Associate Vice President for University Communications and Marketing

Associate Vice President for University Communications and Marketing

West Chester University (WCU) is a proudly public, forward-looking university that seeks an innovative and strategic leader to serve as Associate Vice President (AVP) for University Communications and Marketing (UCM). This is a defining professional opportunity for a communicator who is ready to help elevate our voice, strengthen our brand, and expand the impact of an institution that is deeply committed to student success, community engagement, and academic excellence.

About the Role

The AVP serves as the university’s principal media spokesperson and communications strategist, leading a high-performing team responsible for media relations, digital and social media, marketing, branding, publications, photography, and internal communications. The UCM team functions as an in-house agency and partners with departments and units across campus to tell compelling stories and engage key audiences. This role offers the chance to shape how WCU presents itself to the world —amplifying its mission, strengthening its reputation, and positioning it for increased prominence. It also offers the opportunity to enhance how UCM serves its university clients to enable them to contribute to that work.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as the university’s chief media strategist and spokesperson, building strong relationships with local, regional, and national media.
• Provide trusted counsel to the president and senior leadership on messaging, strategy, crisis response, and reputational risk.
• Lead the development and execution of integrated, institution-wide communications and marketing strategies that drive visibility, engagement, and impact.
• Partner closely with admissions to align brand strategy and messaging in support of enrollment management.
• Oversee brand identity and ensure consistent, compelling storytelling across all channels.
• Guide digital strategy, including web and social media, to reach and engage a range of audiences.
• Direct the creation of high-quality publications and marketing materials that reflect the university’s excellence.
• Use data and analytics to measure success, inform strategy, and drive continuous improvement.
• Foster strong internal and external relationships that support transparency, collaboration, and storytelling.
• Champion accessibility, inclusivity, and best practices in all communications.
• Manage budgets and external partnerships to maximize effectiveness and return on investment.

Who We Seek

We are looking for a strong communicator, strategic thinker, and inspiring leader who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment; someone who brings both vision and execution—able to see the big picture while delivering results. The prime candidate is energized by the opportunity to build, to innovate, and to lead a team that plays a central role in shaping WCU’s success.

Qualifications

• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or related field (master’s preferred).
• 8–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in communications, marketing, or public relations.
• Proven experience as a spokesperson, including media relations and crisis communications.
• Demonstrated success leading integrated marketing and communications strategies and brand management.
• Strong leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Expertise in digital strategy, social media, and how it intersects with overall outreach efforts.
• Sound judgment and the ability to advise senior leaders in complex situations.
• Commitment to inclusive, accessible, and equitable communications practices.

Preferred:

• Experience with institutions of higher education.
• Experience in the greater Philadelphia media market.
• Experience with CRM systems, analytics, and marketing technologies.
• Familiarity with emerging tools, including AI, and their application in communications strategy.

Why Join Us

This is more than a leadership role. It’s an opportunity to influence the trajectory of a university on the rise. You’ll join a collaborative leadership team, work with passionate colleagues, and play a central role in telling the stories that define who WCU is and where we’re going.If you are ready to grow with a university that is building momentum, we invite you to apply.

How to Apply

Greenwood Asher & Associates is assisting West Chester University in this search. Applications and nominations are now being accepted.

Please submit full application packets here.

Submission of resume and cover letter as PDF attachments is strongly encouraged. The search will be conducted with a commitment to confidentiality for candidates until finalists are selected.

Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.

Nominations and inquiries should be directed to:

Julie Holley, Search Manager and Associate Vice President of Executive Search:
julieholley@greenwoodsearch.com

Lois Stetson, Senior Executive Search Consultant:
loisstetson@greenwoodsearch.com

About us

West Chester University, a member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good.

WCU proudly offers a positive and purposeful work environment; comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance, generous retirement plans, along with many wellness programs; a commitment to work-life balance including generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays; and a University mission to support employee personal and professional growth including a tuition waiver for self and family members, training and development, and advancement opportunities.

Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances West Chester University’s educational mission. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action - Equal Opportunity Employer.