Managing Director/Executive Director of Marketing & Communications

Note for Current UM Employees

Current employees must apply internally via ConnectU > connectu.olemiss.edu

The University of Mississippi

"The University of Mississippi — fondly referred to as Ole Miss — stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member — student, faculty, and staff — can achieve their fullest potential.”

Department Summary

University Development's mission is to advance the Flagship through a culture of philanthropy. We raise private support for funding the University's priorities and offer additional opportunities for students. Our team is dedicated, hardworking and fun loving. 

Our Core Values: 

• We lead through a culture of service, integrity, transparency, and accessibility.
• We foster respect and collaboration.
• We listen to our donors and to one another.
• We build relationships to connect the vision of our donors with the University's mission.

Role Specifications

Below you will find classification and compensation information.  For additional details behind the University of Mississippi classification system please visit Human Resource Compensation Page

Family -Development and University Advancement

Sub-Family -Development

Career Track / Level - M3

Grade -16

Role Summary

Directs development program strategy, goals, and activities, cultivates donor relationships, develops and oversees execution of development events, and supervises unit staff, in support of achieving institutional development goals.

The Executive Director of Marketing and Communications is a strategic and visionary leader who amplifies the voice of philanthropy, inspiring alumni and friends to invest in the University's mission. Overseeing the communications team, annual giving team, and assistant director of marketing, this leader sets the standard for how University Development tells its story-through print, digital, video, and social channels. The Executive Director fosters collaboration, drives innovation, leverages data, and ensures measurable results that strengthen donor pride and loyalty. This position serves as a senior leader within University Development. 

Examples of Work Performed

• Facilitate strategic planning sessions to align communications and marketing goals.
• Drive storytelling focused on donor impact.
• Partner with the annual giving team to set and achieve fund raising benchmarks.
• Establish engagement and growth metrics for social media. 
• Lead development of proposal templates, one-page project briefs, and impact-focused web content.
• Establish process that ensure staff accountability, maximum effectiveness and clearly define goals and objects with which to measure success.
• Organize sessions to review progress and challenges.
• Strengthen partnerships with UM Foundation, University Marketing & Communications and Ole Miss Alumni Association.
• Attend donor events and development functions to enhance relationships.
• Analyze campaign data to refine strategies for acquisition, retention, and donor growth.
• Support principal gift fundraising through tailored communications.
• Stay current on industry innovations and integrate best practices, including Al, into the UD marketing strategy.

Essential Functions

These essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.  Additional essential functions may be identified and included by the hiring department.

1. Develops, plans and directs staff implementation of a development strategy for a  college, program, or organization, including individual and institutional giving, donor engagement and stewardship, and donor events, volunteer committees and activities, and operating policies and procedures and ensures alignment with strategic initiatives and objectives.
2. Monitors communications and branding materials prior to distribution, alumni solicitations and donor records and information systems.
3. Directs the development of program focused strategic planning initiatives and objectives.
4. Evaluates existing strategies and program effectiveness, identifies opportunities for improvement and makes recommendations to unit leadership for enhancements.
5. Serves as the subject matter expert to unit leadership regarding unit operations and functions.
6. Leads staff in planning and implementing of long- and short-term strategies.
7. Solicits major and principal gifts across multiple schools and units

Minimum Education/Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or related field.

Experience: (6) Six Years Experience with 3 Years Supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred
• 7 years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, or advancement, with proven leadership success.
• Demonstrated expertise in storytelling, brand building, and multi-channel campaign management.
• Strong record of team leadership, collaboration, and innovation.
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising strongly preferred.
• Proficiency in digital engagement, social media strategy, and donor communications.

EEO Statement

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, or genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Minimum Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements:  These physical requirements are not exhaustive, and additional job-related physical requirements may be added to these by individual agencies on an as needed basis. 

Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

Physical Exertion:  The incumbent may be required to lift up to approximately 10 pounds.

Vision:  Requirements of this job include close vision. Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently required to talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The incumbent is periodically required to sit. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; and reach with hands and arms

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

Background Check Statement

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.