"Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications"

Job Description Summary

Penn Dental Medicine (PDM) seeks an innovative, strategic, and visionary Assistant Dean for Marketing & Communications to elevate the School's national and global reputation as the premier leader and authoritative voice in oral health. Reporting directly to the Dean, the Assistant Dean will shape and execute a bold, modernized global brand strategy that leverages the latest tools in AI, digital storytelling, social media, and analytics to position PDM as the world's preeminent thought leader in dental education, research, clinical care, and public oral health advocacy. This role offers an exceptional opportunity for creativity and entrepreneurship, enabling the development of a transformative approach to strategic communication and engagement.

This role is central to shaping how PDM tells its story not only to academic, clinical, and media audiences but also to alumni, donors, and philanthropic partners whose engagement is essential to advancing the School's mission. Because marketing, communications, and development are deeply interconnected functions, the Assistant Dean will work in close partnership with the Development & Alumni Relations (DAR) team to ensure that institutional messaging supports strategic fundraising priorities, strengthens alumni engagement, and reflects a development-informed lens across all platforms.

The Assistant Dean will oversee comprehensive marketing, communications, brand strategy, and crisis communication functions, guiding PDM's internal and external narrative with clarity, consistency, and innovation. This role requires a forward-looking leader who can drive institutional visibility, steward reputation, and connect stakeholders across the School and University.

Job Description

Key Areas of Responsibility

1. Global Brand Strategy & Reputation Leadership

• Develop and lead a high-impact global brand strategy that positions Penn Dental Medicine as the leading authority on oral health, dental research, and clinical innovation.
• Modernize the School's brand presence using AI-driven marketing, contemporary storytelling, data analytics, and social media innovation to enhance global reach and influence.
• Ensure consistent and compelling brand messaging across all institutional platforms.
• Serve as the strategic liaison to University Communications and global partners.
• Drive visibility campaigns surrounding key institutional milestones.

2. Strategic Communications & Crisis Management

• Serve as key advisor to the Dean and leadership team on sensitive communication issues.
• Lead the development of clear, timely communications addressing crisis or reputational matters.
• Act as spokesperson when appropriate and manage media relations.
• Oversee institutional messaging for accuracy, clarity, and integrity.
• Draft speeches, remarks, and institutional statements for leadership.

3. Digital Engagement & Content Strategy

• Lead an integrated approach to support academic programs, clinical practices, and research strengths.
• Oversee all print, digital, and social media content for unified quality and voice.
• Guide data-driven marketing initiatives, including CRM optimization and analytics.
• Strengthen internal communication pathways across the School.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to amplify events, campaigns, and achievements.

4. Administrative Leadership & Operational Oversight

• Lead and mentor the communications and marketing team.
• Oversee budgets, resources, vendors, and communications contractors.
• Establish KPIs and evaluation tools to measure strategy effectiveness.
• Ensure timely execution and prioritization in a fast-paced environment.
• Ensure high-quality and evidence-based oral health content across all channels.

Other duties as assigned. Provide and maintain expertise in innovative solutions focused on the responsible stewardship of Penn Dental Medicine and its community experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred; 5-7+ years of progressive leadership in marketing or communications, or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Demonstrated experience using AI-enabled tools, CRM systems, analytics platforms, and modern digital strategies.
• Strong background in crisis communication and executive advising.
• Proven leadership with experience managing teams and complex initiatives.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.
• Ability to thrive under multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
• Strategic, collaborative mindset aligned with institutional values.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

School of Dental Medicine

Pay Range

$133,000.00 - $150,000.00 Annual Rate