Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Location
Orange, CA | United States
Job description
Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title
Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Position Type
Regular
Job Number
SA8992122
Full or Part Time
Full-Time 40 Hours Weekly
Fair Labor Standard Act Classification
Exempt
Anticipated Pay Range
$275,000 - $325,000
Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Chapman University has partnered with Aspen Leadership Group in the search for a Vice President for Marketing and Communications. You may view the position prospectus or submit an application via this link: . The Vice President of Marketing and Communications is a senior leader at Chapman University providing the vision, strategy, and oversight for all marketing and communications functions. This role serves as the chief spokesperson for the University and is a member of the President's cabinet. Reporting to the Executive Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer, the VP of Marketing and Communications brings a strategic, proactive approach to leading the Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications ("SMC") to tell the University's story in a compelling way; raise its profile across the region, nationally, and internationally; and support the priorities and initiatives set forth in the University's Strategic Plan, as Chapman continues its exciting trajectory to become one of the nation's elite institutions of higher education. A collaborative, collegial leader, the VP is responsible for motivating and empowering a team of approximately 35 talented marketing and communications professionals and building on the strengths of the current operation to maintain a collaborative office that is sought out and relied upon by campus partners across the institution.
Data-driven and results-oriented, the VP will have experience building and maintaining an efficient team structure that can manage workflow and processes effectively from conceptualization to implementation; focus on key institutional priorities that enhance and support enrollment, philanthropic giving, and the institution's reputation; and evaluate progress toward key performance indicators, implementing changes for continual improvement. This role oversees four primary areas including (1) communications and brand strategy, which includes public relations, content marketing, publications, copywriting, and writing for executive support; (2) brand identity and visual strategy, which includes print and digital design, photography, and videography; (3) marketing strategy and audience engagement, which includes campaign development, media planning, digital marketing, web development, and social media; and (4) marketing operations and insights, which includes project management and data analysis and reporting. The VP of Marketing and Communications advises executive leadership, senior staff, vice presidents/provosts, deans, and department leadership on a variety of communications matters. A highly visible role, the VP of Marketing and Communications should exhibit strong communication skills and presence, as well as impeccable integrity, judgment, and diplomacy.
Responsibilities
Leadership and Vision - Set the vision for, design, and implement an overarching, data-driven marketing and communications plan that proactively builds on the strengths of the current operation, aligns with the University's strategic priorities, and targets key audiences.
- Lead a centralized marketing and communications team of approximately 35 professionals while ensuring strong collaboration with marketing and communications staff/liaisons within Chapman's 11 schools and colleges and various campus departments and offices.
- Set department priorities and manage resources accordingly, with a focus on supporting and enhancing enrollment strategies, philanthropic activity, and institutional reputation.
- Ensure cohesive messaging and brand identity that extends across all media and communications platforms/vehicles, supports the needs of key constituencies, and advances the goals of the University.
- Use quantitative and qualitative data to evaluate the success and effectiveness of marketing and communications initiatives and campaigns with target audiences on an ongoing basis. Adjust strategies and tactics as necessary to meet long-term objectives, annual goals, and KPIs.
- Provide reports and analysis to University leadership and the Board of Trustees, as requested.
- Evaluate and, as appropriate, make changes to improve marketing and communications processes, workflows, and organizational structure.
Communications and Public Relations - Serve as an advisor to University leadership on communications matters and messaging to internal and external constituencies. Prepare or oversee the preparation of executive communications.
- Act as chief spokesperson on behalf of the University, as appropriate.
- Lead crisis management planning and establish/update crisis communications policies and procedures. Identify situations affecting the health, safety, or reputation of the University or its community members that need an immediate media and/or public response. Provide thoughtful, real-time crisis management, guidance, and support to University leadership.
- Work with colleagues and key stakeholders to elevate and protect the University's reputation through crisis communications, positioning, and marketing campaigns.
- Prioritize the generation of positive media coverage of noteworthy developments including student/alumni successes, faculty research and accomplishments, philanthropic support, community engagement, and other initiatives and achievements.
Marketing Strategy and Branding - Develop collaborative relationships with academic units, University offices, and other partners across campus to persuasively tell Chapman's story consistent with its branding strategy.
- Understand academic units' and other offices' specific priorities, communicate how those integrate with the University's marketing and communications strategy and goals, and align expectations for how SMC can support those priorities, consistent with the University's strategic plan and institutional priorities.
