"Director, Marketing & Business Development, Business Services Division"

Job Description Summary

The Director of Marketing and Business Development reports directly to the Associate Vice President (AVP) of Business Services and collaborates closely with the Directors of Communications & External Relations and Communications & Special Projects. Together, this three-person leadership team oversees communications, marketing, media relations, customer service/constituent relations, and business development initiatives across the Division of Business Services (BSD).

The Director has primary responsibility for managing the University's trademark licensing program and leading marketing and communications for the Penn Bookstore. These areas require strong autonomy and strategic alignment with the AVP for execution, monitoring, reporting, and growth. The role also plays a key part in advancing division-wide marketing initiatives, strengthening customer experience, and supporting high-visibility programs such as Campus Express Penn, a critical initiative that supports the division's student-facing services.

This position requires sound judgment, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with campus partners, external vendors, and peers across the division.

Job Description

Responsibilities

• Manage the University's trademark licensing program, including vendor/agency contracts, compliance, revenue generation, and policy development, in consultation with the AVP.
• Lead marketing and communications initiatives for the Penn Bookstore, including events, communications, course materials, and social media strategies.
• Collaborate with the Directors of Communications & External Relations and Communications & Special Projects on constituent relations, marketing campaigns, and strategic initiatives.
• Provide hands-on management of the Campus Express Penn program, coordinating with the Director of Communications & External Relations to ensure consistent messaging and effective engagement.
• Develop integrated marketing strategies and creative content that amplify divisional services across multiple platforms and channels.
• Coordinate BSD's participation in campus-wide events; design, distribute, and analyze surveys; and oversee customer feedback mechanisms.
• Serve as liaison with internal University stakeholders and external vendors to advance marketing and business development efforts.
• Contribute to the communications leadership team to deliver consistent, high-quality strategies aligned with divisional standards and priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required; Master's degree preferred.
• 5-7 years of experience in marketing, communications, licensing, or related fields is required; 7-10 years preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with proven ability to manage constituent and customer relations.
• Experience with vendor and agency relationship management, including contract administration.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute marketing strategies across digital and traditional platforms.
• Technical proficiency with survey/analytic tools, graphics applications, and advanced Office 365/web tools.
• Familiarity with collegiate or trademark licensing strongly preferred.
• Experience with event planning, coordination, and execution.
• Prior experience in higher education administration or student services preferred, with knowledge of emerging trends in campus amenities and administrative operations.
• Strong ability to balance strategic vision with practical, hands-on execution.

About the Division of Business Services

The Business Services Division (BSD) supports the individual and collective needs of the Penn community by promoting a hospitable, customer-friendly campus environment by providing mission-critical services and essential operations. BSD's mission is to provide high-quality service in a fiscally responsible manner.

The Division is currently focused on three major initiatives:

• Revenue growth/retention through improved marketing efforts, extended services, and development of new distribution channels.
• Driving productivity for the Division and its customers through the better use of technology.
• Enhancing service offerings through upgrades and expansions of facilities.

For additional information visit: https://www.business-services.upenn.edu/