Assistant Manager, Marketing Strategy

General Purpose

Reporting to the Manager, Marketing and Communications, the Assistant Manager, Marketing Strategy sets the strategic direction for social media, web content and marketing initiatives that advance the University of Guelph’s domestic and international student recruitment priorities and enrolment goals.

Working closely with student recruitment and admission teams, the incumbent develops coordinated approaches for domestic and international markets. The role oversees social media, digital ads development, recruitment websites and digital tools, using audience insights and analytics to improve the prospective student experience.

The Assistant Manager also oversees the development of recruitment marketing content and creative materials. The position supervises the Social Media and Marketing Specialist and student staff, provides oversight of the Social Media Ambassador program and guides international regional teams developing regionally and culturally relevant content.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative marketing leader with strong digital expertise, sound judgement and the ability to guide people and complex projects in a fast-paced, public-facing environment.

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Set the strategic direction for social media, digital marketing, web content and related initiatives supporting domestic and international recruitment. 
• Oversee institutional social media and messaging channels, including content planning, publishing, community engagement, social listening and issue response.  
• Provide guidance, training and quality assurance to international regional teams developing content for priority markets.
• Oversee the strategy, governance and ongoing optimization of recruitment websites and digital tools, ensuring content is accurate, accessible and user focused.
• Use analytics, audience research and emerging digital practices to improve campaign performance, content and prospective student journeys.
• Direct the development of digital and print marketing materials, including creative production, content coordination and vendor management.
• Supervise staff and student employees, establish priorities and provide ongoing direction, feedback and professional development.
• Build collaborative relationships across the University, provide marketing advice and coordinate initiatives with academic, service and communications partners.
• Provide marketing and operational oversight for major recruitment initiatives, publications, mailings and events.
• Support in-person recruitment events such as Fall Open House, March Open House and Future Gryphon Days.  

Requirements

The university recognizes that no one individual will have the following skills and experience in equal measure, but the qualifications below will be used to assess candidates: 

• Undergraduate degree in Marketing, Communications, Digital Media or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience in marketing, communications, social media or digital content within a complex, public-facing organization.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing integrated marketing and digital content strategies.
• Strong knowledge of social media platforms, paid digital advertising and performance analytics.
• Experience managing websites and digital content, including user journeys, content governance and content management systems such as Drupal.
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, with knowledge of digital accessibility and search optimization practices.
• Strong project management skills, including experience coordinating multiple priorities, budgets, vendors and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated supervisory skills, including delegation, coaching, performance management and staff development.
• Strong relationship-building and consultation skills, supported by sound judgement when managing public-facing communications and emerging issues. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience working in recruitment, marketing or communications within a higher education environment.
• Experience developing marketing content for domestic and international audiences.
• Knowledge of the University of Guelph’s programs, recruitment and admission cycle and campus environment. 

Why choose the University of Guelph? 

• Comprehensive Extended Health Care Benefits: Immediate enrollment to cover yourself and your family.
• Time Off: Generous vacation allocation, floater days, and paid time off during December closure.
• Wellness: Flexible spending credit for health, wellness, or professional development.
• Learning & Development: Professional growth opportunities and access to learning resources.
• On-Campus Activities: Discounts on food and apparel, fitness programs, networking events, and team-building opportunities.
• Improve Life: Contribute to meaningful work that turns knowledge into action.