Director of External Marketing Strategy

Job Summary

Purdue Brand Studio, Purdue University's award-winning in-house brand agency, is excited to welcome a Director of External Marketing Strategy. This highly impactful role will serve as a senior strategic leader within the unit and is responsible for developing and executing integrated, insight-informed external marketing strategies that advance Purdue's reputation and expand awareness, affinity, and trust among external stakeholders and net-new audiences.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Marketing Strategy, this position manages a team of high-performing marketing strategists and focuses on short-to mid-term (1-2 year) tactical and operational plans, translating institutional strategy into measurable, high-impact marketing initiatives. This role requires strong leadership presence, advanced marketing expertise, and the ability to influence stakeholders across colleges, units, geographies, and external partners.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field required
- Seven (7) years of progressive, relevant marketing experience, preferably within higher education or a similarly complex, matrixed organization
- Demonstrated experience leading large teams, managing managers, and overseeing integrated marketing initiatives

Skills:
- Advanced expertise in brand strategy, integrated marketing, and external audience engagement
- Strong analytical and strategic planning skills with the ability to translate insights into action
- Proven ability to manage budgets, external vendors, and agency partners
- High learning agility, sound judgment, and the ability to operate effectively amid ambiguity
- Demonstrated success influencing cross-functional partners and driving alignment at scale

Nice to Have: Advanced degree

Additional Information:
- Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
- A background check will be required
- FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions Immediately

Purdue University is an EO/EA University.