Executive Director for Marketing & Strategic Communications (Dedman School of Law) - (DED00000450)

Salary Range : Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications About SMU SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools : Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies. SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem – paired with entrepreneurial drive – creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence. Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU’s relationship with Dallas – the dynamic center of one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions – offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact. SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry. About the Position : This role is an on-campus, in-person position. The Executive Director for Marketing and Strategic Communications will lead the Dedman Law Marketing and Communications team in developing and implementing a cutting-edge marketing and communications strategy campaign to highlight the strengths of Dedman Law. This position will manage and enhance the school's brand image and messaging across various channels, including the law school’s website, email communications, and social media for faculty, staff, centers, clinics, etc. The executive director will work with the Dean and other staff to craft a communications plan for key external audiences and collaborate with media outlets and stakeholders to enhance the law school's visibility. The goal of this position is to communicate information about and enhance the reputation of Dedman Law internally and externally—regionally, nationally, and globally. Essential Functions : Develop communications strategy and implement marketing campaign to highlight the strengths of Dedman School of Law. Work with the Dean and other law staff in the administration to craft a communications plan for key external audiences. Overall management of the school's brand image and messaging across various channels, including the law school website and social media for faculty, staff, centers, clinics, etc. Manage a team responsible for the web, email communications, and social media presence of Dedman Law, as well as oversee the creation of printed materials for both internal and external use. This involves planning, writing, honing messaging, and overseeing communication tools such as the law school’s monthly newsletter, email communications, the annual magazine, media pitches, annual giving fundraising letters and emails, videos, presentations, speeches, and more. Establish and maintain relationships with media contacts and maintain an awareness of media coverage of Dedman Law. Oversee public relations efforts on behalf of Dedman Law to promote and enhance the reputation of the school. Connect with SMU central marketing and communication to ensure university brand guidelines are upheld and Dedman Law is accurately represented and promoted in multiple channels of print and digital outlets. Responsible for creating some content for the website, press releases, alumni magazine, social media, and alumni and stakeholder correspondence. Also responsible for the development of some content related to videography, including scripts and storyboards. Liaise with law faculty and staff to accurately represent and promote Dedman Law to audiences. Maintain awareness of faculty scholarship, events, programs, faculty, staff, and clinic accomplishments that should be publicized. Assist the Dean, the law school administration, alumni relations, and development with various law school board meetings, events, lectures, and programs. Track deadlines, oversee data gathering and alumni / peer school / employer outreach efforts for law school rankings. Report out rankings results to key law school administration. Maintain awareness of new rankings and determine which ones are relevant for Dedman Law participation. Coordinate and communicate directly with key Dedman Law alumni and stakeholders for events and Distinguished Alumni Awards. Oversee and track marketing and external relations budget. Deadline to Apply : December 7, 2025. EEO Statement : SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity / Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, accessequity@smu.edu. Benefits : SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution. SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU. The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.