Director, Brand Strategy and Marketing
The Director, Brand Strategy and Marketing is a key leader in the marketing and communications department who develops, implements, and evaluates integrated brand initiatives and marketing plans in support of University of Iowa Health Care’s strategies with the direction of the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. The director leads the marketing team, including clinical services marketing, growth initiatives, community and business partnerships, and special projects. The director identifies opportunities that support our patient care and medical and research mission as the state’s only comprehensive academic medical center.
The director represents the voice of the customer to inform business, marketing, and brand strategy. They collaborate and work effectively and efficiently across the marketing and communications department – as well as the health system - to build the UI Health brand and implement priority marketing initiatives.
This position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization now or in the future.
Key responsibilities:
Research and Analysis
Identify and direct market/audience research and competitive analysis to inform organizational strategy. Incorporate insights into the marketing plans.
Identify and maximize marketing technology, including customer relationship management (CRM) system.
Advance return-on-investment analysis to support strategic decision making on where to invest resources and measure the effectiveness of initiatives.
Marketing Plan
Oversee the creation, development, and implementation of integrated brand and marketing strategy, plans, campaigns, and messaging for identified programs and services.
Translate organizational strategy into marketing plans for service lines, community and business partnerships, and growth initiatives.
Assess service line market readiness.
Create consistent standards of service across clients and teams.
Brand Management
Oversee brand positioning and execution, including advertising, that aligns with market/audience research and the organization’s goals.
Support growth and development of University of Iowa Health Care’s brand.
Promote consistent brand use and set brand guidelines and governance.
Project Management
Direct the portfolio of large-scale, complex marketing projects and initiatives.
Establish priorities, timelines, and resource allocation across multiple concurrent initiatives.
Collaborate with other Marketing and Communication directors on shared goals for growth, reputation, and engagement with internal and external stakeholders. Example: website and digital channel content.
Oversee external agency assignments and performance as extensions of the internal team.
Resolve project risk, conflicts, and capacity challenges.
Financial Responsibility
Develop, manage, and evaluate the marketing division budget
Approve marketing expenses and contracts.
Define expected outcomes tied to growth and engagement.
Supervision/Leadership
Lead, engage, and develop a team of directors, managers, and others within the marketing division to achieve shared, set goals.
Contribute to workforce planning and talent development strategies.
Build trusted relationships with senior leaders, physicians, and health system teams to provide strategic counsel and leadership.
Promote a high-performance, data-informed marketing culture.
Serve on committees, boards, and other groups representing UI Health Care and the Marketing and Communications department, as requested.
Follow the department’s vision, standards, and policies.
Required qualifications:
Master’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
5-7 years of experience in progressive brand strategy that may include brand management and integration, creative development, and digital marketing strategy
Tactical expertise and experience in marketing planning, strategic marketing analysis, advertising development, implementation, and measurement
Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills
Ability to build positive client relationships and provide excellent service
Strong management, analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills
Proven project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines
Collaborative approach
Ability to guide professional staff and anticipate and resolve conflict
Proficiency in MS Office
Valid driver’s license plus the ability to meet the University of Iowa Fleet Safety program driving standards.
Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
Desired Qualifications:
Three years of experience in health care marketing in an academic medical center or multi-hospital system
High degree of creativity, self-motivation, and initiative
Experience with Jira project management system
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate ideas and findings to senior leadership
Knowledge of University of Iowa and UI Health Care policies and procedures
Application Process: To be considered, applicants must upload a cover letter and resume (under the submission of relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For questions, contact Sharon Walther at sharon-walther@uiowa.edu.
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
