Director of Marketing & Communications

Department: Col of Visual and Performing Arts

Classification: Administrative Faculty

Job Category: Administrative or Professional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Salary: Salary commensurate with education and experience

Restricted: Yes

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

Mason Arts is the collective presence of the arts embedded throughout George Mason University. Mason Arts encompasses the seven academic programs of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, seven community arts programs, seven galleries, and two performing arts centers, and our digital venue, Mason Arts Amplified. The impact of this work shows up as the largest arts presence in Northern Virginia. At every stage of life, Mason Arts enables people to explore their creativity and passion for art and artistry in all its forms. The fusion of academic and professional work on campus and throughout the community is the hallmark of Mason Arts: nowhere else do students of all ages enjoy the close connection to professional artists and innovative opportunities that are available here.

About the Position:

The Director of Marketing and Communications is responsible for the planning and execution of all marketing and communications activities for Mason Arts, which includes all enterprises managed by the College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University: the seven academic units (the Arts Management Program, the School of Art, the Computer Game Design Program, the School of Dance, the Film and Video Studies Program, the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music, and the School of Theater), Mason Community Arts Academy, Mason Game and Technology Academy, Virginia Serious Game Institute, Veterans and the Arts Initiative, Mason Exhibitions, Green Machine, Visiting Filmmakers Series, the Center for the Arts, the Hylton Performing Arts Center, Mason Arts Amplified, and other programs or units administered under the Mason Arts brand.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

• Oversees the team responsible for the development and execution of strategic marketing and communications plans for all units within Mason Arts. This comprehensive supervision includes efforts for CVPA’s seven academic programs, seven community arts programs, seven galleries, the Center for the Arts, Hylton Performing Arts Center, and the digital venue Mason Arts Amplified: 
  • Plans content direction, print and digital materials, multi-channel advertising, public relations strategies, social media, internal and external partnerships, and community engagement;
  • Supervises the team that is responsible for the creation, production, and distribution of marketing and communications content and advertising;
  • Collaborates with Academic Affairs and unit directors to align marketing strategies with student recruitment and enrollment goals for CVPA academic programs;
  • Leads the review of strategic plans, monitoring for overall impact and ROI; and
  • Manages and negotiates partnerships with third-party vendors, agencies, and skilled-service providers working in support of strategic plans.

Brand Compliance and Maintenance

• Serves as primary contact and collaborator for Mason Arts with George Mason’s Office of University Branding:
  • Ensures compliance with university branding, both visual and editorial, and develops brand identities for units within Mason Arts; and
  • Advocates for the college’s interests and contributes to university-wide initiatives to prioritize inclusion and integration of Mason Arts into university operations and organizational culture.

Market Research and Evaluation

• Monitors the performance and ROI of campaign efforts among various channels on behalf of Mason Arts and its component units:
  • Provides KPI reporting to unit directors and Mason Arts stakeholders;
  • Evaluates efforts and determines prioritization or discontinuation of channels and specific tasks; and
  • Develops recommendations based on continued awareness of industry best practices, across higher education, visual, and performing arts, and changing market needs.

Team Leadership and Engagement 

• Serves as a coach and mentor to a robust Mason Arts marketing team, creating opportunities for professional growth and evaluating position needs concerning vertical and horizontal integration:
  • Supervises senior members of the marketing and communications team and supports their professional growth and development; and
  • Manages routine team processes such as meeting schedules, project management systems, project delivery timelines, and other elements as needed. 

Budget Management

• Manages and monitors the marketing budgets allocated in support of Mason Arts and its component units:
  • Collaborates across departments to ensure accurate and timely reporting; and
  • Advocates for initiatives and financial needs in support of the marketing team and its operations.

Department Liaison

• Acts as the primary representative of Mason Arts marketing in key meetings and collaborative efforts, ensuring effective communication and alignment with university-wide goals and initiatives:
  • Attends Office of University Branding (OUB) meetings, contributing insights and advocating for Mason Arts initiatives;
  • Represents Mason Arts marketing at CVPA senior staff meetings, Mason Arts Board meetings, Hylton Center Executive Board meetings, and applicable stakeholder committee meetings; and
  • Facilitates collaboration between the Mason Arts marketing team and other university departments, as appropriate, fostering relationships that enhance the visibility and integration of arts initiatives across campus. 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Typically, a minimum 7 years in marketing, communications, public/media relations, and advertising;
• Demonstrated leadership, supervisory experience, and strategic thinking;
• Knowledge of strategic marketing, branding, and communications principles across print, digital, and broadcast platforms;
• Knowledge of audience development and engagement strategies, especially within arts and higher education contexts;
• Skill in developing and executing integrated marketing campaigns that support institutional goals;
• Skill in supervising creative teams and managing marketing budgets effectively;
• Skill in writing and editing for diverse audiences and formats;
• Ability to collaborate across departments and disciplines to ensure consistent and inclusive messaging;
• Ability to analyze marketing data and translate insights into actionable strategies; and
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in related field;
• Experience in a public university or arts organization; familiarity with arts education and community engagement;
• Demonstrated strategic planning capability;
• Knowledge of arts education, arts administration, and community engagement practices;
• Knowledge of media relations and contract negotiation to maximize advertising value;
• Skill in using digital tools and platforms, including content management systems, social media, and analytics software;
• Ability to support fundraising and development efforts through strategic communications;
• Ability to align marketing efforts with strategic priorities such as student success, alumni engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration; and
• Demonstrated ability working with a diverse population of artists, students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Director of Marketing & Communications at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter and Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: February 4, 2026

Posting Close Date: February 20, 2026

Open Until Filled:  No