Director of Digital Content

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) invites applications for the full-time, exempt position of Director of Digital Content. This position reports directly to the Associate Vice President for Communications and Marketing and is located in River Forest, IL.

The Director of Digital Content is integral to the University's strategic marketing, recruitment, fundraising, and reputation management initiatives. This position is responsible for the overall development of the University's digital strategy, including the website, intranet, mobile applications, and social media. This individual works in a hands-on capacity to develop, build, and maintain content on the primary University website in coordination with departmental web content managers. Successful management and use of Search Engine Optimization tools and Google Analytics 4 is essential to this position. An understanding of digital marketing and advertising will provide a basis for managing the University's internal/external web presence and development of new marketing opportunities. This position also oversees the work of and collaborates closely with the Director of Social Media Strategy.

Responsibilities/Duties:

• Coordinates closely with the IT staff and departmental content managers to develop/review website content including text, video, images and other elements 
• Identifies specific web content needs, and researches, writes, proofreads, and edits effective/engaging content 
• In collaboration with the Associate Vice President of Communications, identifies long-term goals and creates plans for the University's presence on all digital channels 
• Continuously manages Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for the primary University website, including but not limited to technical and content optimization, keyword management, site authority development, and organic ranking improvement 
• Uses Google Analytics 4 to monitor and report on website/intranet usage, user behavior, and trends; provides regular Google Analytics and website-related statistical reports assessing web traffic, both in general and related to marketing/enrollment campaigns 
• Directs and implements the information architecture of the University's internal and external web presence, maximizing the user experience for desktop, tablet and mobile applications and ensuring that website reflects current market best practices 
• Ensures that website and intranet meet the needs of a wide-ranging target audience including prospective and current students, community members, alumni, donors, faculty and staff 
• Acts as primary contact and campus resource for the website Content Management System (CMS), providing ongoing training and support for all campus CMS users/editors and writing procedural documentation and training materials for CMS and intranet platforms 
• Works with IT and other University areas to write, update, and effectively communicate policy and best practice procedural documents related to the University's website, intranet, and social media presence 
• Supervises the Director of Social Media Strategy and oversees all related work, providing hands-on support to the Director of Social Media Strategy when necessary 
• Provides both strategic guidance and collegial collaboration related to social media strategy, planning, execution, and analysis 
• Ensures that social strategy and content adhere to best practices, support the university's mission, and coordinate directly with the University's enrollment, fundraising, reputation management, and other strategic goals 
• Candidates must support and be committed to the mission and identity of Concordia University Chicago, a university of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS)

Skill Sets:

• Demonstrated exceptional working knowledge of website management, design, information architecture (IA), and user experience (UX) concepts 
• Experience working with content management systems and understanding of supporting application platforms and software, and addressing related issues 
• Experience working with web analytics and making recommendations based on data, including Search Engine Optimization (SEO) development and use of related tools including Google Analytics 4 
• Ability to develop and execute web communications strategies that balance substantive content, visually appealing design, high levels of usability, and integrated technologies 
• Ability to react quickly to rapidly evolving technology, software and electronic communication platforms 
• Understanding of and hands-on experience managing social media in an organizational marketing communications context 
• Ability to initiate ideas, develop concepts, review website management and design process, and ensure professional standards and high quality in all communications 
• Ability to manage multiple projects and assignments with excellent organization, planning and attention to details in collaboration with others 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while prioritizing tasks and consistently meeting deadlines 
• Outstanding written and verbal communication, interpersonal, analysis, and problem-solving skills 
• Strong demonstrated familiarity with AP style and writing for search engine optimization 
• Ability to prioritize projects and work both independently and in team settings 
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to accuracy 
• Demonstrated commitment to learning and continuous improvement

Minimum Experience Required:

• Minimum 5-7 years' experience in website management and/or digital marketing strategy roles required 
• Work experience in higher education preferred

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, website development, digital strategy, or related discipline required

Compensation and Benefits:

Starting range is dependent upon individual qualifications and experience. Concordia University Chicago benefit options include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance 
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and/or Health Savings Account (HSA) 
• Disability and Survivor Plan (Basic Life Insurance) 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 
• Retirement Pension Plan 
• Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan 
• Supplemental Life Insurance Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• Accident Insurance 
• Critical Illness Insurance 
• Tuition benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)