Vice President for Marketing and Communications

Transylvania University invites applications for Vice President for Marketing and Communications. The Vice President for Marketing and Communications provides strategic leadership and direction for all university marketing public relations media relations and internal and external communications reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Enrollment Management. This role also maintains a strong dotted-line reporting relationship with the President regarding institutional communications and public relations matters.

Leading the development and implementation of integrated marketing and communications strategies the Vice President will work collaboratively with admissions and advancement to achieve critical enrollment and fundraising goals outlined in the new Strategic Plan Strategic Plan 2030. This role is key to enhancing university visibility and building a cohesive brand and is fundamental to Transylvanias enduring strength and success.

Essential Duties:

• Work with the various constituencies across campus in particular the offices of admissions and development to document short-term and long-term marketing and communications strategies focused on enrollment growth and strategic plan objectives.

• Develop departmental goals and tactics to implement those strategies and track the progress toward those goals with a strong emphasis on measurable outcomes related to enrollment and brand awareness.

• Demonstrate expertise in current best practices related to integrated marketing brand messaging public relations and new media as well as trends in higher education with a keen understanding of how these areas contribute to enrollment growth.

• Develop and monitor annual budget(s) in alignment with the universitys strategic plan and in direct support of the universitys marketing and communications activities particularly those aimed at increasing enrollment.

• Provide leadership in the universitys branding efforts including coordination with branding and marketing consultants and internal education about the brand ensuring brand consistency across all enrollment-focused initiatives.

• Establish high standards for internal and external communications and institute measures to ensure the overall quality of all materials with a particular focus on communications targeted at prospective students and their families.

• Provide day-to-day oversight in the areas of internal campus communications social media marketing branding graphic design public relations media relations crisis communications the universitys websites and special projects and events ensuring alignment with enrollment and advancement goals.

• Create a collegial work environment motivating staff and cultivating productive collaborative relationships with all constituent groups particularly those involved in enrollment and advancement.

• Craft institutional messages/talking points for print and broadcast media and serve as the primary spokesperson for the media ensuring consistent messaging that supports enrollment and the universitys reputation.

• Manage placement of media ads and ongoing relationships with advertisers and media entities with a strategic focus on reaching prospective students and key influencers.

• Serve as the communications lead on the campus emergency response team providing input to communications plans and supervision of communications staff during emergencies ensuring timely and accurate information dissemination.

• Assist the president with the research writing editing and dissemination of presidential communiqus including copy writing for on- and off-campus publications presentations talking points speeches event briefings and other communication as directed maintaining a strong dotted-line relationship on these matters.

• Oversee the hiring of communications consultants including photographers videographers advertising agencies social media firms and graphic designers as needed ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with enrollment and strategic goals.

Secondary Duties:

• Serve on committees and working groups as assigned.

• Execute additional tasks as required by the Senior Vice President of Enrollment Management and/or the President.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelors degree required; advanced degree preferred

• Formal education in public relations marketing communications or journalism desired

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in communications marketing or public relations management in a higher education corporate or large organization environment with a demonstrable track record of contributing to enrollment growth.

• Prior experience leading and collaborating with a creative self-motivated team including but not limited to writers (news publications and online) web designers graphic artists photographers and/or videographers.

• Proven track record of innovation and creativity in producing marketing materials that resonate with prospective students and their families.

• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills.

• Exceptional communications skills (written and verbal).

• Ability to articulate the role of marketing communications and strategic positioning at a liberal arts college with a strong understanding of its direct impact on enrollment.

• Ability to work well under pressure and manage deadlines.

• Solid analytic quantitative and planning skills with experience in tracking and analyzing marketing effectiveness in relation to enrollment.

• Effective conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.

Supervisory Responsibility: Provide direct supervision for all communications/marketing staff

Decision-Making Authority: Hiring and dismissal of staff; capital expenditures; sizable contracts with consulting firms; marketing and advertising campaigns focused on enrollment; partnerships with local organizations that support enrollment efforts; branding initiatives; media messages; protocols for internal and external communications.

Contacts: Works closely with the other university vice presidents (members of the Cabinet) with a particularly strong collaborative relationship with the Vice President for Enrollment Management and the Vice President for Advancement. Regularly interacts with members of the Board of Trustees and Board of Regents as well as faculty and staff. Must be successful in establishing productive relationships with local and regional media representatives community leaders and other public relations and marketing professionals to enhance the universitys visibility and attract prospective students.

Technology: Expertise managing email and standard office applications (Google Suite) is essential. Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing project management software or platforms (e.g. Asana Trello ) for planning tracking and managing marketing and communication projects is highly desirable and strongly with graphic and web design software video and photo editing software live streaming video and capturing analytics for social media platforms a plus. Must be able to work collaboratively using available technology such as Technolutions Slate and Banner Colleague the institution SIS to ensure effective data governance.

Problems and Challenges:

• Balancing priorities among the various campus constituencies with a primary focus on supporting enrollment goals.

• Communicating effectively to a variety of external constituencies (prospective students parents alumni donors etc.) with a strategic emphasis on attracting and engaging prospective students.

• Adopting new technology and staying abreast of communications trends particularly those relevant to digital marketing and enrollment strategies.

• Establishing and protecting the institutional brand ensuring it resonates with prospective students and their families.

• Establishing mutually beneficial partnerships with local organizations that can contribute to enrollment and visibility.

• Identifying the most effective tools and vehicles for marketing and advertising to reach prospective students.

• Meeting the campus communitys expectations for transparency.

• Managing a dynamic fast-paced office.

Located in the heart of downtown Lexington Kentucky Transylvania University features a personalized approach to undergraduate education through 46 liberal arts majors. Founded in 1780 it is the 16th oldest institution of higher learning in the country with approximately 1000 students.

Transylvania University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and recognizes the value of historically excluded and underrepresented backgrounds perspectives and experiences that enrich the universitys environment for colleagues and students alike. We are committed to enhancing the diversity of the university community and encourage all who are interested to apply.

To begin the application process submit your cover letter to the attention of Erin Craig Senior Vice President for Enrollment Management stating your qualifications and interest and clicking the Apply For This Position button below. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made.