Vice President, Strategic Communications

Summary of Position
Serves as the chief communications officer of the University; plans, organizes and directs the operations of the department. Reports directly to the president; serves as member of the President's Cabinet and may act as chief executive officer in the absence of the president.
Position Information
Essential Functions and Responsibilities:Defines an authentic, distinctive brand for the institution, including key messages, values, voice, and proof points.
Takes responsibility for proactively driving both brand messages and specific news and information to all audiences, both internal and external on all matters pertaining to the University, including news media relations, social media management, strategic content creation, support for the president's communications and student recruitment.
Coordinates with Athletics' communications to ensure that its messages support the University's strategic communications.
Creates a vision for the communications office that aligns to the president's priorities and goals.
Prepares a strategic plan, specifying goals, strategies, tactics, resource requirements and metrics, and works collaboratively with their staff to implement it across paid, earned, social and owned media.
Establishes institutional policies, guidelines and standards pertaining to communications and oversees compliance.
Advises the President and leadership team on crisis management messaging and prepares plans and communications for sensitive issues and crises.
Serves as the University's chief spokesperson and represents the University to the news media.
Designs and implements a metrics system and uses this data to inform strategies and evaluate outputs and outcomes. Applies this information for continuous improvement.
Leads and directs the communications team. Manages the fiscal and human resources, with responsibility and accountability for hiring, firing and staff performance.
Serves on the president's executive team and provides counsel on communications matters to the president and the team. Works collaboratively with leaders across the institution.
Other Functions and Responsibilities:Assists with training new hires. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Equipment Operated:Computer and all other standard office equipment.
Work Schedule: Typically, Monday through Friday. Available to work evening and weekend hours as needed.
Supervision Exercised:Supervision exercised over staff and student employees.
Reports to: President
Qualifications and Competencies
Required Certifications, Training, and/or Licensures:None
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of: University policies and procedures*; office practices and procedures; department/division goals and objectives*; department/division policies and procedures*; workplace safety practices and procedures*; English grammar and spelling; records management; office management; project management.
Skill in: Interpersonal, oral, and written communication; use of office equipment; typing, data entry; computer operation; use of computer software and other programs applicable to the assigned department/division*.
Ability to: Operate with the utmost integrity and model respect for others; display executive presence; inspire confidence in trustees and senior leaders; lead a large staff at a complex organization; build a cohesive team that is transparent and works well with the other divisions, offices and departments across campus; deal with problems involving several variables within familiar context; define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; determine material and equipment needs; calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages; compile and prepare reports; use proper research methods to gather data; prepare accurate documentation; maintain records according to established procedures; travel to and gain access to work site; effectively interact with personnel and public to answer routine questions; train or instruct others; move quickly and effectively from one tasks to another; work independently and in a team environment; develop and maintain effective working relationships. Excellent interpersonal skills and a personal commitment to equity. Strong written and oral communication skills and experience presenting information and summary reports internally and to the public.
(*) Developed after employment.
Minimum Qualifications: At least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; five or more years of experience as a professional communicator. Three or more years of experience as a manager.
Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in communications, English, mass communication, public relations, journalism, or related field. Advanced credentials in public relations or business communications, such as the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) designation, or a master's degree in a closely related discipline. Experience serving a complex organization with multiple constituencies, such as higher education, health care, government, or non-profit organizations. Experience representing clients or employers to the news media. Demonstrated skills in working with journalists, including relationship building, serving as a spokesperson, pitching stories that drive the brand narrative, and handling sensitive and challenging interactions. Experience developing and managing an organization's brand. Experience in developing and implementing strategic communications plans that are research-based, aligned to business objectives, and measurable. Experience in designing, managing, and measuring multi-channel communications initiatives that rely on paid, earned, shared, and owned media. Experience leading communications professionals, such as writers, designers, photographers, web developers and social media practitioners.

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