DEPARTMENT: Marketing and Communications
REPORTS TO: MLC President
LOCATION: New Ulm, Minnesota
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Exempt (Salary) | 1.00 FTE – Regular Full-time
RANGE: $75,000-$90,000

SUMMARY

Martin Luther College (MLC) seeks a talented and mission-driven Director of Marketing & Communications to lead the college’s strategic communication and brand management efforts. In this highly visible role, the Director will shape perception, advance student enrollment, deepen alumni and donor engagement, and amplify MLC’s unique mission as the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) College of Ministry through integrated marketing and communications strategies.

This collaborative and hands-on leadership position is perfect for a creative professional who thrives in a team environment and is passionate about making a meaningful impact.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive multi-channel marketing and communications strategy to support the college’s core goals.
  • Serve as the college’s brand steward, ensuring clarity, consistency, and integrity of messaging across all platforms, materials, audiences, events, and experiences.
  • Collaborate with all synod and college stakeholders to align messaging and support key initiatives.
  • Supervise and mentor the marketing and communications team, as well as manage relationships with external vendors and contractors, as needed.
  • Oversee the department budget and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing efforts through data-driven analytics.

Content Strategy & Storytelling

  • Oversee creation and distribution of compelling content that communicates the college’s value, ministry preparation, and distinctive mission.
  • Direct strategic communications across key channels, including the website, social media, email marketing, and traditional media.
  • Manage the editorial calendar and production of flagship publications.

Media & Public Relations

  • Serve as primary media contact and spokesperson when appropriate.
  • Coordinate MLC representation – at synod conferences, conventions, and events.
  • Steward community relationships through available civic and media outlets.
  • Oversee development of press releases, talking points, crisis communication plans, and internal communications, as needed.

Digital Strategy

  • Oversee website content strategy and user experience, ensuring SEO and accessibility best practices.
  • Lead digital marketing efforts (email campaigns, social media advertising, SEM, and analytics tracking).
  • Analyze marketing performance data and adjust strategies for continual improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

  • A deep commitment to the mission and core values of WELS and MLC, and an ability to apply that commitment in the performance of daily responsibilities.
  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field/equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years of progressively responsible experience in marketing and communications, with at least 3 years in a leadership role, preferably in higher education or mission-driven organizations.
  • Experience with brand development, strategic communications, and event planning.

Preferred:

  • Preference may be given to an active member of the WELS or church body in fellowship with the WELS.
  • Master’s degree or certification in a related field or equivalent experience in managing small to mid-sized organizations.
  • Knowledge of and support for the undergraduate, graduate and continuing education programs offered.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Google Platforms, digital marketing tools, and analytics (e.g., Google Analytics, email platforms, social media management tools).
  • Working knowledge of CMS (e.g., WordPress), CRM systems (e.g., Slate, Salesforce), and graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva).
  • Experience with video production and media relations.
  • Familiarity with higher education marketing and enrollment strategies.

ATTRIBUTES FOR SUCCESS

  • A deep commitment to the mission and core values of WELS and MLC.
  • Passionate about higher education and the profound value of a close-knit, small-college environment.
  • Innovative and visionary leader who excels in both strategy and execution.
  • Creative and flexible, able to adapt to a high-performing, small-team environment.
  • Adept at uniting cross-functional teams around shared strategic goals through collaboration.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & BENEFITS

  • This position is full-time, primarily on-site with some travel, irregular hours, evening, and weekend hours.
  • This position is Full-time Benefit Eligible. A comprehensive schedule of benefits can be found here.

ABOUT US

Martin Luther College (MLC) is the WELS College of Ministry, preparing pastors, teachers, and staff ministers to proclaim the truth of the Holy Scriptures in churches, schools, and other institutions. MLC serves about 600 on-campus students and almost 1,000 online students. Located on a beautiful wooded hill, the 100-acre campus overlooks the city of New Ulm, Minnesota. MLC offers the charm of a small town with easy access to larger cities—just 25 miles from Mankato and 90 miles from Minneapolis/St. Paul.

APPLY ONLINE

Click this link to apply online

Applications are accepted until the position is filled.

Direct all inquiries to Human Resources
507-354-8221
hr@mlc-wels.edu