Job Summary

The Lead Marketing Strategist reports to the Director of Marketing Strategy within Purdue Brand Studio, Purdue University's award-winning in-house agency. Recognized among the world's leading in-house agencies, Purdue Brand Studio develops integrated marketing strategies and creative solutions that elevate the university's reputation, advance strategic priorities and drive measurable impact.

Serving as the strategic leader of a dedicated cross-functional team, the Lead Marketing Strategist oversees the development and execution of highly visible, institution-level marketing initiatives that support Purdue's most important priorities. This includes leading complex, integrated campaigns, major video storytelling projects, large-scale activations and signature brand experiences that reach audiences across the state, nation and globe.

The Lead Marketing Strategist partners closely with colleagues across Purdue Brand Studio, university leadership, external agencies and strategic partners, as well as marketing leaders throughout Purdue's colleges, schools and administrative units. Through strong leadership, collaboration and strategic counsel, this role guides teams in delivering audience-centered, insight-driven and on-brand work that strengthens Purdue's reputation, increases affinity among key stakeholders, attracts exceptional students, faculty and staff, and inspires alumni and donor engagement.

Work Environment: This is a hybrid (remote/on-campus) position requiring flexibility to meet the demands of campus engagement and project collaboration. 

At Purdue, you’ll join a community where unrivaled pride and unlimited potential are more than just words—they’re the foundation of how we work and grow, together. If you’re ready to help build a better world through research that matters, take the next step and join us on this path.

About Us:

When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we’ve been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation. 

What We’re Looking For:

Education and Experience
Qualified candidates will need:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field
• Six (6) years of experience in campaign creation, management, and measurement toward set KPIs
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered
• A strong passion and discipline for great brand-building and strategic marketing
• The ability to develop and implement research-based, strategic and integrated marketing plans
• Demonstrated high levels of creativity, curiosity, learning agility, effort, and a desire to improve
• Demonstrated examples of self-awareness and a can-do attitude
• Ability to inspire a shared vision and influence across all levels and functions of an organization
• Strong problem-solving and prioritization skills
• Demonstrated experience in effectively managing and coaching external vendors and marketing agencies to shared success
• Experience in higher education or nonprofit brand marketing. 
• Familiarity with brand activations, experiential marketing, or large-scale campaign execution. 

Additional Information:

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately  

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Career Stream

Compensation Information:

Professional 4

Pay Band S075

Job Code #20003822

The anticipated annual salary range for this position is $85,000-$90,000. The final salary offer will be determined based on various factors, including internal equity, available budget, and relevant experience.

EOE

Purdue University is an EO/EA University