Director, Brand Strategy and Marketing - (26005135)
The Director, Brand Strategy and Marketing is a key leader in the marketing and communications department who develops, implements, and evaluates integrated brand initiatives and marketing plans in support of University of Iowa Health Care’s strategies with the direction of the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. The director leads the marketing team, including clinical services marketing, growth initiatives, community and business partnerships, and special projects. The director identifies opportunities that support our patient care and medical and research mission as the state’s only comprehensive academic medical center.
The director represents the voice of the customer to inform business, marketing, and brand strategy. They collaborate and work effectively and efficiently across the marketing and communications department – as well as the health system - to build the UI Health brand and implement priority marketing initiatives.This position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization now or in the future.Key responsibilities:Research and AnalysisIdentify and direct market/audience research and competitive analysis to inform organizational strategy. Incorporate insights into the marketing plans.Identify and maximize marketing technology, including customer relationship management (CRM) system.Advance return-on-investment analysis to support strategic decision making on where to invest resources and measure the effectiveness of initiatives.Marketing PlanOversee the creation, development, and implementation of integrated brand and marketing strategy, plans, campaigns, and messaging for identified programs and services.Translate organizational strategy into marketing plans for service lines, community and business partnerships, and growth initiatives.Assess service line market readiness.Create consistent standards of service across clients and teams.Brand ManagementOversee brand positioning and execution, including advertising, that aligns with market/audience research and the organization’s goals.Support growth and development of University of Iowa Health Care’s brand.Promote consistent brand use and set brand guidelines and governance.Project ManagementDirect the portfolio of large-scale, complex marketing projects and initiatives.Establish priorities, timelines, and resource allocation across multiple concurrent initiatives.Collaborate with other Marketing and Communication directors on shared goals for growth, reputation, and engagement with internal and external stakeholders. Example: website and digital channel content.Oversee external agency assignments and performance as extensions of the internal team.Resolve project risk, conflicts, and capacity challenges.Financial ResponsibilityDevelop, manage, and evaluate the marketing division budgetApprove marketing expenses and contracts.Define expected outcomes tied to growth and engagement.Supervision/LeadershipLead, engage, and develop a team of directors, managers, and others within the marketing division to achieve shared, set goals.Contribute to workforce planning and talent development strategies.Build trusted relationships with senior leaders, physicians, and health system teams to provide strategic counsel and leadership.Promote a high-performance, data-informed marketing culture.Serve on committees, boards, and other groups representing UI Health Care and the Marketing and Communications department, as requested.Follow the department’s vision, standards, and policies.
Required qualifications:Master’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.5-7 years of experience in progressive brand strategy that may include brand management and integration, creative development, and digital marketing strategyTactical expertise and experience in marketing planning, strategic marketing analysis, advertising development, implementation, and measurementExcellent oral, written, and presentation skillsAbility to build positive client relationships and provide excellent serviceStrong management, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skillsProven project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlinesCollaborative approachAbility to guide professional staff and anticipate and resolve conflictProficiency in MS OfficeValid driver’s license plus the ability to meet the University of Iowa Fleet Safety program driving standards.Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment. Desired Qualifications:Three years of experience in health care marketing in an academic medical center or multi-hospital systemHigh degree of creativity, self-motivation, and initiativeExperience with Jira project management systemDemonstrated ability to effectively communicate ideas and findings to senior leadershipKnowledge of University of Iowa and UI Health Care policies and procedures Application Process: To be considered, applicants must upload a cover letter and resume (under the submission of relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions, contact Sharon Walther at sharon-walther@uiowa.edu.
: Iowa City
: Administrative/Professional
: Healthcare
: Regular
Full-time
: Sep 11, 2026, 3:27:59 PM
WE CARE Core Values
Welcoming: We strive for an environment where every voice is heard, emphasize, regular communication, and seek transparency wherever possible.
Excellence: We strive to achieve excellence in all that we do.
Collaboration: We believe teamwork is the best way to work.
Accountability: We behave ethically, act openly and with integrity in all that we do, taking responsibility for our actions.
Respect: We honor diversity and recognize the worth and dignity of every person.
Equity: We dedicate ourselves to equity and fairness.
Mission
Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®
University of Iowa Health Care is changing medicine through:
• Pioneering discovery
• Innovative interprofessional education
• Delivery of superb clinical care
• An extraordinary patient experience in a multi-disciplinary, collaborative, team-based environment
University of Iowa Health Care is changing lives by:
• Preventing and curing disease
• Improving health and well-being
Vision
World Class People: Building on our greatest strength.
World Class Medicine: Creating a new standard of excellence in integrated patient care, research, and education.
For Iowa and the World: Making a difference in quality of life and health for generations.
Recognitions/ Awards
In its 2020 rankings of “Best Employer for Diversity," Forbes ranked UI Health Care No. 47 overall among large employers nationwide and No. 10 in its Healthcare & Social category.
