Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications

Inside Higher Ed; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 133,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition assistance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Long-term care insurance

Wellness resources

Professional development

Access to university resources

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution is searching for an Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications to enhance its reputation in oral health leadership. Responsibilities include shaping a bold global brand strategy, managing crisis communications, and leading the marketing and communications team. Candidates should have a Master's degree and extensive experience in digital storytelling and analytics. An annual salary of $133,000.00 – $150,000.00 is offered, along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of progressive leadership in marketing or communications.
• Experience with AI tools and digital strategies.
• Proven ability to manage teams and complex initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Shape and execute a global brand strategy.
• Lead crisis communication and media relations.
• Manage communications and marketing team.

Skills

Strategic mindset

Crisis communication

Digital storytelling

Leadership

Analytical skills

Exceptional writing

Education

Master's degree

Tools

AI-enabled tools

CRM systems

Analytics platforms

Job description

Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications

Penn Dental Medicine (PDM) seeks an innovative, strategic, and visionary Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications to elevate the School's national and global reputation as the premier leader and authoritative voice in oral health. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Assistant Dean will shape and execute a bold, modernized global brand strategy that leverages the latest tools in AI, digital storytelling, social media, and analytics to position PDM as the world's preeminent thought leader in dental education, research, clinical care, and public oral health advocacy.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Global Brand Strategy & Reputation Leadership
• Develop and lead a high‑impact global brand strategy that positions Penn Dental Medicine as the leading authority on oral health, dental research, and clinical innovation.
• Modernize the School's brand presence using AI‑driven marketing, contemporary storytelling, data analytics, and social media innovation to enhance global reach and influence.
• Ensure consistent and compelling brand messaging across all institutional platforms.
• Serve as the strategic liaison to University Communications and global partners.
• Drive visibility campaigns surrounding key institutional milestones.
• Strategic Communications & Crisis Management
• Serve as key advisor to the Dean and leadership team on sensitive communication issues.
• Lead the development of clear, timely communications addressing crisis or reputational matters.
• Act as spokesperson when appropriate and manage media relations.
• Oversee institutional messaging for accuracy, clarity, and integrity.
• Draft speeches, remarks, and institutional statements for leadership.
• Digital Engagement & Content Strategy
• Lead an integrated approach to support academic programs, clinical practices, and research strengths.
• Oversee all print, digital, and social media content for unified quality and voice.
• Guide data‑driven marketing initiatives, including CRM optimization and analytics.
• Strengthen internal communication pathways across the School.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to amplify events, campaigns, and achievements.
• Administrative Leadership & Operational Oversight
• Lead and mentor the communications and marketing team.
• Oversee budgets, resources, vendors, and communications contractors.
• Establish KPIs and evaluation tools to measure strategy effectiveness.
• Ensure timely execution and prioritization in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ensure high‑quality and evidence‑based oral health content across all channels.

Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred; 5‑7+ years of progressive leadership in marketing or communications, or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Demonstrated experience using AI‑enabled tools, CRM systems, analytics platforms, and modern digital strategies.
• Strong background in crisis communication and executive advising.
• Proven leadership with experience managing teams and complex initiatives.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.
• Ability to thrive under multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
• Strategic, collaborative mindset aligned with institutional values.

Location & Compensation

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Annual salary: $133,000.00 – $150,000.00.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
• Tuition: Tuition assistance for employees and families.
• Retirement: Generous retirement plans including basic, matching, and supplemental options.
• Time Away from Work: Generous paid time off.
• Long‑Term Care Insurance: Coverage for long‑term care services.
• Wellness and Work‑life Resources: Programs and resources to support health and balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Resources to advance personal and professional growth.
• University Resources: Access to libraries, athletic facilities, artistic and cultural activities.
• Discounts and Special Services: Discounts for arts, entertainment, transportation and more.
• Flexible Work Hours: Creative approaches to work and balance.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loans for eligible employees.
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for adoption related expenses.

How to Apply

To learn more and apply, visit Penn Recruiting Site.