University Communication translates ECU’s message into strategic and compelling communication and campaigns through the university web site, news releases, its official social media, East magazine, storytelling, production of promotional videos and video news stories along with infographics, creation and development of promotional brochures, and annual reports. The purpose is to provide strategic communication and marketing guidance and support to increase the knowledge, understanding, appreciation and support of the University and its work with broad and varied constituencies, from prospective students to identified thought leaders to prospective donors.

Through ECU News Services, University Communications performs media relations, public affairs, internal communication, and strategic communication work on behalf of the university and reports and disseminates information about events, activities, research, policies, individuals and alumni of the University, both through the media, videos, ecu.edu, the university website and through owned publications and other forums.

Through Creative Services, University Communications works with all university departments to conceptualize, design, develop, and produce written, audio-visual, digital and print projects to brand, communicate, and market their messages to appropriate audiences. Creative Services also provides strategic marketing advice for the university, including performing advertising buys for the university.

The Executive Director of Brand, Marketing and Creative Strategy serves as East Carolina University’s senior executive leader responsible for stewarding and advancing the university’s institutional brand, marketing, and creative strategy as an enterprise-wide asset.

Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer/Director of University Communications and with a dotted-line relationship to the Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff, the position provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for brand and marketing communications across the university.

This role ensures that ECU presents a clear, compelling and aligned identity to its audiences while enabling effective collaboration across a complex institution. The Executive Director will direct integrated brand strategy, oversee all university-wide marketing initiatives, and drive campaigns that advance ECU’s enrollment goals, academic reputation and institutional priorities. The position leads the marketing, branding and creative services units, ensuring cohesive and high-impact communication across the ECU enterprise.

The position is accountable for establishing shared direction, decision-making clarity, and performance expectations – balancing institutional coherence with unit-level needs and innovation.

The Executive Director of Brand, Marketing and Creative Strategy plays a critical role in strengthening ECU’s institutional alignment, visibility, and effectiveness. By establishing clear strategy, governance, and leadership for brand and marketing, this role enables the university to move from fragmented activity to coordinated institutional performance—supporting ECU’s mission, growth, and long-term success.

Institutional Brand Strategy & Stewardship

Marketing Strategy and Enrollment Alignment

Creative and Campaign Oversight

Partnership with Enrollment, Advancement & Academic Leadership

Team Leadership & Organizational Capability

Measurement, Performance & Continuous Improvement

Collaboration & Institutional Integration

Contingent upon availability of funds.

All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

None

East Carolina University requires applicants to submit a candidate profile online in order to be considered for the position. Candidates must also submit a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references, including contact information, online.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees. ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.