- Ensure SMC provides appropriate levels of support and service to campus partners within the schools, colleges, and university offices; when SMC cannot fulfill department requests, ensure collaboration with campus partners to identify appropriate solutions or alternatives.
- Ensure effective structure, processes, and protocols are in place for optimal workflow management and success. Seek feedback from campus partners and adjust SMC's approach and processes as appropriate.
- Thoroughly evaluate current marketing and branding efforts across the University and the implementation of the new brand. Ensure the development and implementation of effective branding, segmentation strategies, and customized digital marketing campaigns.
- Proactively ensure the University's marketing and communications strategies remain innovative and incorporate the technology and platforms used by its target audiences.
- Provide leadership and partner with academic units and University offices to develop and implement strategies to engage and connect with traditionally underrepresented and underserved communities to support and enhance diversity within the University community.
- Periodically conduct market research and adjust strategies and/or tactics to account for insights gained from such research.
Management and Administration - Oversee the recruitment, training, management, and retention of a talented, diverse team of marketing and communications professionals. Ensure team members benefit from professional development opportunities. Foster an environment that encourages collaboration, creativity, innovation, respect, and accountability.
- Guide and empower team members through transparency, active communication, and clear direction, placing team members' work within the context of Chapman's priorities and goals.
- Ensure compliance with accessibility standards and all pertinent laws, regulations, and University policies, including FERPA and CAN-SPAM Act, among others.
- Oversee department budget and expenditures. Allocate resources to support strategic priorities.
- Stay informed of industry trends and emerging media, and empower team members to be nimble in incorporating new approaches as warranted.
Required Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree.
- At least 10 years of experience leading a comprehensive marketing and communications operation in a complex, mission-driven organization that serves a variety of audiences, ideally in higher education.
- Demonstrated ability to build upon an existing marketing and communications operation, evaluating its strengths, identifying opportunities for improvement, setting a vision for the future, and guiding teams through changes to structure and processes.
- Proven management skills in establishing a team and goal-oriented environment that empowers staff, fosters professional development, and celebrates achievements. An approach to management that leads by example, bringing out the best in team members and yielding pride, ownership, and a sense of team effort. Experience with performance management.
- Ability to build relationships with a wide range of constituents from diverse backgrounds. A strong commitment and sensitivity to fostering inclusive working and learning environments.
- Comprehensive understanding of marketing, branding, and communications processes from creative conceptualization to implementation within large, complex organizations.
- Demonstrated success developing and implementing branding and marketing strategies to elevate institutional reputation, grow enrollment, and drive philanthropy.
- Demonstrate expert knowledge of traditional, digital, and emerging media. Understand how to leverage different platforms to support institutional goals and priorities.
- Extensive experience in strategic communications, crisis planning and management, public relations, reputation management, and internal communications.
- Experience working with media outlets and generating positive media coverage.
- Significant experience advising executive leadership on a variety of communications matters and preparing executive communications.
- Experience with data analytics and an aptitude for using data and metrics to guide decision-making; the ability to help teams embrace a data-driven approach.
- Possess superb communication skills and the ability to address challenges with poise and diplomacy. Excellent public speaking abilities and the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively to diverse groups of internal and external constituencies.
- Substantial experience building relationships and collaborating with diverse stakeholders and campus partners, seeking their input, and serving as a resource and advisor to them.
- Outstanding management, operational, and planning skills, including the ability to ensure multiple projects move forward simultaneously.
- Impeccable judgment, integrity, diplomacy, and tact.
- Experience creating operational efficiencies, managing budgets, and allocating resources to meet department objectives.
- Ability to understand and consistently ensure compliance with University policies and procedures, state and federal rules and regulations, as well as high ethical standards
Desired Qualifications
- Technical skill to use Chapman's enterprise software and systems.
- Prior experience working in higher education.
- Experience working effectively with University leadership, deans, and other colleagues to achieve strategic marketing and communications goals
- Advanced degree such as a master's degree in business administration, marketing, public relations, communication, or a related field is preferred
Special Instructions to Applicants
Chapman University has partnered with Aspen Leadership Group in the search for a Vice President for Marketing and Communications. You may view the position prospectus or submit an application via this link: . Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community. The University is dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruitment and employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
The University is committed to achieving a diverse faculty and staff and encourages members of underrepresented groups to apply. More information on diversity and inclusion at Chapman University can be found at
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Chapman University does not sponsor applicants for Staff and Administrator positions for work visas.
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
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