Description
The Vice President for Strategic Communications and Marketing
(VPSCM) serves as the University’s chief communication and
marketing officer and oversees internal and external communications
strategy, branding, creative, digital, media relations, and crisis
management. The VPSCM is an instrumental advisor and direct report
to the President; a critical partner with campus leadership in
advancing institutional goals; and a key member of the senior
leadership team. In addition to reporting to the president, the
VPSCM serves on the president's senior staff and directs a seasoned
and cohesive group that addresses the communication needs of the
entire University, with emphasis on the Office of the President,
Office of Admissions and the Office of Advancement and External
Affairs.
The VPSCM provides vision and works with the team to develop and
execute on strategy for all internal and external marketing and
communications activities for the University, including advancement
and admissions marketing and communications, branding, trustee and
alumni communications, social media communications and marketing,
public and media relations, crisis communications, internal
communications, University publications, and web content and
editorial services. Accordingly, the VPSCM must have dexterity and
knowledge across a range of digital, print, and associated
platforms. The VPSCM reports to the university president.
Examples of Duties
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and implement a comprehensive marketing and
communications strategy aligned with the University’s Strategic
Plan.
Position the University as a nationally recognized leader in
higher education through innovative branding and storytelling.
Advise the President and executive leadership on communications
strategy, reputation management, and public engagement.
Serve as the University’s chief spokesperson when appropriate
and coordinate executive communications.
Brand Management
- Protect and strengthen the University’s brand identity across
all platforms.
- Ensure consistency in messaging, visual identity, and
institutional voice.
- Lead market research and brand perception studies to inform
strategic initiatives.
Marketing
- Develop integrated marketing campaigns that support:
- Student recruitment and enrollment
- Student retention
- Graduate and professional programs
- Advancement and fundraising
- Alumni engagement
- Athletics
- Academic program promotion
- Utilize data analytics to measure campaign effectiveness and
return on investment.
Communications
- Oversee all institutional communications, including:
- Executive communications
- News and media relations
- Internal communications
- Crisis communications
- Publications
- Speechwriting
- Social media strategy
- Website content
- Build strong relationships with local, regional, and national
media.
Digital Strategy
- Lead the University’s digital communications strategy.
- Oversee website governance and user experience.
- Expand digital marketing initiatives using emerging
technologies and AI-enabled communication tools.
- Monitor trends in higher education marketing and digital
engagement.
Creative Services
- Direct creative services to include graphic design,
photography, videography, and multimedia production.
- Ensure high-quality visual storytelling that reflects
institutional excellence.
Crisis and Reputation Management
- Develop and maintain crisis communication plans.
- Serve on the University’s emergency response team.
- Provide timely and strategic communications during emergencies
and sensitive situations.
Leadership and Administration
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing communications and
marketing team.
- Manage departmental budgets and resources effectively.
- Establish performance metrics and accountability measures.
- Foster a collaborative culture across divisions.
Typical Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations,
Journalism, Business Administration, Higher Education
Administration, or a related field.
- Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible leadership
experience in strategic communications and marketing.
- Demonstrated success leading integrated marketing and
communications initiatives for a complex organization.
- Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Experience advising executive leadership.
- Proven experience managing media relations and crisis
communications.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and project management
abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in higher education or similarly complex
mission-driven organizations.
- Understanding of enrollment marketing and student recruitment
strategies.
- Experience supporting fundraising and advancement
communications.
- Knowledge of AI-powered marketing and communications
tools.
- Experience with branding initiatives and institutional
reputation management.