolkits for internal stakeholders.
• Mentor staff and foster a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders to align marketing needs with organizational goals.
• Develop, evaluate, and execute strategic marketing plans, including market research, target definition, content creation, and project timelines.
• Assist in budget planning and administration for marketing initiatives.
• Research industry trends and best practices to inform strategic and operational improvements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, English, public relations, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant work experience.
• At least 1 year of management experience in a relevant field.
• Proficient communication skills and high professionalism.
• Strong time management, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to make sound judgments and decisions, and manage conflicts effectively.
• Experience in developing and managing brand strategies and initiatives.
• Understanding of the full marketing mix across paid, owned, and earned channels.
• Ability to work effectively in a digital environment and adapt to evolving digital trends.
• Proven leadership skills in motivating teams and building initiatives from scratch.

Nice to Have

• Experience in higher education or a highly complex, matrix environment.
• Ability to think strategically and execute tactically.
• Extensive knowledge of marketing and communications principles and strategy.
• Experience in creating engaging digital experiences, storytelling, and thought leadership.
• Proficiency in building initiatives from scratch and being a self-starter.
• Experience leading through influence and partnership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, English, public relations, or related field.
• Minimum 4 years of relevant experience.
• At least 1 year of management experience.

Benefits & Perks

• Comprehensive medical and dental insurance.
• Health savings account with IU contributions.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
• Basic group life insurance paid by IU.
• Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
• Retirement plan with IU contributions (vesting applies).
• Tuition subsidy for employees and family members.
• 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break.
• Paid time off and leave for new parents and volunteer events.
• Employee assistance program (EAP).