Summary:
The Director of Marketing leads the integration, coordination, and operational execution of marketing, communications, public relations, and reputation across the University.
Reporting to the Sr. Director of Advancement, this role ensures marketing and brand alignment across the University; translating strategy into execution while driving performance accountability and operational efficiency.
Responsibilities:
Leadership
- Lead annual marketing planning, strategy execution, and performance goal setting to support enrollment, patient acquisition, fundraising, brand awareness, and institutional priorities
- Provide strategic marketing counsel to University leadership informed by market research, audience insights, competitive analysis, and industry trends
- Lead marketing execution across enrollment, clinical services, fundraising, and brand initiatives, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and priorities
- Oversee creative/design function including prioritization, quality, and brand consistency
- Prioritize resources within the Marketing team and coordinate with partners to resolve competing needs
- Lead, coach, and develop Marketing team members, fostering accountability, collaboration, and high-performance execution
Performance Integration & Decision Support
- Monitor marketing performance, analyze trends, develop reporting frameworks, and recommend optimization strategies to improve outcomes and resource allocation
- Drive performance accountability across the Marketing team
Communications, PR & Reputation Management
- Oversee external agencies, media partners, and vendors to support marketing and communications objectives
- Manage public relations, media outreach, reputation management, social media, and storytelling initiatives aligned with University messaging and brand standards
- Coordinate responses to sensitive communications issues and escalate risks appropriately
Marketing Operations & Technology
- Establish and monitor marketing performance metrics, including return on investment, conversion rates, audience engagement, and growth outcomes to drive continuous improvement
- Support the implementation, adoption, and optimization of marketing technology, CRM, automation, analytics, and AI tools to improve operational effectiveness and scalability
- Leverage audience segmentation, personalization, and performance insights to optimize marketing strategies and outcomes
Budget & Resource Management
- Manage marketing budgets, vendors, and resources to maximize organizational impact and return on investment
- Develop data-informed recommendations regarding marketing investments, priorities, and growth opportunities
Policy Implementation & Compliance
- Implement and enforce University marketing and communications policies through consistent workflows and processes
- Monitor compliance, educate stakeholders, and escalate risks when appropriate
Education & Experience:
Bachelor’s degree required
7+ years of progressive leadership in marketing, brand, communications
Higher education or healthcare marketing experience preferred
Strong background in digital marketing, communications, and public relations
Experience managing teams, complex marketing workflows, budget planning, forecasting, and vendor/agency cost management
Working knowledge of CRM platforms, marketing automation, analytics, and AI-driven marketing tools
Demonstrated ability to execute within established brand and reputation frameworks
About Sonoran University:
Sonoran University of Health Sciences (formerly SCNM) is a non-profit, higher education institution. An internationally recognized institution of natural health sciences, the University’s College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health’s evidence-based program offerings shape a healthier future by supporting students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals. Sonoran University’s Sage Foundation for Health contributes to the missions and operations of Community Clinics focused on providing free medical care to local underserved communities. The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is a state-of-the-art molecular biology/phytochemistry laboratory that seeks to improve therapies for global health concerns by exploring traditional medicine at the cellular, molecular and cultural level to create novel botanical solutions that support people, plants, and planet.
The University campus is home to two open-to-the-public clinics. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare for a wide range of patients including but not limited to; family medicine, nutrition and digestive health, mental health and well-being, dermatologic conditions, endocrine and auto-immune concerns, and acute symptoms. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management. Treatments range from cupping and acupuncture to regenerative injection therapies. The Medicinary is the largest natural medicinary in Arizona, offering an expansive collection of the highest quality, professional-grade supplements, herbs, and health products. Every purchase made at the Medicinary helps support the Sage Foundation and its mission to provide free healthcare to those in need.
Working Environment
This will be a local to Arizona, in-office position with flex-hybrid 3 days a week.
Extensive periods of sitting, keyboarding, and manipulating a computer mouse. Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work. Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling of up to 25 pounds. Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Communicate to perform essential functions.
Background/Screening:
All candidates offered a position at Sonoran University undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire. All employees must show documentation of vaccinations or provide titer results for measles prior to first day of work (unless religious or medical exemption is on file). Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position.
Sonoran University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Sonoran University is a smoke-free campus.
Sonoran University encourages all employees to stay current with their COVID-19 immunizations.
