Job Information
University Of Denver Director Of Digital Experience in Denver, Colorado
About the University of Denver
Located where the Great Plains meet the Rocky Mountains, the University of Denver embodies the spirit of exploration and discovery that defines our region and our history. DU is a private institution built on exploration through research and collaboration among educators, students, and local and global communities. With nationally recognized academic programs, a history of widespread influence, a forward-looking vision for a 21st-century education, and a deep commitment to promoting inclusion, we open a world of opportunity to students and empower Pioneers to make a difference around the world. Through learning, scholarship and practice, students gain the experience, knowledge and courage they need to tackle big challenges in the real world and guide diverse communities and organizations.
About the Division of Marketing & Communications
The Division of Marketing & Communications (MarComm) aims to strengthen DUs strategic position locally, regionally, and nationally through data-driven and authentic storytelling across multiple channels with focused support on the university's value drivers: academics and research; enrollment and admissions, athletics, and advancement. Whether through public or media relations, digital strategies, social media, print, podcast, issues or crisis management, community relations or thought leadership and training, MarComm drives results through narratives that involve words, pictures, and design. With true understanding of and connection with our diverse audiences, we aim to foster collaborative problem solving, creativity and innovation.MarComm speaks with a unified, authentic, and resonant voice to strategically advance the University of Denver
- To promote and protect DU's reputation.
- To inspire students to enroll and engage.
- To increase inclusion.
- To strengthen the University. It is a moral imperative that all staff within MarComm not only feel they are in a safe environment but also that the community is actually safe and protected. MarComm's community-created, shared sense of belonging definition says, that "A shared sense of belonging in MarComm means building a collaborative, trusting community where we feel and are safe, valued, and appreciated being ourselves as we contribute to something meaningful." Being safe, seen, and heard was the impetus for developing a Bias Incident Protocol and Resources Guide, which provides a clear and accessible channel for reporting incidents of bias with the division.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Strategic Positioning (AVC), the Director of Digital Experience (DDE) serves as a leader, change agent and driving force behind the integration of the University of Denver's digital ecosystem, creating a seamless user experience across platforms and overseeing the front-end (content) advancement of the University's website and implementation of the university brand in the digital space. The Director is responsible for overseeing front-end digital strategy, execution and reporting, ensuring the effectiveness of day-to-day activities within the teams supervised as well as supporting the overall quality of work done on behalf of the institution. Under the guidance of the AVC and in collaboration with partners overseeing back-end development, marketing, brand, creative, communications, market research and storytelling, the Director is responsible for influencing how people around the nation and globe interact with the Uni versity of Denver in a digital space, creating powerful tools and online experiences to support reputation, recruitment, and revenue generation. This position must know and understand the role the website plays in building the University's reputation, as well as recruiting students and employees. The person in this position will develop a holistic view of the customer journey and apply data and ins ghts to inform the ongoing improvement of the website that engages and converts, using data-driven decision-making, collaboration and innovation. The Director will provide support for campus partners across the University's two campuses and in its communities, creating impactful digital experiences and ensuring DU's digital tools are serving as its most effective marketing and communications platforms. This role combines supervisory responsibilities with contribution to and presentation of big ideas, responsibility for the care and optimization of DU's website and content within its broade r digital portfolio, and on-going establishment of the necessary systems and process that lead to efficient and effective outcomes for the University.
Essential Functions
Web & Front-End Digital Ecosystem Program & Team Lead
- Provides operational direction for the maintenance, optimization, enhancement, and ongoing optimization of DU's Drupal and WordPress content management systems.
- In collaboration with AVC, creates and implements annual digital strategies in support of DU's strategic priorities, with primary focus on reputational advancements; revenue-generation support for recruitment, fundraising, and other similar programs; thought leader/influencer advocacy; and other strategic priorities.
- Forms close working partnership with IT counterparts to collaboratively provide strategic direction for the critical advancement and maintenance of the University's website, mobile apps, Chatbot and other end user digital platforms.
- Recommends and oversees market research, usability and user testing activities, as needed, to support program.
- Ensures website compliance with legal, privacy, regulatory and accreditation requirements.
- Actively monitors effectiveness of activities and leads optimization efforts to maximize results.
- Sets policy, guidelines, and standards for official DU websites in