Senior Director, Growth, Marketing and Engagement

Department UChicago Professional About the Department Innovative, career-driven learning experiences define University of Chicago Professional. In our commitment to spread the University's knowledge as broadly as possible, we offer impactful and flexible programs and courses that introduce individual and corporate audiences to up-to-the-minute research, the latest standards in their field, a new professional network, and the University of Chicago's rich intellectual community. Our instructors, all seasoned professionals, deliver unparalleled expertise drawn from years of industry experience. We give our students the tools to succeed in our fast-moving, interconnected world and achieve a competitive edge at any stage of their careers. Job Summary The Senior Director of Growth, Marketing and Engagement leads UChicago Professional’s (UCPro) integrated strategy for market growth, audience development, learner engagement, and brand visibility in support of the University of Chicago’s professional, executive, and lifelong learning portfolio. Reporting to the Managing Director, this role develops and executes a comprehensive, data-informed growth strategy that supports enrollment, revenue generation, partnership development, alumni engagement, and market positioning across a diverse portfolio of non-degree and executive education programs. The Senior Director oversees marketing, communications, enrollment strategy, and audience engagement functions while identifying new pathways for growth through employer partnerships, alumni and learner communities, thought leadership, referral strategies, and innovative digital engagement. This role leverages modern marketing technologies and emerging tools, including AI-enabled workflows, marketing automation, video storytelling, analytics, and experimentation, to expand UCPro’s reach and impact. The Senior Director serves as a strategic partner across academic divisions, central administration, faculty leadership, and external organizations to strengthen UCPro’s national reputation and advance sustainable portfolio growth. Responsibilities Develops and executes an integrated growth strategy aligned with UCPro’s strategic and financial goals, including enrollment, revenue, audience expansion, and market positioning.  Identifies and develops new growth opportunities across B2C, B2B, alumni, employer-sponsored, and executive education audiences.  Partners closely with program strategy, academic units, and enrollment teams to assess market demand and optimize program positioning, pricing, and go-to-market strategies.  Establishes measurable performance indicators and dashboards to evaluate campaign effectiveness, audience engagement, enrollment conversion, and portfolio performance.  Leads and mentors a cross-functional team responsible for marketing, communications, digital engagement, and enrollment support.  Fosters a culture of creativity, innovation, experimentation, accountability, and continuous improvement.  Manages agency, vendor, and technology relationships, ensuring strong performance and alignment with strategic priorities.  Oversees departmental planning, budget development, resource allocation, and operational priorities.  Develops and executes integrated marketing strategies across all channels, utilizing segmented audience approaches to effectively reach professionals, executives, employers, alumni, and lifelong learners. Expands UCPro’s digital presence and competitive differentiation through innovative engagement, personalized communications, referral and community-building programs, and compelling messaging for new and existing offerings. Develops targeted marketing and engagement strategies to support corporate partnerships, custom learning initiatives, enterprise education opportunities, and employer outreach, increasing visibility and participation in UCPro offerings. Collaborates with University and divisional partners to deepen alumni engagement, strengthen lifelong learning pathways, and build relationship-based campaigns for key institutional and professional audiences. Positions UCPro, its faculty, and programs as thought leaders by leading content and communications strategies that highlight expertise, learner impact, program outcomes, and industry trends. Strengthens audience engagement and brand visibility through consistent messaging, brand alignment, and expanded use of multimedia storytelling across all marketing initiatives. Manages adoption and effective use of modern marketing tools, technologies, and practices, including AI, automation, CRM, analytics, A/B testing, and multimedia engagement. Continuously evaluates emerging technologies and best practices.  Partners with analytics and systems teams to improve data integration, audience insights, and reporting capabilities.  Partners with enrollment and student support teams to optimize the learner journey from awareness through enrollment, participation, and alumni engagement.  Develops lifecycle engagement strategies that transform learners into repeat participants, advocates, and ambassadors.  Plans, develops, designs and implements strategic and tactical marketing plans for a department or program. Directs, monitors and evaluates marketing communication and research programs. Provides leadership and supervision to staff, including selection and development of staff. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 7+ years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Education:   Master’s degree. Experience:   Background in higher education, executive education, professional learning, or mission-driven organizations.  Leading integrated marketing, growth, or audience engagement fu