The Office of Communications at Oberlin College and Conservatory seeks a dynamic Director of Web and Digital Strategy to shape the future of Oberlin’s website and other digital marketing and communications initiatives. The Director will be the architect of Oberlin’s web strategy and shape how Oberlin uses digital communications tools and platforms to achieve our most important goals, including recruiting new students to Oberlin, and building Oberlin’s brand. This is a full-time, in-person position reporting to the Vice President for Communications.
The Director will manage a Web Developer and a CMS and Web Content Specialist, as well as partner with colleagues in the Office of Communications responsible for visual brand and design, content development, and social media. The Director is a key member of the Office of Communications leadership team, contributing their expertise to the broader marketing and communications strategy of the organization. The ideal candidate will bring a strategic mindset, collaborative approach, and a forward-looking, optimistic sensibility to the Director role.
Essential Job Functions:
With input from stakeholders across campus, develop a forward-looking, shared vision for Oberlin’s public facing website (oberlin.edu) that takes into account the strategic needs of the institution, stewardship of Oberlin’s brand identity, and the operational needs of key offices and departments across campus
Lead the development oberlin.com and other digital properties, including intranet, email marketing, and other digital communications platforms for both external and internal audiences
Collaborate with the Director of Content on Oberlin’s web content strategy and implementation
Collaborate with the Art Director and Visual Brand Manager on the web and digital design strategy and implementation
Work to support Oberlin’s goals related to various constituent groups including prospective students and families, current students, alumni, faculty, staff, donors and friends, the media, and the broader community
Routinely collaborate with and provide strategic counsel to colleagues across campus regarding best practices and emerging trends in website development and digital marketing
Work collaboratively with colleagues in the Office of Communications to create and execute coordinated, multi-channel marketing and communications strategies
Create and cultivate a web governance structure that supports Oberlin’s strategic objectives, along with the policies and processes needed to maintain effective web governance
Ensure that Oberlin’s website and other digital properties align with Oberlin’s brand standards and use consistent voice, tone, and style
Ensure that Oberlin’s website and other digital properties meet current standards for usability and accessibility, and comply with all relevant laws and regulations
Utilize analytics, market research, and other tools to ensure that Oberlin’s website and digital communications are optimized to achieve Oberlin’s highest priorities
Build and maintain a five-year outlook that outlines key upcoming projects and priorities for the web team
Lead all web and digital projects for the Office of Communications, ensuring completion on time and within budget
Oversee the web team budget, negotiate and manage relevant contracts, and manage relationships with vendors and service providers
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of relevant experience or a combination of education and relevant experience
A demonstrated track record of supporting institutional goals and furthering an institution’s mission through the development of websites and other digital communications channels
Up-to-date knowledge of web and digital marketing trends
Knowledge of the strategic and technical aspects of web development, usability, and accessibility
Functional skills in HTML and CSS
Understanding of marketing and communications strategy
Proficiency in utilizing digital metrics, KPIs, and market research insights to drive engagement and traffic
Experience as a successful manager, with the ability to manage and motivate a web team
Strong collaboration and communications skills
Prior experience managing complex projects
Ability to plan and manage a budget
Competency in writing and editing for the web
Experience managing Drupal 10 or an equivalent CMS
This is a campus-based position, and is not eligible for hybrid or remote work.
Applicants should include three professional references.
Applicants should include a link to their digital portfolio.
Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Oberlin offers an excellent benefits package that includes a generous PTO policy.
All interested applicants must apply directly to Oberlin's job portal: