The Marketing and Strategic Communications Manager provides strategic leadership for marketing, communications, outreach, and brand development for the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health Working collaboratively with Center leadership, faculty, clinicians, researchers, staff, university partners, school districts, Area Education Agencies, healthcare providers, state agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders, this position develops and implements integrated marketing and communications strategies that increase awareness, strengthen partnerships, and expand the reach and impact of the Center's clinical services, research initiatives, professional learning, technical assistance, and community engagement efforts.

This position serves as the Center's primary marketing and communications strategist and is responsible for elevating the visibility and reputation of the Scanlan Center as a state and national leader in school mental health, educator well-being, prevention and intervention, implementation science, and systems change. The Marketing and Strategic Communications Manager develops and executes comprehensive marketing campaigns that promote the Center's services, programs, research, and impact while supporting strategic growth, partnership development, and organizational sustainability.

Responsibilities include developing and implementing comprehensive marketing strategies; creating compelling digital and print communications; strengthening the Center's brand identity; promoting clinical services, research activities, grant-funded initiatives, professional learning opportunities, consultation and technical assistance services; supporting grant dissemination and donor communications; coordinating media relations; and identifying innovative opportunities to engage educators, school leaders, healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, community organizations, families, and other strategic partners.

The Marketing and Strategic Communications Manager collaborates closely with Center leadership to identify opportunities for organizational growth, expand partnerships, increase participation in Center initiatives, and enhance the visibility of the Center's work across Iowa and beyond. This position utilizes marketing analytics, stakeholder feedback, and market trends to evaluate the effectiveness of outreach efforts and develop data-informed strategies that strengthen engagement, increase awareness, and support the Center's long-term strategic goals.

In addition to leading the Center's marketing and communication efforts, this position contributes to the planning and implementation of conferences, professional learning opportunities, community events, research dissemination activities, fundraising and donor engagement efforts, strategic initiatives, and other projects that advance the mission and long-term sustainability of the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health and the College of Education.

This is a specified term position and may be eligible for renewal.

This is a 50%-to-100%-time position.

Specific Job Duties and Tasks:

• Develop and implement annual strategic marketing and communications plans aligned with the Center's mission, strategic priorities, and organizational goals.
• Lead integrated marketing campaigns that increase awareness of the Center's clinical services, research initiatives, professional learning opportunities, technical assistance, consultation services, and community partnerships.
• Represent the Center at conferences, networking events, community meetings, and outreach activities.
• Develop relationships with school districts, Area Education Agencies, healthcare organizations, community organizations, universities, state agencies, nonprofit organizations, and professional associations.
• Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships that increase awareness and utilization of Center services.
• Manage the Center's website strategy and collaborate with technical staff to ensure content remains current, engaging, accessible, and user-centered.
• Optimize digital communications using search engine optimization (SEO), accessibility standards, and user experience best practices.
• Monitor emerging digital communication trends and recommend innovative approaches to outreach and engagement.
• Monitor website traffic, social media analytics, email marketing metrics, event participation, and other key performance indicators.
• Analyze stakeholder engagement and market trends to identify opportunities for expanding the Center's reach and impact.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies for conferences, workshops, webinars, community events, and other Center-sponsored activities.
• Coordinate promotional materials, event communications, registration support, exhibits, and branded materials.
• Coordinate contracts, purchasing, and expenditures related to marketing and communications initiatives.
• Work with vendors, designers, printers, photographers, and other external partners to ensure timely, cost-effective delivery of products and services.
• Serve as the Center's primary advisor on marketing and strategic communications.
• Consult with Center leadership on communication strategies that support organizational priorities and long-term growth.

To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu

About the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health

At the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health, we positively impact school mental health and well-being across Iowa and beyond through a combination of research, training, professional development, and clinical services. School mental health considers the social, emotional, and behavioral health of individuals, groups, and systems within a school community. Prioritizing school mental health and well-being allows students and staff to function effectively and be good, productive citizens. 

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Strategic Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Integrated Marketing Communications, Business, Advertising, Graphic Design, Digital Media, Communications, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible professional experience.

Required Qualifications:

• Typical relevant experience is three to five years in strategic marketing, communications, outreach, brand management, or business development.
• Demonstrated professional experience developing and implementing comprehensive marketing and strategic communications plans that support organizational goals.
• Experience developing integrated marketing campaigns using digital, print, web, email, and social media platforms to increase awareness, engagement, and participation.
• Experience creating and managing content across multiple communication channels, including websites, newsletters, email marketing, social media, print publications, presentations, and multimedia.
• Experience building and maintaining collaborative relationships with stakeholders, including clients, community organizations, educational organizations, healthcare organizations, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or other external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze marketing and communication data, evaluate campaign effectiveness, and use analytics to inform strategic decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Experience with website content management systems, email marketing platforms, social media management tools, and digital analytics (e.g., Google Analytics or similar platforms).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while balancing competing priorities and meeting deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to tailor messaging for varied audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within interdisciplinary teams while building positive working relationships across a complex organization.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and represent the Scanlan Center and the University of Iowa professionally.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Public Relations, Higher Education, Journalism, or a related field.
• Experience developing marketing strategies that increased organizational visibility, customer engagement, program participation, or organizational growth.
• Experience marketing professional services, healthcare services, educational programs, research centers, nonprofit organizations, or university-based initiatives.
• Experience working in higher education, healthcare, behavioral health, education, or nonprofit organizations.
• Experience promoting clinical services, research initiatives, grant-funded projects, community programs, or professional learning opportunities.
• Experience planning and promoting conferences, workshops, webinars, community outreach initiatives, or statewide events.
• Experience supporting grant dissemination, donor communications, fundraising initiatives, or strategic partnership development.
• Experience using customer relationship management (CRM) systems, marketing automation platforms, or project management software.
• Experience with photography, videography, graphic design, branding, and multimedia storytelling.
• Knowledge of accessibility standards, search engine optimization (SEO), and current digital marketing best practices.
• Demonstrated understanding of public education, school mental health, behavioral health, healthcare, prevention, or implementation science is desirable.

Application Details

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Applicants must provide a portfolio demonstrating expertise in strategic marketing, communications, and content development. The portfolio should include examples of professional work that illustrate the applicant's ability to develop compelling communications for varied audiences. Examples may include marketing campaigns, websites, newsletters, social media content, print or digital publications, annual reports, videos, graphic design, branding materials, or other communication products that demonstrate strategic thinking, creativity, and measurable impact.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For questions, contact Alex Schutman at Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu

Benefits Highlights

• Regular salaried position. Pay level 3B Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
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About Iowa

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation. Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.