Associate Vice President & Senior Writer, Marketing & Communications

Essential Job Functions

Division Leadership & Operations

• Assists the VP/CCO in leading the communications functions of the Division of Marketing & Communication, with direct supervisory responsibility for the Communications Specialist and Digital Media Specialist
• Manages divisional communications workflows, project pipelines, and production schedules to ensure timely, high-quality delivery of all communications products
• Tracks and reports on divisional activities, project completion, and key performance indicators in support of the division’s commitment to data-informed decision-making, including SEO performance, website analytics, and content engagement metrics
• Serves as acting head of the division in the absence of the VP/CCO, including representing the division at cross-divisional meetings and institutional functions as designated
• Supports onboarding, professional development, and coaching of direct reports; contributes to a division culture of excellence, morale, and recognition

Strategic Communications & Enrollment Support

• Implements integrated marketing and communications strategies in alignment with the brand direction and strategic priorities established by the VP/CCO, with particular emphasis on supporting enrollment growth and brand awareness
• Ensures message clarity, editorial quality, and brand voice consistency across all written communications, publications, and platforms produced by the division
• Provides communications counsel and execution support to the VP/CCO on messaging, media strategy, and stakeholder communications
• Coordinates with the Office of Admissions and Recruitment to obtain CRM data and inform enrollment-driven communications strategies
• Supports the development and distribution of internal newsletters and communications designed to engage students, faculty, staff, and alumni audiences

Qualifications

• Experience in executive communications, including writing for a president, chancellor, or senior institutional leader
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communications or issues management
• Experience with data-informed communications, including Google Analytics, SEO strategy, CRM integration, or digital performance reporting
• Advanced proficiency in Meltwater, including consumer intelligence, social listening, and influencer identification features
• Experience with AI-driven communications tools or marketing technology platforms
• Familiarity with university enrollment marketing, alumni communications, or development communications
• Demonstrated ability to build cross-campus collaborative relationships and manage stakeholder communications in a complex institutional environment
• Award-winning or regionally/nationally recognized communications work

Meltwater certification, APR, Google Analytics certification, or other digital communications credentials considered a plus.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Deep knowledge of AP Stylebook and editorial standards; demonstrated ability to apply brand voice and institutional messaging across multiple platforms and audiences
• Strong command of integrated communications strategy, including content planning, content calendars, and cross-channel execution in support of enrollment and brand awareness goals
• Proven supervisory skills with demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and evaluate communications staff
• Proficiency in Meltwater Media and Consumer Intelligence Software, with a minimum of three (3) to four (4) years of demonstrated hands-on experience using the platform for media monitoring, earned media tracking, consumer insights, and communications performance reporting
• Proficiency in data-informed communications, including familiarity with Google Analytics, SEO principles, CRM platforms, and digital performance metrics
• Knowledge of digital marketing platforms, content management systems, email marketing tools, social media management platforms, and emerging AI-driven communications technologies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated ability to adapt tone and style for executive communications, public audiences, media, and internal stakeholders
• Strong media relations skills, including experience pitching stories, managing press inquiries, and cultivating journalist relationships for regional and national placement
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships across campus departments, community partners, and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound editorial and strategic judgment under pressure, including in crisis or sensitive communications situations
• Strong understanding of higher education, HBCU culture, and mission-driven institutional communication