"Associate Vice President, Communications"

Associate Vice President, Communications

Job ID: 291342

Location: Kennesaw, Georgia

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

About Us

Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower our 47,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high-impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Come Take Flight at KSU!

Location

(Primary Location for Job Responsibilities) Our Kennesaw campus is located at 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Our Marietta campus is located at 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Communications and Marketing and serving as an integral member of the leadership team, the Associate Vice President of Communications is responsible for the development of the University's communication strategy and contributes to the department's strategic planning process. The Associate VP of Communications leads the development of the annual communications plan, directly managing communications activities that advance, enhance, and protect the University's brand reputation.

The AVP of Communications is responsible for the development, integration, and implementation of a broad range of public relations activities supporting the strategic direction and positioning of the University and its leadership. As an ambassador for the University, the AVP is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the media. A senior divisional leader, the AVP serves as the main crisis communications officer, playing a leading role in managing media interactions, including serving as the University's spokesperson when needed, and working closely with the University's Executive Leadership Team and other stakeholders.

Responsibilities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides leadership and direction for the University's overall communications strategy across internal, external, social media, and crisis channels
2. Oversees crisis communications, media relations, editorial content, the university magazine, campus communications, and social media in alignment with KSU's mission and values
3. Creates and manages crisis communication plans and plays a key role in emergency response efforts
4. Serves as University spokesperson or assigns representatives for media and public communications during critical events
5. Builds strong partnerships across colleges and departments to promote University initiatives, achievements, and brands
6. Ensures all messaging is consistent, clear, and impactful
7. Supports executive level communications, op-eds, announcements, and publications
8. Oversees development of communication materials across print, digital, web, and media channels
9. Leads and mentors a high-performing communications team to foster collaboration and deliver results
10. Supervises staff producing storytelling that highlights faculty, students, research, and University initiatives
11. Provides timely and constructive feedback to support staff development
12. Coordinates communications efforts across departments, colleges, and offices
13. Guides strategy, management, and innovation of digital communications and social media
14. Tracks trends and emerging technologies to apply best practices to university platforms
15. Benchmarks against best practices to ensure high-quality communications services
16. Performs other duties as needed to support the University's success

Required Qualifications

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in Communications, Media Relations, English, or a related field

Required Experience

Ten (10) years of demonstrated experience in the related field, including progressively responsible management experience and at least 5 years in a senior leadership role

Preferred Qualifications

Additional Preferred Qualifications

Extensive record of superior leadership/management of complex multi-disciplinary communications teams

Preferred Educational Qualifications

An advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field

Preferred Experience

Extensive experience in media relations, crisis communications, and reputation management strategies in higher education, preferably at a Carnegie R1 or R2 university

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

ABILITIES

Superb storytelling skills with an ability to quickly understand our unique campus culture and help shape the University's story in ways that are on brand and resonate with both internal and external stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to work with executive leadership and governing bodies.

Ability to navigate high-stakes, complex issues involving multiple stakeholders with varying interests.

Ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels appropriate to their purview of authority and scope of responsibility.

Ability to lead diverse teams and deliver results in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time, meeting assigned deadlines

KNOWLEDGE

Intermediate or expert knowledge of media relations, internal communications, social media, editorial content, and digital strategies.

Knowledge of accessibility standards and inclusive communications best practices.

Experience leading crisis communications and managing sensitive or high-profile institutional issues.

Strong understanding of digital platforms, content strategy, and emerging trends in higher ed communications.

Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the position (i.e., Microsoft Office suite)

Remains current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending industry/professional development courses, and conferences.

SKILLS

Exceptional editing, oral, and written communication skills.

Proven track record of managing large-scale, multi-channel communications initiatives within a complex organization (preferably higher education, healthcare, government, or nonprofit).

Demonstrated leadership, staff development, and team building skills.

Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills

Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills

Strong customer service skills and phone and e-mail etiquette