Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Communications

Posting Summary
Rutgers University-Newark (RU-N) an urban public research university and anchor institution located in Newark New Jersey a city of promise is seeking a Vice Chancellor. The Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Communications at Rutgers UniversityNewark serves as the Chancellors principal advisor and senior leader responsible for the universitys public narrative reputation and external engagement strategy. Reporting directly to the Chancellor this cabinet-level role provides executive leadership in shaping and protecting RU-Ns credibility through proactive long-term communications that align with the universitys mission vision and values. The Vice Chancellor leads institutional storytelling media relations and crisis communications ensuring clear consistent and transparent messaging to external audiences. With a strong public-facing and strategic focus the role strengthens RU-Ns visibility influence brand identity and trust among prospective students community partners policymakers alumni and the broader public while guiding a high-performing communications organization capable of responding effectively and consistently in both routine and high-stakes environments. This position is responsible for and not limited to the following: Provides executive leadership for shaping advancing and protecting the public narrative reputation and credibility of Rutgers UniversityNewark (RU-N). Develops and executes a proactive long-term communications and engagement strategy that clearly articulates RU-Ns mission vision values and impact as an urban public research university. Leads relationships with local regional and national media outlets and proactively shapes media coverage that elevates RU-Ns academic excellence research student success and community impact. Provides counsel to senior leadership on sensitive communications and high-visibility issues. Anticipates prepares for and manages communications during campus emergencies sensitive incidents or high-profile matters in close coordination with the Chancellor senior leadership Rutgers University central administration legal counsel and public safety partners. Ensures timely accurate and transparent messaging to protect institutional trust and credibility. Leads RU-Ns external-facing communications and engagement strategies that strengthen relationships with prospective students families alumni community partners policymakers donors and the City of Newark. Ensures communications reflect RU-Ns role as an anchor institution and amplify its contributions to the region state and broader public with a strong focus on visibility influence impact and public trust. Builds leads and develops a high-performing communications and engagement organization. Oversees talent development operational effectiveness and resource stewardship to ensure readiness for both routine communications and high-stakes crisis response. Establishes frameworks policies and best practices to maintain brand consistency message discipline and coordinated execution while preserving RU-Ns unique identity. Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in marketing communications public relations or a related field. Experience in a higher education environment. Demonstrated success in progressively responsible leadership roles.