About King University
Founded in 1867, King University is a comprehensive Christian university located in Bristol, Tennessee. King provides a rich and rigorous academic experience that integrates faith, learning, and service in a close-knit, student-centered community.

Position summary
The Executive Director of Marketing and Communications safeguards, stewards and advances King University's reputation, Christian mission, and distinct value proposition. This role gives day-to-day direction to King's marketing team and serves as the university's lead marketing practitioner, while providing hands-on leadership. The executive director plans projects end to end, as well as works on writing, editing, and producing when needed. The executive director brings one coordinated marketing plan to the work of Enrollment, Advancement, Athletics, Academic Affairs, and the Office of the President.

The executive director will initially report to the president and work in close partnership with the heads of Enrollment Management and Advancement. Together they keep recruitment, donor, and institutional messaging consistent and aimed at shared goals. As King's marketing and communications office grows, this position is expected to report to a future Vice President for Marketing and Communications, while continuing to lead the marketing team.

Essential duties and responsibilities
Strategy and planning

• Develop and carry out an annual integrated marketing and communications plan tied to the university's strategic, enrollment, and fundraising goals.
• Keep a shared marketing calendar with Admissions, Advancement, Athletics, and Academic Affairs.
• Set priorities for campus requests through a clear intake and project process.

Brand and reputation

• Understand King's Christian mission and distinctive value deeply, and communicate them clearly and compellingly to prospective students, families, alumni, donors, and the wider community.
• Develop and maintain King's core messaging and value proposition, and equip campus partners to use it consistently.
• Serve as steward of the King brand: voice, visual identity, and key messages.
• Keep materials across departments, programs, and Athletics consistent with brand standards.
• Advise the president on reputation, positioning, and public messaging.

Channels, vendors, and measurement

• Oversee the website and digital channels, including accessibility and content standards.
• Manage agencies and contractors, including PR, photography, and advertising partners.
• Manage the department budget and track spending.
• Set KPIs and report results to the president and cabinet.
• Use AI and marketing tools responsibly, with human review of all published content.

Enrollment and Advancement partnership

• Meet regularly with Enrollment Management and Advancement leadership to align priorities and support the development of materials.
• Coordinate the work of enrollment and advancement marketing partners so King tells one consistent story.
• Support recruitment, yield, and visit events, plus campaigns and donor stewardship.
• Lead marketing for new academic programs and initiatives.

Team leadership

• Lead, coach, and evaluate the marketing team; hire new roles as the team grows.
• Give direction, not just review: plan work end to end across design, web, social, and photo and video.
• Write, edit, and produce content directly when the work calls for it.

Communications and PR support

• Support the Office of the President on communications and public relations, in coordination with the university's external communications and PR firm.
• Work with the PR firm so press releases, media relations, and earned-media opportunities align with marketing plans and brand standards.
• Coordinate internal communications to faculty, staff, and students, so campus news and leadership messages are clear, timely, and consistent.
• Oversee campus-wide marketing communications, including alumni and parent newsletters.
• Support the university's crisis communications plan by making sure the website, social media, and other marketing channels carry approved messages quickly and consistently.

Compliance and standards   

• Follow FERPA, Title IX, Clery Act, and university policies, including student privacy and photo releases.
• Serve as a mandatory reporter and handle sensitive information with discretion.

To view current job openings and apply, visit jobs.king.edu