American University is Hiring for Senior Director of Marketing and Brand Engagement

Senior Director of Marketing and Brand Engagement at American University (WAMU 88.5)

American University’s WAMU 88.5 seeks a Senior Director of Marketing and Brand Engagement to elevate brand presence, deepen audience and member engagement, and drive sustainable revenue growth for one of the nation’s leading public media stations.

Company Overview

American University is a student-centered research institution in Washington, DC. WAMU 88.5, owned and operated by American University, has amplified voices and shared stories across DC, Maryland, and Virginia since 1961. As the region’s source for local, regional, and NPR news and original programming, WAMU serves a diverse and growing audience across on-air and digital platforms.

Role Summary

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Senior Director leads integrated marketing, communications, and brand engagement for WAMU. The role spans consumer marketing, public relations, on-air and digital promotions, events, email and social media, visual identity, and content partnerships. A core mandate includes strategy and oversight for WAMU’s membership fundraising for donors giving under $1,199 annually, including on-air fundraising, events, direct mail, telemarketing, email, vehicle donations, and corporate matching gifts. The Senior Director collaborates closely with Content, Product, and Technology teams to align storytelling, distribution, and audience growth with data-driven insights and organizational goals, and manages the annual marketing and communications budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Own WAMU’s brand and consumer marketing strategy across on-air, social, web, email, and print; oversee collateral, messaging, and presentation development.
• Develop audience-segmented campaigns and ad buys to support programming, events, and growth goals; analyze performance versus industry benchmarks.
• Lead communications strategy, including copywriting/editing for web, intranet, and multiple newsletters; publish WAMU 88.5’s Annual Report and key deliverables.
• Serve as primary media liaison; manage announcements for new programs and schedule changes to staff, audiences, and press; guide internal communications.
• Direct annual membership strategy and execution, ensuring data integrity and CRM optimization; meet or exceed grassroots fundraising objectives.
• Collaborate with American University’s development teams, NPR, and content partners to expand fundraising potential and audience reach.
• Manage and develop a cross-functional team spanning marketing, communications, membership, donor relations, and events; provide coaching and performance feedback.
• Oversee significant operating budgets; use analytics to inform investment, streamline processes, and improve fundraising efficiency, particularly on-air and gift processing.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred. CFRE designation is a plus.
• 10+ years of relevant experience across marketing, branding, communications, media relations, and/or fundraising, including 5+ years leading integrated communications.
• 3+ years of supervisory experience with a track record of developing teams and cross-functional collaboration.
• Experience in nonprofit or media environments and with membership programs is strongly valued.
• Exceptional writing in a journalistic style; proven media strategy skills across multi-platform environments; strong judgment and strategic planning capability.
• Ability to manage complex timelines and budgets, analyze data to inform decisions, and work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Compensation, Benefits, and Location

• $161,768–$188,621 annually (Exempt; Full-Time, 35 hours/week).
• Hybrid schedule (on campus 3–4 days/week) in Washington, DC; employees must work from DC, Maryland, or Virginia or on-site at the university.
• Competitive benefits, including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and families, and leadership development certificates.
• Hiring contingent on successful background check; American University is an E-Verify employer.

How to Apply

Apply via the posting to be considered for the Senior Director of Marketing and Brand Engagement at WAMU 88.5.

Equal Opportunity

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The university does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics under federal or local laws in its programs and activities.

Conclusion

This is a strategic leadership role for a seasoned marketer who can unify brand, communications, and membership growth in a mission-driven media setting. For more curated marketing roles and playbooks, explore Mesha’s hub for ambitious marketers at