Title: Exec Dir, Dig Exp & Student Succ Mkt
Position Type: Fulltime Staff
Search Type: External - minimum 7 days
Department: 30R003 - StudentSuccess,Outreach&Opportunity
Division: 5R0000 - Student Success,Opportunity&Engage
Position Location: Richmond Campus
Driver Classification: Driver
FLSA: Exempt
Schedule Type: Full Time (37.5 hrs per week or more)
Hours Per Week:
Additional Schedule Details: Some evenings and weekends required. This position does not qualify for remote work. Flexible schedule available during certain times of the year.
Posted Salary Grade: Exempt - G29
Retirement: KTRS
Contact Person: Dan Hendrickson
Job Summary/Basic Functions
The Executive Director of Digital Experience & Student Success Marketing provides strategic leadership and direction for EKU’s digital communication, engagement, and marketing efforts that drive student recruitment, enrollment, and retention. This position leads the integration of web strategy, digital content, and cross-platform engagement campaigns that support EKU’s mission as the School of Opportunity; empowering students from inquiry through the first two years of college success.
The Executive Director will oversee a multidisciplinary team focused on enhancing the digital experience for prospective and current students, managing EKU’s digital brand presence, and implementing data-informed strategies to increase student affinity, yield, and persistence.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Master’s degree in Digital Marketing, Web Development, Communications, Higher Education Administration, or a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
Experience: Ability to collaborate closely with Communications & Brand Management, IT, Enrollment Systems, and Academic Colleges. Proven success in leading digital marketing, communications, or web strategy teams in a higher education or mission-driven environment. Expertise in user-centered design, content strategy, and student engagement campaigns. Working knowledge of digital platforms including CMS, CRM (e.g., Slate), web analytics, SEO, social media tools, and email marketing platforms. Demonstrated ability to build strategic partnerships, manage cross-functional projects, and develop talent within a high-performing team. Strong understanding of digital accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1), data privacy, and inclusive design.
Licensure & Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Job Duties:
- 45% - Lead the development and execution of a university-wide digital marketing and engagement strategy aligned with enrollment and student success priorities; Serve as a thought partner to SSEO and academic leadership to ensure digital and web experiences reflect institutional values of access, innovation, and transformation; Translate institutional goals into compelling digital journeys that increase student yield, build brand affinity, and drive student retention from recruitment through graduation; Champion bold, creative storytelling and digital engagement that differentiates EKU in the higher education marketplace. - (Essential)
- 30% - Lead the development and execution of a university-wide digital marketing and engagement strategy aligned with enrollment and student success priorities; Serve as a thought partner to SSEO and academic leadership to ensure digital and web experiences reflect institutional values of access, innovation, and transformation; Translate institutional goals into compelling digital journeys that increase student yield, build brand affinity, and drive student retention from recruitment through graduation; Champion bold, creative storytelling and digital engagement that differentiates EKU in the higher education marketplace. - (Essential)
- 25% - Direct multichannel marketing campaigns targeting prospective, new, and continuing students, including email, SMS, web, social media, and landing page strategies; Lead the development of audience-specific communication plans that reflect the needs of adult learners, first-generation students, rural populations, and online learners; Coordinate digital messaging across departments and vendors to ensure consistency, personalization, and timely delivery throughout the enrollment and student lifecycle; Leverage data to identify student engagement gaps and launch campaigns that support timely registration, financial aid completion, and orientation participation. - (Essential)
Sponsorship: Visa sponsorship will be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending upon the needs of the unit, available sponsorship budget, and the qualifications of the candidate.
Funding Source: Institutional
Open Until Filled: Yes
Special Instructions:
EEO Statement
Eastern Kentucky University is an Equal Opportunity employer and educational institution and does not discriminate on the basis of age (40 and over), race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, ethnicity, disability, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information in the admission to, or participation in, any educational program or activity (e.g., athletics, academics and housing) which it conducts or any employment policy or practice.
Background Check Statement
Offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
