Director of Marketing and Communications - Ashbrook Center

Ashland University; Ashland (OH); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Ashbrook Center, an independent center at Ashland University, seeks an accomplished Director of Marketing and Communications to lead its messaging, branding, and outreach efforts. You will shape communications strategy, manage donors and partners, and guide content across newsletters, reports, social media, and the website.

The role requires exceptional writing and speaking skills, plus experience with Mailchimp, Salesforce, and WordPress.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism or English.
• 5–7 years in marketing/communications; nonprofit preferred.
• Strong writing, editing, interpersonal and public-speaking skills; social media and email marketing proficiency.
• Familiar with WordPress, graphic design basics, digital analytics and modern marketing practices.
• Highly organized, collaborative, and mission-driven; able to work in the US without visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Strategy and Leadership: develop and execute a comprehensive annual plan aligned with Ashbrook’s goals.
• Brand Management: protect and elevate the Ashbrook brand across channels.
• Content and Storytelling: create content for newsletters, reports, websites, and social media.
• Digital Marketing: manage email, social, SEO, and website communications to grow audiences.
• Media Relations: build relationships with journalists and act as a spokesperson when needed.
• Team and Vendor Management: supervise staff and manage external vendors.
• Analytics and Reporting: track KPIs and report results to leadership and the Board.

Skills

Strategic comms

Leadership

Writing skills

Public speaking

Social media

Email marketing

WordPress

SEO & analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree (Communications/Marketing/Journalism/English)

Tools

Mailchimp

Constant Contact

Salesforce

WordPress

SEO tools

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Strategy and Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive annual communications and marketing plan aligned with Ashbrook’s strategic and philanthropic goals. Provide leadership and counsel on messaging, positioning, audience development, and communications opportunities.
• Brand Management: Protect, strengthen, and elevate the Ashbrook brand, ensuring consistency of voice, message, and visual identity across all communications, platforms, programs, and collateral.
• Content and Storytelling: Lead the creation and production of compelling content that brings Ashbrook’s mission and impact to life, including newsletters, annual and donor reports, publications, social media, press releases, website content, and other print and digital materials.
• Digital Marketing: Manage and strengthen Ashbrook’s digital presence, including email marketing, social media channels, website communications, and search engine optimization (SEO), with an emphasis on expanding and engaging Ashbrook’s audiences.
• Media Relations: Develop relationships with journalists and other members of the media, identify and pitch appropriate stories, coordinate media opportunities, and serve as a spokesperson for Ashbrook when needed.
• Team and Vendor Management: Supervise communications support staff and interns and effectively manage relationships with external agencies, designers, consultants, printers, and other vendors.
• Analytics and Reporting: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for communications and marketing initiatives, using data to evaluate effectiveness, improve performance, and report results to senior leadership and the Board.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, English, or a related field is required.
• Ideal candidate will have five to seven (5 to 7) years of professional experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field. Experience in the nonprofit sector is preferred.
• Candidates should possess outstanding writing, editing, interpersonal, and public-speaking skills, along with demonstrated proficiency in social media, email marketing platforms such as Mailchimp, Constant Contact, or Salesforce, and content management systems such as WordPress.
• Familiarity with graphic design principles, digital analytics, and contemporary marketing practices is also important.
• Must be a highly organized and energetic professional with excellent project-management skills, sound judgment, strong emotional intelligence, a collaborative spirit, and possess a deep understanding of, and passion for, Ashbrook’s mission.
• Applicant must be currently authorized to work in the United States. Ashland University will not sponsor or take over sponsorship for an employment visa.

Preferred Qualifications Physical Demands Anticipated Start Date of New Hire 11/16/2026 Anticipated Number of Hours Working per Week 40 Shift Required? First

Position Title: Director of Marketing and Communications - Ashbrook Center Job Description

The Ashbrook Center, an independent center at Ashland University, seeks an accomplished and mission-driven Director of Marketing and Communications to lead its communications and marketing efforts as a member of its Philanthropy Team. Reporting to the Senior Director of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships, the Director will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that strengthens Ashbrook’s brand, expands its reach, and compellingly communicates the impact of its work to donors, partners, educators, students, and the broader public.

The successful candidate will be an exceptional writer and communicator, a creative and strategic thinker, and a collaborative leader who understands how thoughtful communications can deepen relationships and advance Ashbrook’s mission.

This role benefits from regular interaction with the Ashbrook team and therefore welcomes candidates who live in, or would consider relocating to, the Ashland, Ohio area. At the same time, we are open to exceptional remote candidates who share our mission and can maintain a meaningful presence with the team with regular visits to headquarters.