Summary of Position: The Marketing and Communications Manager for Wesley Seminary provides strategic leadership for all marketing, branding, and communication efforts while serving as a collaborative member of Indiana Wesleyan University's Marketing team. This position operates within a dual-reporting structure: to the University's central Marketing function for brand stewardship and institutional integration, and to Seminary leadership for mission-driven priorities.
The Manager develops and executes integrated campaigns that strengthen Wesley Seminary's identity and extend its impact locally and globally. Serving as a bridge between the Seminary and the University, this role translates the Seminary's priorities into cohesive campaigns while leveraging institutional resources and expertise. The position leads communications for Seminary-wide initiatives—including ecosystem-based programs such as VIA Journeys and 21st Century Church—ensuring narrative coherence and effective stakeholder engagement.
This role combines storytelling, brand strategy, and data-informed decision making, communicating with theological integrity, cultural humility, and creative excellence to diverse audiences within Christian higher education.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership & Brand Stewardship
- Develop and implement comprehensive marketing and communication strategies that advance Wesley Seminary’s mission and strategic plan in collaboration with the University Marketing and Communications team
- Serve as steward of Wesley Seminary’s brand identity, ensuring consistency with University brand standards while honoring the Seminary’s theological and institutional distinctives
- Act as the primary liaison between Wesley Seminary and the University Marketing team, fostering strong communication, shared planning, and mutual accountability
- Provide strategic marketing and communications support for Seminary-wide initiatives such as VIA Journeys and 21st Century Church, ensuring alignment with Wesley Seminary’s mission, brand, and institutional priorities while supporting initiative-specific goals
- Integrated Marketing & Communications Execution
- Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of Seminary marketing initiatives, including:
- Writing and distributing announcements, stories, and feature content
- Creating, maintaining, and optimizing web content
- Developing print and digital marketing collateral
- Managing video and multimedia projects
- Designing and executing targeted email campaigns
- Support the launch, visibility, and ongoing communications of strategic initiatives (e.g., VIA Journeys), including pilot communications, partner-facing materials, and stakeholder updates, in coordination with initiative leadership
- Storytelling & Content Development
- Oversee the creation of compelling content that “tells the story” of Wesley Seminary through:
- Strategic copywriting and editorial leadership
- Graphic design direction
- Photography, videography, audio, and digital storytelling
- Translate academic, theological, and ministry initiatives into accessible and engaging narratives for diverse audiences
- Translate complex initiatives, research findings, and pilot learnings—including ecosystem-based programs such as VIA Journeys and 21st Century Church—into clear, compelling narratives for churches, partners, donors, and institutional audiences
- Web & Digital Strategy
- Serve as primary administrator for Wesley Seminary’s Content Management System (CMS), including:
- Directing the Seminary web strategy and user experience
- Ensuring timely updates, content accuracy, and platform integrity
- Enhancing engagement, accessibility, and discoverability
- Email Marketing & Communications
- Direct and manage all Seminary email communications, including:
- Weekly and quarterly newsletters
- Alumni and donor communications
- Program-specific campaigns and announcements
- Ensure consistent voice, messaging, and branding across all digital communications
- Social Media Leadership
- Manage and provide strategic oversight of all official Wesley Seminary social media platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube)
- Provide guidance and quality control for Seminary-related subaccounts (programs, initiatives, houses)
- Develop social strategies that strengthen engagement, visibility, and mission alignment
- Advertising & Media Planning
- Collaborate with the University Media Buyer and Marketing team to develop and execute Wesley Seminary’s annual media plan
- Partner with University Marketing and Communications on campaign design, placement, and performance evaluation
- Collaboration & Institutional Alignment
- Participate in University Marketing planning meetings and initiatives to ensure Seminary priorities are represented and aligned with institutional goals
- Advise Seminary leadership on marketing strategy and communication implications of new programs and initiatives
- Collaborate closely with Seminary leadership, initiative directors, and program teams to align marketing and communications efforts with evolving priorities, pilot timelines, and strategic objectives
- Team Leadership
- Provide leadership, supervision, and professional development for the Media and Communications Specialist
- Media & Podcast Initiatives
- Support and advance Seminary podcasting and media projects, positioning Seminary leaders as thought leaders and practitioners
- Analytics & Performance Measurement
- Track, analyze, and report marketing and communication metrics to:
- Evaluate effectiveness
- Inform strategy o Strengthen recruitment, engagement, and donor communication efforts
- Monitor and report engagement and reach metrics for strategic initiatives, including VIA Journeys and 21st Century Church, to inform communications strategy and support continuous improvement
Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.
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Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
Experience
- Demonstrated experience in strategic marketing and communications leadership, preferably within higher education, nonprofit, or faith-based organizations
Required Skills
- Proven ability to work effectively within a dual-reporting structure and collaborative, matrixed environment
- Strong understanding of brand management, digital marketing, content strategy, and integrated communications
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated strength in storytelling and copywriting
- Experience managing websites, CMS platforms, email marketing systems, and social media channels
- Working knowledge of multimedia production, including photography, videography, and audio content
- Experience using marketing analytics and performance metrics to guide strategy and decision-making
- Demonstrated cultural humility and ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences
- Alignment with Wesley Seminary’s Christian mission, theological commitments, and values
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IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement
IWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan tradition, commits to build a community that reflects Kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment for living, teaching and learning, which exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement that exhibits Christ's commandment to love all humankind.
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